How much should I charge for event photography?

Question

I'm an amateur photographer and one of my friends recommended me to shoot someone's 18th birthday party, and I'm just wondering how much I should charge. I know photographers normally go anywhere from $1000-$3000 or so per hour for their basic packages, but this will be the first time I'll be doing any sort of event photography, and I don't want to overshoot my quote in case I don't do well.

You can see some of my photography here: http://www.krop.com/dominiquezamora/

What I'd like to charge is $100/hr, so $500 for 5 hours of work, including editing, proofs, and a CD. Do you think this is a reasonable amount to ask, and if not, what would be a better price for me to ask for?

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Because it's your first event, you should be more humbled because it's more for the experience. Since it was also a referral, they should get a discount, seeming as that's how most things work. Your good, so don't lowball it. If the event is 5 hours charge 250 for the day. If they want a CD or prints they should pay for the materials as well. Depending how many hours it costs for editting maybe charge 50$/hr for that? Goodluck!

Answer 2

I don't know what the other poster is thinking, but $300-$1000 for a beginning photographer to shoot "afternoon tea" is ridiculous. I would shoot for free - partly because you're a beginner, and partly because how much money do you think a primary school has to hire a photographer? Answer: probably zero. If you shoot for free, everyone wins. You get to practice and potentially build a portfolio, and the school gets cute pictures of their events.

Answer 3

If you are able to capture photos not using the automatic function, and are confidant that you can achieve the effects you want then I think that sounds reasonably priced. But it may depend on what the family wants to pay. If that's too much you could offer then less work for less money, such as no editing, etc.



Great photos on your website!