Just a footnote obviously there are grey areas in any topic. I totally understand sometimes you just need money and change a price to get a deal done. This is more to the overall concept of maintaining a majority of clients that hire you for value rather than price. Leave a like if this video helped you!
I had a different boss - he would encourage me to go out with my camera to take pictures. He even had one of my prints hanging in our office. He always gave me a hard time about saying I am not a photographer, I am someone who takes pictures. Unfortunately, he sold the company and retired. . Wish my camera could make a living for me. But I havent devoted the time to it. Now my corporate job pays for my health and my photography is my therapy.
I really enjoyed the message. for myself personally I’m going for the long haul of the enjoyment of photography and improving myself/work as my main focus. I don’t want to make my craft into a job yet, however I’m okay with the occasional paid shoots for side money. I feel like everyone is rushing to make money off of their equipment which is fine go for it, however rushing will lead to flaws and mistakes that’ll affect your business. Because of this I like to take my time and enjoy my hobby or even do free shoots with people just to master my craft. Don’t sleep on free shoots, sometimes it may lead to an opportunity chain
So well said, thinking long-term for sure. I agree and further to your point, I think that youtube sells us this idea that if you invest in the more expensive camera you can charge more or even just make money. I don't think it's anyone in particular's fault, it's just what it is. There's also tons of competition and if you don't do photography to enjoy it for yourself, you most likely won't like doing it for someone else! Anyways, love this message, good luck on your journey I wish you all the best :)
@@patrickg2649 definitely fam! I’ve seen some amazing work with camera that are considered on the cheaper side! AND I’ve seen work with amazing cameras that look okay or basic. Creativity and knowing how to use your tools is what creates a great artist. Thanks so much though! I’m glad you agree and same to you! Good luck on your own journey and stay positive! 🙏🏽
The timing of this video could not have been any better for me personally haha. I charged my first couple clients very little because I had zero confidence in my work and thought it wasn't worth very much. After building that confidence in myself and my work, I now realize that I've kind of dug myself into a hole where these clients are now coming back to me, looking for the same price every time. I'm stuck raising my prices in small increments where as if I had looked into what others at my level were charging and charged a similar amount, I would have been making a lot more. Lesson learned. This did help me get other clients in the long run but it does turn some away when they find out they aren't getting such a "great deal". I am thankful that most new clients are understanding.
Please make such kind of videos more alongside your usual photography. You make it very simple to understand the stuff that usually isn't simple. The result is you being a great tutor as well as someone who I would look upto for inspiration and guidance.
Applies to many other professions and businesses too. It worked for me in a different profession over the last 30+ years. Another take on it: "It's about outputs (what you deliver), not inputs (what you cost)".
This video is an important one. I battled with this heavily when I started thinking about what I do as a business. I was afraid of charging too high since I was newer in the space. Alternatively I also was aware of what I needed so it just had me in this annoying deadlock as to what I needed to do. I talked with some good friends and thought about it and I was like I’m gonna charge what me and my creative skills are worth. I haven’t looked back and I feel sincerely better because of it
I try to price myself fairly but also take into consideration other factors, like the client's budget. last year i did my first maternity shoot for a client and charged almost nothing because I wanted the photos for my portfolio and for my own use. I don't make a habit of doing stuff for free - but it is a good way to expand and try out different areas of photography
great video, the message is right on point. i went thru this at the beginning of my career which i thought was a great idea but in the long run it was hard to get out that routine. thanks for the message
Congrats on your achievements Evan I guess you can thank Phil for indirectly giving you even more motivation. Love the "look" of this video the light helps but can I ask what camera/lens combo was used out of curiosity? Thanks in advance.
Great video and good topic! Or double topic. I really resonated with your story and as I thought about myself. Currently still working in the "corporate life" but definitely moved around a few times and gotten called out by one of my previous bosses saying I'm not going to make it in life if I keep job hopping. Anyways fast forward 3 years and currently loving my job where I am at making video games for Xbox and having a blast. 😍Sometimes you gotta hop around till you find something you love 😎
Great video! Glad to have seen it fully. I would rather have a cheaper camera I can use than have electronics companies try an kill the camera by coupling it with our phones. All my cameras are 5 years an older and I got them cheap.
