I have been professionally photographing for over 11 years and just raised my prices. It’s not my first rodeo but it does cause some anxiety but in reality, building memories with my husband, family, and friends are just as, if not more important than the memories I build for my clients. I don’t want to be so focused on building memories for others that I miss my own. A few sudden deaths in the family earlier this year taught me that. I’m okay with working less at a higher price so I don’t live with regret tomorrow.
12 years in here too and made my biggest price jump this year. The pandemic taught me a lot. I had "only" 15 2020 weddings and it was the best work life balance I have ever had. A few Saturdays off, time (even socially distant) with family and friends. Game changer and life changer for me. Took me 12 years to learn it.
THANK YOU for this. This was so helpful. I literally felt like you were speaking directly to me since I could relate to every single thing you said. Definitely inspired me to raise my prices even more!
I feel like I went to church and got an on time word from God. I needed to hear so many points of this. The biggest thing is I have had clients tell me I need to raise my prices, and I wouldn't take time to do it. And now I'm completely inactive. I might be relocating soon, so I'm not stressing too much about it. But I haven't booked anything in two months. And it really broke my heart to see a decrease in bookings. But one thing I thought about was my prices and online presence. Or lack there of. I needed all these signs. Thank you for this video. Such wisdom.
Katelyn…..you are a God send! Everything about this video resonated with me! Thank you thank you thank you! I would have said more but most of what I wanted to say has already been said.
Great points! I haven’t gone pro yet. I’m making sure that everything is lined up properly first. I continue my education, while building my equipment, looking at various platforms, as well as studio space, etc. Thank you for these great tips. This really puts things in perspective. :•}
Thank you so much! This is what I needed to hear. I've been shooting smaller events like Baby Showers, Sweet 16s, etc for about 5 years but I am getting burned out and want to switch to higher paying clients and higher paying events, particularly weddings. I meet the three E's you've mentioned, so I am hoping 2021 will be my year! Thanks again for the words of encouragement!
So many great points! I am at the 26 mark for my state's wedding season this year Vermont). Three of those weddings will be my associate. I only have 7 booked for next year so far which is pretty low for me at this time of year. I suck at posting on Instagram, great on Facebook. I am in the 2,400 - 4,250 range for my three different packages. Hoping it picks up as the season goes on, but I'm also still getting inquiries for this year and dates I am already booked.
When I first shooting video, I had a customer tell me he almost didn't book me, because he said, "I couldn't believe you could deliver what you say, for the price." I immediately doubled my prices.
Point 4 really spoke to me. I'm currently in year 3 of my business. (Covid killed year 2 anyway) working 2-3 weddings each month in the busy seasons and 2 over all of winter, as well as a full time day job. This year has been a huge work life balance struggle. I can't yet jump ship and go full time. Not enough savings and not enough momentum, and a baby on the way means my wife is extremely risk averse. I have raised prices twice this year and stopped offering packaged albums. Anything that's not a good return on investment for my time is getting cut. Next season isn't looking as busy, but each wedding will make 30-40% more. Still I worry less weddings = less content and less momentum
Two questions: 1. How do you find your market value vs. your personal value and how you measure up? I think I could raise my prices, but I live in a smaller market where prices aren’t as high as bigger markets. In addition, I can be insecure and/or naive to what my value is as a photographer. I’ve had many repeat clients and I feel bad raising my prices on them. 2. How does this translate to portrait photographers? Specifically when fall is my busiest time by far but also the time I want to slow down and not be shooting sessions every weekend, but then the rest of the year is much, much slower. I feel like I can’t afford to not shoot as much in the fall to make up for the rest of the year.
My biggest struggle is i want to give everyone a chance to have beautiful family photos, and i know that some cannot afford the higher prices. Thats why ive always been more affordable, but ive been told so many times that i need to charge more.
Can you do a video on what to do if you can't book any clients at all. It was great for me a year ago and now I can't get any clients at all no matter if I take my prices down or if I raise my prices. I feel at a lost. Has been a big self-esteem killer.
