Portrait Photos
Jun 23, 2020 17:12:47 #
Greetings All!
I am a Nature and Scenic Photographer and do not usually do Portrait work.
A good friend of mine asked me to do Graduation photos of her Granddaughter in a Park,
since the COVID -19 issue has kept people separated.
I am seeking advice on what to charge, since this is out of my realm of expertise.
Do any of you Portrait photographers have any advice on things such as a "Sitting" fee, etc?
I also expect to speed hours on editing and down loading.
Any advice, (other than stick to Nature photography :) ) will be greatly appreciated.
i spent 2.5 hours doing the photo shooting already.
Thank you!
I am a Nature and Scenic Photographer and do not usually do Portrait work.
A good friend of mine asked me to do Graduation photos of her Granddaughter in a Park,
since the COVID -19 issue has kept people separated.
I am seeking advice on what to charge, since this is out of my realm of expertise.
Do any of you Portrait photographers have any advice on things such as a "Sitting" fee, etc?
I also expect to speed hours on editing and down loading.
Any advice, (other than stick to Nature photography :) ) will be greatly appreciated.
i spent 2.5 hours doing the photo shooting already.
Thank you!
Jun 23, 2020 17:20:45 #
Open shade, reflector, fill flash. Find a friend / victim and do a dry run. Take lots of photos. Don't show any but the best to the real subject.
Jun 23, 2020 17:47:49 #
Jun 23, 2020 17:58:59 #
Pinenutz 1 wrote:
Greetings All! br I am a Nature and Scenic Photogr... (show quote)
Stick to nature photography.
Seriously, if you handle your lighting correctly there will be little editing. You are correct that this is out of your realm. Since it is a friend, do it for nothing and call it a graduation gift. Watch your lighting, avoid overly complicated setups, try to shoot on a bright overcast day, or during the golden hour. If your lighting is good, then your post processing will be greatly diminished. I hope you have already taken lighting into consideration. It would be a shame to have wasted the 2.5 hours shooting you've already invested.
If you should do more shooting for this gig, or take on another one, here are some tips. Fill flash is tough for a newbie to get right, though you might be able to get it to work. Reflectors, whether the folding type or a large piece of insulation "bead board" the key to portrait lighting for women is low contrast, big, soft light. Flash, especially unmodified flash, can be edgy and grungy.
This guy is an incredible resource for portrait photography, with natural light, flash, or combo.
https://neilvn.com/tangents/
Jun 23, 2020 18:21:06 #
Thank you!
I have done most of what you suggested.
But missed a few things that you suggested.
I wanted to offer the photos as a Graduation Gift, but they insist on paying me.
Maybe I will offer to charge them a minimal amount and let them decide what they want to pay.
I appreciate your advice!
I have done most of what you suggested.
But missed a few things that you suggested.
I wanted to offer the photos as a Graduation Gift, but they insist on paying me.
Maybe I will offer to charge them a minimal amount and let them decide what they want to pay.
I appreciate your advice!
Jun 23, 2020 18:22:54 #
Pinenutz 1 wrote:
Thank you!
I have done most of what you suggested.
But missed a few things that you suggested.
I wanted to offer the photos as a Graduation Gift, but they insist on paying me.
Maybe I will offer to charge them a minimal amount and let them decide what they want to pay.
I appreciate your advice!
I have done most of what you suggested.
But missed a few things that you suggested.
I wanted to offer the photos as a Graduation Gift, but they insist on paying me.
Maybe I will offer to charge them a minimal amount and let them decide what they want to pay.
I appreciate your advice!
Turn the payment into another gift to the Grad?
Jun 23, 2020 22:20:30 #
Pinenutz 1 wrote:
Greetings All! br I am a Nature and Scenic Photogr... (show quote)
In your situation, being new to portraiture work I would do like some of the pros do; post processing, simply ask for x amount of cash for the ones they like and leave it at that. You mention that you will be doing this for a good friend so "IF" I were you, I would call it non-gratis. Good friends remember those kind gestures for a very long time!
Jun 23, 2020 22:34:47 #
usnret wrote:
In your situation, being new to portraiture work I would do like some of the pros do; post processing, simply ask for x amount of cash for the ones they like and leave it at that. You mention that you will be doing this for a good friend so "IF" I were you, I would call it non-gratis. Good friends remember those kind gestures for a very long time!
Yes, he should absolutely do it for free. Should be a learning experience, that alone id worth something to the photographer.
Although his friend is insisting on paying him...not sure how to deal with that.
BTW:
Gratis means free.
Non gratis means not free.
Jun 23, 2020 22:42:13 #
usnret wrote:
In your situation, being new to portraiture work I would do like some of the pros do; post processing, simply ask for x amount of cash for the ones they like and leave it at that. You mention that you will be doing this for a good friend so "IF" I were you, I would call it non-gratis. Good friends remember those kind gestures for a very long time!
I have tried the non-gratis with them before on photos that I took of them at the Ghost town of Bodie just for fun.
They sent me some money anyway.
But, I think that I will take your advice and tell them no charge, and let them decide if and what they want to pay me.
Thanks for the advice!
Jun 24, 2020 00:08:26 #
GoofyNewfie wrote:
Yes, he should absolutely do it for free. Should be a learning experience, that alone id worth something to the photographer.
Although his friend is insisting on paying him...not sure how to deal with that.
BTW:
Gratis means free.
Non gratis means not free.
Although his friend is insisting on paying him...not sure how to deal with that.
BTW:
Gratis means free.
Non gratis means not free.
Thank you for that info, I did not know that. A few weeks ago when my neighbor asked it would mind taking her dog with me on my evening walks I said I would be happy to do so non gratis. Can't wait to break it to her what NON gratis means, GIGGLES!!
Jun 24, 2020 00:12:06 #
Jun 24, 2020 00:50:52 #
Pinenutz 1 wrote:
Ai yi yi! Gratis, non-gratis!
That's why I usually stick to English!
🤣
Thanks!
That's why I usually stick to English!
🤣
Thanks!
I have trouble even with that sometimes!
Jun 24, 2020 05:36:55 #
Jun 24, 2020 05:41:42 #
Graduation gift, even if they insist all day.
If they are happy with the work, enjoy a free lunch with them.
If they are happy with the work, enjoy a free lunch with them.
Jun 24, 2020 06:32:30 #
Accomplished portrait photographers will usually start at $250 sitting fee and then sell images from there. Since your experience is limited I suggest as others have that you make it a gift. Lot’s of good advice from others, golden hour, soft fill flash, back lighting etc. Reflectors can be effective but you will need a competent, experienced assistant to hold them properly. If the graduate is to wear a cap & gown be sure it is well pressed ahead of time. Incidentally, a graduated senior will have the tassel turned to his/her left.
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