As Sue Bryce says: "Give more for more, no less for less". Great lesson from both of you. Find a niche, learn more, bring something to clients that is worth a lot for them and make good money 👍
In general you are right, in idealistic world of roses... Regarding that prices related to skills and quality of work. Let's take a look on apartments, in most cases managment absolutly don't give a SH to quality and service, because "if not you, we rent it to someone else, and even for higher prices". But true, people should make good prices instead of damping and domino effect.
Not only solo artists or photographers fall into this cycle it's the same mindset that caused the entire VFX industry to race to the bottom in the early 2000s taking more elaborate jobs for less money and then tanking themselves by pushing artists too far and not being able to pay in the end. Vicious! Great info to be aware of
I'm having this issue with my market. Everyone is charging $150 just out of fear to keep the clients that they have and the fear to that they will fail. In reality they will burn themselves out real quick. I don't mind because my pricing is much higher than that and I'm more relaxed to do the jobs I'm being pay for.
I think it’s good to have low prices when you first start out, since your work may not be super great and in the beginning you’re really focused on building a network of some sorts. but once you see your work is elevating, def need to raise those prices
As photography is just my hobby never thought about the business aspect, but it definitely makes sense that long term it's definitely not the best route to go.
I have the problem of wanting to photograph everything. I have a blast doing street photography and when I posted my book everyone wanted one! I wasn’t prepared for that. I do enjoy architecture mostly. So maybe focus on real estate 🤷🏻♀️
I bought myself an 11x14 large format camera. I make portraits with it on paper positives. I create an unique original in a decent size, not an arbitrary print out of some data, not even one of many possible prints from a negative. I'm the only one doing that in my town. I can ask for my work what I want, there is no competition. Actually, I do not even offer my services, I don't have a business, I have an artist's workshop. I invite people to be photographed by me for free (more or less, since they have to sign a contract which gives me all the rights to publish or otherwise make use of or commercialize the picture), and create a piece of art. The person I invited and photographed can of course buy that piece of art, if he/she wishes to do so and can pay the price. If that doesn't happen, I add this picture to my collection and invoke that contract.
So true brother you should make a video maybe you have one already but haven’t seen it . That we do a lot free work and we don’t know how to say no and just get paid instead
When my competitors raise their prices I always make sure I raise mine just so I can say I’m the most expensive photographer in Kentucky lol. I charge $5,000 to $6,500
i got a question how can you do a photography business that is not client base, for example if i shoot some stuff for free but i still want to make money how can i do that
Hi Evan ..I’m a young photographer and although I don’t have a gear yet I’ve been showing with my mobile phone and so far it’s been helping buh it doesn’t encourage me to get out and shoot anymore And the reason i don’t have a camera yet is cus of the price of camera over here in Nigeria I’ve been following you for years now and thought who better to ask for help than the person I look up to photography wise So pls can you help me in purchase my first ever camera It would really mean a lot to me .🙏🏽 Nice inspirational video by the way👊🏽👊🏽✨✨
Great video, as always. You mention what you would charge per hour but does that include your editing time and if so how do you tell the client how much time it will take for editting?
One way is to email your clients your rates for half day and full day rates. Note This includes image processing. (List what that exactly is) make it clear that a full day shoot is half a days editing (or whatever your is time normally is) that way they can see the time and value. Then make it clear what is not included. This could be retouching. ..retouching is charged at £xx per hour. Everything needs to be clear before you take on the job. And the client needs to acknowledge they read this. Otherwise they soon ask for free stuff! Second way is charge a base rate upfront. Then water mark your images, the client Selects and only pays for the images the need. Some days are more profitable then others. It all depends on your niche. Hope this helps Adam
I do Portraits only in studio only 120 film only I dont make exceptions and I've never had anyone haggle on the price. There is a ample but niche market for film portraiture. Photography is not a career for me it's a passion . Yes I make great money at it but I can't see doing this as my only source of income. My last job was a young lady and he month old baby the shot that made the day was of her and the baby nude on a chase lounge tastefully draped in a knit through,and black and white. The print was poster size with two inch matting mounted in a burnt cedar frame. That shoot the final four prints and hand delivery paid just under 3k it will be a month before I agree to do another shoot.