Could you elaborate more on, when it’s worth it to invest in your own photography studio or not? Also for photographers like me, it went from a hobby, to part time, to now i feel like my regular full time job is in the way and not allowing me to fully be my creative self with my photography and leaves me no time to enjoy my photography 😩
I was thinking about doing a local Facebook post offering to do a wedding for free for someone who can't afford a photographer. I'd clearly state I am still learning and need the experience. They would get the photos on a thumb drive to make their own prints but I'm afraid I'll need to protect myself again legal action since I'd be volunteering to photograph for practice and if they don't like the photos I can't be sued for ruining their day lol.
Hey. I am doing this now. I made a contract that says I am a single shooter and lists the type of camera I have. It also states how they will get their photos, and what the quality and expectations should be. It's worked for me. Good luck. If you need, I can send you my contract so you can use :-)
I'm a little different than most of your viewers. I'm in my mid 70s. I retired, but I want to start up again. I have an excellent reputation among a small group of people, so I don't want to start with low prices because I don't want too much work. Three portrait sessions a week would be enough. Two would be OK. The problem is starting. I'm thinking of doing a "limited time one look special" session at a reduced rate in conjunction with another business like a hair salon. What do you think? Would that also work for some other viewers?
I LOVE this! My question - what do I do , besides social media , can I do to bring in more business? 2021 was amazing for me but I am , always, looking to book more (or less) but increase pricing. I’ve already got my 2022 brochures printed and ready for bridal expos and shows that show my new pricing but, I think my worry is, what if I’ve spent all this money to showcase it and I don’t make it back?
Lol. I’m down to take free photo shoots with crew members just for exposure. Raise my prices? No one even picks me 😂. But yea it makes sense, once someone grows their business, it only makes sense to raise your prices with inflation
@@KatelynJames My stepfather is also a photographer. He's one of the top photographers in his area, like top ten and he was charging the same way he was from when I was 6. This kind of reminds me of that.
Some like flat lighting, I do not except when reality or necessity calls. Why do you think your photography should demand a higher price ? You are so much out of the loop compared to this area where brides don't dress at home. They dress at the church and almost all photography is inside the church. While I commend your outdoor photography it just doesn't fit our business model.
I have been professionally photographing for over 11 years and just raised my prices. It’s not my first rodeo but it does cause some anxiety but in reality, building memories with my husband, family, and friends are just as, if not more important than the memories I build for my clients. I don’t want to be so focused on building memories for others that I miss my own. A few sudden deaths in the family earlier this year taught me that. I’m okay with working less at a higher price so I don’t live with regret tomorrow.
12 years in here too and made my biggest price jump this year. The pandemic taught me a lot. I had "only" 15 2020 weddings and it was the best work life balance I have ever had. A few Saturdays off, time (even socially distant) with family and friends. Game changer and life changer for me. Took me 12 years to learn it.
Love this!! Thanks for sharing Alicia!!
So happy for you Kristen!!
Oh I feel the same...lost my best friend of 20 years and have more clarity of how I want to spend time with those I love!
You give the best explanation of the “dead zone” I have ever heard! Thank for you continuing to share so much great info!
Thank you so much! You’re welcome, glad it was helpful!!
I cannot imagine being booked 6 months out. lol...one day. hey I'm doing 1 month out now. whoo hoo.thank you
THANK YOU for this. This was so helpful. I literally felt like you were speaking directly to me since I could relate to every single thing you said. Definitely inspired me to raise my prices even more!
You got this!
🙌🏼
I feel like I went to church and got an on time word from God. I needed to hear so many points of this.
The biggest thing is I have had clients tell me I need to raise my prices, and I wouldn't take time to do it. And now I'm completely inactive.
I might be relocating soon, so I'm not stressing too much about it. But I haven't booked anything in two months. And it really broke my heart to see a decrease in bookings. But one thing I thought about was my prices and online presence. Or lack there of.
I needed all these signs. Thank you for this video. Such wisdom.
Thanks for sharing! You got this!!
