What to charge for taking pictures?

Question:I am not an established photographer, I'm more like a medium pro haha. I have never been asked to take pictures at an event so I have no idea what to charge. I got a new camera and everything and the lady that I babysit for wants me to come to her kids birthday party and take pictures. She has seen all of my photos that I have taken and she was really impressed. I just have no idea how much to charge! I dont wanna overcharge, but I dont wanna leave with like only 20 bucks. help me figure this out! thanks

you can check out some of my photography at:

www.photographeye@deviantart
.com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I am not an established photographer, I'm more like a medium pro haha. I have never been asked to take pictures at an event so I have no idea what to charge. I got a new camera and everything and the lady that I babysit for wants me to come to her kids birthday party and take pictures. She has seen all of my photos that I have taken and she was really impressed. I just have no idea how much to charge! I dont wanna overcharge, but I dont wanna leave with like only 20 bucks. help me figure this out! thanks

you can check out some of my photography at:

www.photographeye@deviantart
.com

As below... I can't guess for you as this is market and quality dependent - totally - so here's some practical advice instead:

1. Do some research - find out what others charge and decide how your work compares in terms of quality.

2. Decide on what you are comfortable charging based on your homework about the local market.

... you have to feel comfortable with your pricing before you go to the market is my key tip!!

Time spent in reconnaissance is never wasted... ;)

First of all, any mother will pay money for a beautiful picture of their child. Worry more about undercharging. It's your time and your time is not free!

You do not want to walk away from an event with anything less than $200 in your bucket. Do the math and charge accordingly. Do not give away any free prints. Prints can be scanned! Hire a dye sub printer, show the moms the pictures and sell them a print there on the spot!

Get some nice photo folders and present the pictures in a photo folder or get some photo key rings. You can charge almost twice as much for a picture in a folder!

I don't know the rate in the US, but I would charge at least ￡7-50 for a 6x9 in a nice folder and ￡4-00 for a keyring.

I was thinking the same about $250 plus cost of prints. Remember even a party clown gets that much for 1 hour. Check around what other pros charge in your area.