There aren't any photographers we would call famous for purely photography so much anymore -- nowadays it's do they have a channel and what can i get from it that gives them any kind of foothold in people's memory glands --- like the crazy french guy right?
Those who enter the market charging $95 is not only logical but also fair. They are not experienced and editing may not be as good. Now after several shots and building portfolio, you can charge $100, $150. Why would anyone entering the market, competing with experienced folks, charge the same amount as them?
after a year of being a full-time videographer just to try it out, I'd like to say it worked out but it only did since I was burning myself out constantly. I'm definitely not doing that again, this video hit the nail on the head. Its like so many of us are, for the sake of being real, whoring ourselves out 😂 Time to get back into working a "real job" so I can be more selective. (I also unfortunately live in an area with a very bad film industry (Southside HTX)
This might be random but I live in Atlanta also as a videographer. I do a lot of dope shoots for my clients but find myself creating content for self to be hard or mind blowing. If it would be possible could we chat one day about things on youtube that i see you doing around the city and just chat about this creator life?
14 seconds in and I’m already loving this video you got fired by a guy name Phil That’s crazy because The Phil at my job is trying to get me fired let’s get a few cold ones and talk about this bro.
Starting out you should be cheaper than everyone else. Starting off cheaper and explaining that to clients and choose clientele who are also growing helps. Then as both your success grow so do your prices and your clients SEE your growth then understand WHY you have price increases, either due to gear or skill level. Waiting around and hoping people appreciate your skill and are willing to just pay whatever you ask is a sure fire way to lose motivation and time. Also older photogs if you lose clients because there’s a cheaper option, You aren’t that good, and need to build a stronger network
Hey Evan, are you by any chance interested in trying out a new photography website built by a startup? If yes, then please give me your business email. Great value btw, subbed and liked!
Just a footnote obviously there are grey areas in any topic. I totally understand sometimes you just need money and change a price to get a deal done. This is more to the overall concept of maintaining a majority of clients that hire you for value rather than price. Leave a like if this video helped you!
I had a different boss - he would encourage me to go out with my camera to take pictures. He even had one of my prints hanging in our office. He always gave me a hard time about saying I am not a photographer, I am someone who takes pictures. Unfortunately, he sold the company and retired. . Wish my camera could make a living for me. But I havent devoted the time to it. Now my corporate job pays for my health and my photography is my therapy.
Well. Therapy, in a way is what it is for all us.
I really enjoyed the message. for myself personally I’m going for the long haul of the enjoyment of photography and improving myself/work as my main focus. I don’t want to make my craft into a job yet, however I’m okay with the occasional paid shoots for side money. I feel like everyone is rushing to make money off of their equipment which is fine go for it, however rushing will lead to flaws and mistakes that’ll affect your business. Because of this I like to take my time and enjoy my hobby or even do free shoots with people just to master my craft. Don’t sleep on free shoots, sometimes it may lead to an opportunity chain
A very well crafted and well said message! Totally agree, best of luck and thanks for watching!
@@RanftEvan thanks a lot dude, and no problem! Always looking forward for your uploads. Take care and have a good week ✌🏽
So well said, thinking long-term for sure. I agree and further to your point, I think that youtube sells us this idea that if you invest in the more expensive camera you can charge more or even just make money. I don't think it's anyone in particular's fault, it's just what it is. There's also tons of competition and if you don't do photography to enjoy it for yourself, you most likely won't like doing it for someone else! Anyways, love this message, good luck on your journey I wish you all the best :)
@@patrickg2649 definitely fam! I’ve seen some amazing work with camera that are considered on the cheaper side! AND I’ve seen work with amazing cameras that look okay or basic. Creativity and knowing how to use your tools is what creates a great artist. Thanks so much though! I’m glad you agree and same to you! Good luck on your own journey and stay positive! 🙏🏽
Really needed to hear this!!! Thank you
So many PRO TIPS here about life as an artist and running a business. Thanks for sharing the insight and reminders.