You are changing my life KJ! Thank you!
Thanks so much for sharing Brandon!!
Love this video. I have been stuck for a while now .
Wonderful video!
Glad you liked it!
Needed to watch this again and realize where my sticking point is, a bad website 😂
I need to source it out. Thank you a TON KJ!
Very helpful!👍
Love this!!! Thank you! Also Ty... still killing the editing game 😂😂
Haha, thank you thank you 😆 -Ty
This is soooo good content, Katelyn! Thanks again!!
Glad you liked it!!
Katelyn…..you are a God send! Everything about this video resonated with me! Thank you thank you thank you! I would have said more but most of what I wanted to say has already been said.
Awesome Thanks for watching!
wow I just checked your freebies its amazing! thank you soo much for the effort!
Thanks so much!
I was shooting weddings at $1500 and booking 3 out of 4 of the couples I talked to. I raised my price $300 and went to booking 1 out of 6.
How long has it been? I would give it 4-6 months
You rock !!
Words cannot explain how much your videos have helped me.
Thank you for ALL OF THIS! Just what I needed to hear.
I've been told by TWO of my current clients that my prices were surprisingly low...way lower than everyone else they looked at!
LOVE IT!
Very informative!! Also, that shirt looks really great on ya sis!
Thanks so much!
Your best video I have watched! Thank you.
Thanks Blake!!
Great points! I haven’t gone pro yet. I’m making sure that everything is lined up properly first. I continue my education, while building my equipment, looking at various platforms, as well as studio space, etc. Thank you for these great tips. This really puts things in perspective. :•}
Thanks for watching Teresa!
Thank you for inspiring us, Katelyn. I know the next steps to get me moving towards higher prices and less work. :)
You can do it!
Thank you so much! This is what I needed to hear. I've been shooting smaller events like Baby Showers, Sweet 16s, etc for about 5 years but I am getting burned out and want to switch to higher paying clients and higher paying events, particularly weddings. I meet the three E's you've mentioned, so I am hoping 2021 will be my year! Thanks again for the words of encouragement!
Raise those prices Geoff!
This is a MASTER CLASS people! Thank you so much for your valuable thoughts KJ! You're the best!
So kind!! Thanks for watching!
So many great points! I am at the 26 mark for my state's wedding season this year Vermont). Three of those weddings will be my associate. I only have 7 booked for next year so far which is pretty low for me at this time of year. I suck at posting on Instagram, great on Facebook. I am in the 2,400 - 4,250 range for my three different packages. Hoping it picks up as the season goes on, but I'm also still getting inquiries for this year and dates I am already booked.
When I first shooting video, I had a customer tell me he almost didn't book me, because he said, "I couldn't believe you could deliver what you say, for the price." I immediately doubled my prices.
Yes!!!
Point 4 really spoke to me. I'm currently in year 3 of my business. (Covid killed year 2 anyway) working 2-3 weddings each month in the busy seasons and 2 over all of winter, as well as a full time day job.
This year has been a huge work life balance struggle. I can't yet jump ship and go full time. Not enough savings and not enough momentum, and a baby on the way means my wife is extremely risk averse.
I have raised prices twice this year and stopped offering packaged albums. Anything that's not a good return on investment for my time is getting cut.
Next season isn't looking as busy, but each wedding will make 30-40% more. Still I worry less weddings = less content and less momentum
Two questions:
1. How do you find your market value vs. your personal value and how you measure up? I think I could raise my prices, but I live in a smaller market where prices aren’t as high as bigger markets. In addition, I can be insecure and/or naive to what my value is as a photographer. I’ve had many repeat clients and I feel bad raising my prices on them.
2. How does this translate to portrait photographers? Specifically when fall is my busiest time by far but also the time I want to slow down and not be shooting sessions every weekend, but then the rest of the year is much, much slower. I feel like I can’t afford to not shoot as much in the fall to make up for the rest of the year.
My biggest struggle is i want to give everyone a chance to have beautiful family photos, and i know that some cannot afford the higher prices. Thats why ive always been more affordable, but ive been told so many times that i need to charge more.
