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In latest news, terrorists sick of being treated like photographers...
Seems like it's a sin to try and make a living doing wedding photography. If not a sin, then, we should be ashamed of what I /others charge, because apparently it's really easy work and because it's easy, we should be giving our work away.
Very rarely do people call to question the rates that other professions charge to the same extent photographers charge. But, when it comes to photography, because anyone can buy a DSLR nowadays, it's open season. Like, no-one will be able to tell the difference between someone who bought their first DSLR yesterday, with someone who's been shooting 15+ years, not withstanding savants and naturally-gifted artists.
I often wonder whether the people who deride photographers earning a decent living, talk dentists or mechanics or plumbers or lawyers down in charges?
The $500 client wants a disc of images and will usually ask a relative or a friend to photograph their wedding. The one day in their life that everything should be perfect. The person who is spending a sizeable amount, is paying for ability, reliability, consistency/style, experience and a good product.
It is true that some of the most highly paid photographers in the world aren't the best photographers. They're good business people. And, vice versa. I've seen examples of both.
If you're happy servicing the $500-odd base, more power to you.
In the end, it suffices to say that I value my craft and feel no wrong in charging accordingly. There will always be $500 clients, and, there will always be $5K+ clients. I must be doing something right, as I've now got bookings six months in advance. And, every half-a-dozen bookings, I will raise my rates accordingly by a small percentage. It is how I value myself. 2013 is my year. I hope to give away my career by the end of this year to be self-sufficient off what I consider my favourite hobby: making beautiful pictures.
I'm meeting a couple at 10 tomorrow morning. I'm hoping they choose a package with an album; I'm now getting my albums printed by a boutique in the US that makes gorgeous products.
Sorry, Carlos!
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