The timing of this video could not have been any better for me personally haha. I charged my first couple clients very little because I had zero confidence in my work and thought it wasn't worth very much. After building that confidence in myself and my work, I now realize that I've kind of dug myself into a hole where these clients are now coming back to me, looking for the same price every time. I'm stuck raising my prices in small increments where as if I had looked into what others at my level were charging and charged a similar amount, I would have been making a lot more. Lesson learned. This did help me get other clients in the long run but it does turn some away when they find out they aren't getting such a "great deal". I am thankful that most new clients are understanding.
Please make such kind of videos more alongside your usual photography. You make it very simple to understand the stuff that usually isn't simple.
The result is you being a great tutor as well as someone who I would look upto for inspiration and guidance.
Thanks for the insight and advice, Evan.
Your candour, much appreciated, subscribed because of it.
great video appreciate the knowledge shared 🤙💯
thanks for the lesson. Planning my small business at the moment in Sydney and enjoyed this lessons!
Applies to many other professions and businesses too. It worked for me in a different profession over the last 30+ years. Another take on it: "It's about outputs (what you deliver), not inputs (what you cost)".
Well said!! Thanks for the added input!
On point 100%. Thank you Evan!
This video is an important one. I battled with this heavily when I started thinking about what I do as a business. I was afraid of charging too high since I was newer in the space. Alternatively I also was aware of what I needed so it just had me in this annoying deadlock as to what I needed to do. I talked with some good friends and thought about it and I was like I’m gonna charge what me and my creative skills are worth. I haven’t looked back and I feel sincerely better because of it
I try to price myself fairly but also take into consideration other factors, like the client's budget. last year i did my first maternity shoot for a client and charged almost nothing because I wanted the photos for my portfolio and for my own use. I don't make a habit of doing stuff for free - but it is a good way to expand and try out different areas of photography
Thanks for this video. Pricing and comfort with it is my biggest struggle so you sharing your experience and perspective on it is a huge help!
fantastic timing with this video drop, I'm actually trying to price my products and this gave me ideas how I should approach it. Thank you Evan :)
great video, the message is right on point. i went thru this at the beginning of my career which i thought was a great idea but in the long run it was hard to get out that routine. thanks for the message
Congrats on your achievements Evan I guess you can thank Phil for indirectly giving you even more motivation. Love the "look" of this video the light helps but can I ask what camera/lens combo was used out of curiosity? Thanks in advance.
Really Appreciate this, thank you Evan!
Great video and good topic! Or double topic. I really resonated with your story and as I thought about myself. Currently still working in the "corporate life" but definitely moved around a few times and gotten called out by one of my previous bosses saying I'm not going to make it in life if I keep job hopping. Anyways fast forward 3 years and currently loving my job where I am at making video games for Xbox and having a blast. 😍Sometimes you gotta hop around till you find something you love 😎
Excellent points - thank you Evan!
Thanks for watching!
Great insight! always giving valuable information!
Great video! Glad to have seen it fully. I would rather have a cheaper camera I can use than have electronics companies try an kill the camera by coupling it with our phones. All my cameras are 5 years an older and I got them cheap.
Love how far you’ve come man! Love everything about it
amazing video! love the colors of it too
Thanks Evan, this is super helpful!
Thank you!
As Sue Bryce says: "Give more for more, no less for less".
Great lesson from both of you.
Find a niche, learn more, bring something to clients that is worth a lot for them and make good money 👍
This right here.. they get it 👊🤝
I appreciate you dropping this knowledge Evan!
Thanks for watching!