I like your opinions here.👌
Thanks Kenny!
Thanks you!!!!
You're welcome!
Thank you 😊
My Pleasure!
Can you do a video on what to do if you can't book any clients at all. It was great for me a year ago and now I can't get any clients at all no matter if I take my prices down or if I raise my prices. I feel at a lost. Has been a big self-esteem killer.
Can you share your website, instagram and share how you've been marketing in this last year?
It was helpful. I have learned so many business tips from your videos. thanks for uploading.
Thanks for watching!
Could you elaborate more on, when it’s worth it to invest in your own photography studio or not? Also for photographers like me, it went from a hobby, to part time, to now i feel like my regular full time job is in the way and not allowing me to fully be my creative self with my photography and leaves me no time to enjoy my photography 😩
I am a natural light photographer, so I do not have experience with that.
I was thinking about doing a local Facebook post offering to do a wedding for free for someone who can't afford a photographer. I'd clearly state I am still learning and need the experience. They would get the photos on a thumb drive to make their own prints but I'm afraid I'll need to protect myself again legal action since I'd be volunteering to photograph for practice and if they don't like the photos I can't be sued for ruining their day lol.
Thanks for watching!
Hey. I am doing this now. I made a contract that says I am a single shooter and lists the type of camera I have. It also states how they will get their photos, and what the quality and expectations should be. It's worked for me. Good luck. If you need, I can send you my contract so you can use :-)
I'm a little different than most of your viewers. I'm in my mid 70s. I retired, but I want to start up again. I have an excellent reputation among a small group of people, so I don't want to start with low prices because I don't want too much work. Three portrait sessions a week would be enough. Two would be OK. The problem is starting. I'm thinking of doing a "limited time one look special" session at a reduced rate in conjunction with another business like a hair salon. What do you think? Would that also work for some other viewers?
That is a great idea!
I LOVE this!
My question - what do I do , besides social media , can I do to bring in more business? 2021 was amazing for me but I am , always, looking to book more (or less) but increase pricing.
I’ve already got my 2022 brochures printed and ready for bridal expos and shows that show my new pricing but, I think my worry is, what if I’ve spent all this money to showcase it and I don’t make it back?
Do you have a suggested list of the prices that should be charged ?
Oh no, that is completely on a individual basis
Lol. I’m down to take free photo shoots with crew members just for exposure. Raise my prices? No one even picks me 😂.
But yea it makes sense, once someone grows their business, it only makes sense to raise your prices with inflation
How to give cinematic look to videos?
Can you teach ?
That would be a tyler question.
@@KatelynJames what's that now?
for my portrait just only picture or shot natural light pay me 20💲sometimes 40💲 as beginner hehe
Thanks for watching!
How do you get paid clients I have been doing photography for quite some time eveyone loves my photos but don't want to pay.
I need to reflect and see where I am in all of this. 😬
Yes!! Keep us posted!
1200 dollar photographer?!?!
My first event was a 2000 dollar package 0_o
Thanks for sharing!
@@KatelynJames My stepfather is also a photographer. He's one of the top photographers in his area, like top ten and he was charging the same way he was from when I was 6. This kind of reminds me of that.
I have had people pay me more than I asked for.
Time to RAISE PRICES!!
I think i'm in the dead zone. :(
Some like flat lighting, I do not except when reality or necessity calls. Why do you think your photography should demand a higher price ? You are so much out of the loop compared to this area where brides don't dress at home. They dress at the church and almost all photography is inside the church. While I commend your outdoor photography it just doesn't fit our business model.
THES year. I buy new. Studio light's 2. New. Cameras. One. New lens. 4. Flash new. Business card. ,.,....... Work. For. Another. CHICAGO. Photographer. And. They. Interview. 6 to 8. Photographer ss. For week none. Can. Make. The. Cat. To. Be. A wedding. Photographer. They. Are. BROKING. Dreams. And. ....
Thanks for watching!
Thank you!
You're welcome!