In general you are right, in idealistic world of roses... Regarding that prices related to skills and quality of work. Let's take a look on apartments, in most cases managment absolutly don't give a SH to quality and service, because "if not you, we rent it to someone else, and even for higher prices". But true, people should make good prices instead of damping and domino effect.
Not only solo artists or photographers fall into this cycle it's the same mindset that caused the entire VFX industry to race to the bottom in the early 2000s taking more elaborate jobs for less money and then tanking themselves by pushing artists too far and not being able to pay in the end. Vicious! Great info to be aware of
legit question: can YOU, Evan Raft could live on your photography only?
Thank you Evan :-)
New video Let’s Gooooo! Thanks Evan!
Appreciate you watching!
100%. Starting to offer different services like film photography or other styles that people desire can also make you more valuable
Very sound advice Evan and makes a lot of sense.
I'm having this issue with my market. Everyone is charging $150 just out of fear to keep the clients that they have and the fear to that they will fail. In reality they will burn themselves out real quick. I don't mind because my pricing is much higher than that and I'm more relaxed to do the jobs I'm being pay for.
I think it’s good to have low prices when you first start out, since your work may not be super great and in the beginning you’re really focused on building a network of some sorts. but once you see your work is elevating, def need to raise those prices
As photography is just my hobby never thought about the business aspect, but it definitely makes sense that long term it's definitely not the best route to go.
I have the problem of wanting to photograph everything. I have a blast doing street photography and when I posted my book everyone wanted one! I wasn’t prepared for that. I do enjoy architecture mostly. So maybe focus on real estate 🤷🏻♀️
man im glad the youtube algorithm gods brought me to your channel. your content is great
I bought myself an 11x14 large format camera. I make portraits with it on paper positives. I create an unique original in a decent size, not an arbitrary print out of some data, not even one of many possible prints from a negative. I'm the only one doing that in my town. I can ask for my work what I want, there is no competition.
Actually, I do not even offer my services, I don't have a business, I have an artist's workshop. I invite people to be photographed by me for free (more or less, since they have to sign a contract which gives me all the rights to publish or otherwise make use of or commercialize the picture), and create a piece of art. The person I invited and photographed can of course buy that piece of art, if he/she wishes to do so and can pay the price. If that doesn't happen, I add this picture to my collection and invoke that contract.
So true brother you should make a video maybe you have one already but haven’t seen it . That we do a lot free work and we don’t know how to say no and just get paid instead
Love your content 😍
When my competitors raise their prices I always make sure I raise mine just so I can say I’m the most expensive photographer in Kentucky lol. I charge $5,000 to $6,500
Bro the colors in the background are money. Are you using a filter in your lens? It’s so smooth
i got a question how can you do a photography business that is not client base, for example if i shoot some stuff for free but i still want to make money how can i do that
wiser words were never spoken
What sort of thoughts do you have on photographers that move markets? Is it just a "start from scratch" situation?
This is great advice!
Hi Evan ..I’m a young photographer and although I don’t have a gear yet I’ve been showing with my mobile phone and so far it’s been helping buh it doesn’t encourage me to get out and shoot anymore
And the reason i don’t have a camera yet is cus of the price of camera over here in Nigeria
I’ve been following you for years now and thought who better to ask for help than the person I look up to photography wise
So pls can you help me in purchase my first ever camera
It would really mean a lot to me .🙏🏽
Nice inspirational video by the way👊🏽👊🏽✨✨
been waiting for this vid!
🙏🙏🙏
Great video, as always. You mention what you would charge per hour but does that include your editing time and if so how do you tell the client how much time it will take for editting?
One way is to email your clients your rates for half day and full day rates. Note This includes image processing. (List what that exactly is) make it clear that a full day shoot is half a days editing (or whatever your is time normally is) that way they can see the time and value. Then make it clear what is not included. This could be retouching. ..retouching is charged at £xx per hour. Everything needs to be clear before you take on the job. And the client needs to acknowledge they read this. Otherwise they soon ask for free stuff!
Second way is charge a base rate upfront. Then water mark your images, the client Selects and only pays for the images the need. Some days are more profitable then others.
It all depends on your niche.
Hope this helps
Adam
@@SmartPhotoVault I like that approach. Thanks.
Great advice/tips.
This is good!!
I do Portraits only in studio only 120 film only I dont make exceptions and I've never had anyone haggle on the price. There is a ample but niche market for film portraiture. Photography is not a career for me it's a passion . Yes I make great money at it but I can't see doing this as my only source of income. My last job was a young lady and he month old baby the shot that made the day was of her and the baby nude on a chase lounge tastefully draped in a knit through,and black and white. The print was poster size with two inch matting mounted in a burnt cedar frame. That shoot the final four prints and hand delivery paid just under 3k it will be a month before I agree to do another shoot.
YO WHERE CAN I GET THIS CAP EVAN?
There aren't any photographers we would call famous for purely photography so much anymore -- nowadays it's do they have a channel and what can i get from it that gives them any kind of foothold in people's memory glands --- like the crazy french guy right?
Do you make more money than your old Voss
Love your video grading, do you shoot in 10bit actually?
i don't have a job for a long term,and i didn't get even one serious meet with company after i sent two hudreds brifes
Those who enter the market charging $95 is not only logical but also fair. They are not experienced and editing may not be as good. Now after several shots and building portfolio, you can charge $100, $150. Why would anyone entering the market, competing with experienced folks, charge the same amount as them?
just sold some photos for.01 on getty lol
after a year of being a full-time videographer just to try it out, I'd like to say it worked out but it only did since I was burning myself out constantly. I'm definitely not doing that again, this video hit the nail on the head. Its like so many of us are, for the sake of being real, whoring ourselves out 😂 Time to get back into working a "real job" so I can be more selective. (I also unfortunately live in an area with a very bad film industry (Southside HTX)
What about both markets, higher quality, quality prices, lower quality cheaper shots. Cover more markets? Just curious.
Definitely shoot myself in foot pretty often. Also another massive killer to creatives is consistency. That’s Probly the biggest issue I’d say
This might be random but I live in Atlanta also as a videographer. I do a lot of dope shoots for my clients but find myself creating content for self to be hard or mind blowing. If it would be possible could we chat one day about things on youtube that i see you doing around the city and just chat about this creator life?
Was told I would stay working at a pizzeria when I was 21 - 14 years later, I just wrapped by biggest shoot of all time for 12k :)
Success is the best revenge.
Evan you are famous!
What a douchy thing to say by a boss. They should always be leaders
It’s great to use these nay sayers to drive us rather than let them think they destroyed us
14 seconds in and I’m already loving this video you got fired by a guy name Phil That’s crazy because The Phil at my job is trying to get me fired let’s get a few cold ones and talk about this bro.
Interesting video
Finally! 😁
🙏🙏🙏
You know Phil still works at a job he hates and has a miserable life
Starting out you should be cheaper than everyone else. Starting off cheaper and explaining that to clients and choose clientele who are also growing helps. Then as both your success grow so do your prices and your clients SEE your growth then understand WHY you have price increases, either due to gear or skill level. Waiting around and hoping people appreciate your skill and are willing to just pay whatever you ask is a sure fire way to lose motivation and time. Also older photogs if you lose clients because there’s a cheaper option, You aren’t that good, and need to build a stronger network
THIS IS FREE GAME. HOW ARE THE VIEWS SO LOW LOL. People don't seek valuable advice hard enough
Fr
You should make discord server
Low prices? It's easy in USA & Canada, come to Europe and you'll have no price as everyone wants this for free :D
I'd say you are "well-known"
You cover this every 6 months.
Was he wrong? In fact you are a Leica Fanboy, thats a huge NoGo already
1 view 6 likes 🤣
The real MVPS!
Hey Evan, are you by any chance interested in trying out a new photography website built by a startup? If yes, then please give me your business email. Great value btw, subbed and liked!