Pricing your Photography 

I literally sit down with notebook and pen whenever watching your videos!! Very informative, thank you

It is interesting how on one hand digital photography made our lives but on the other increased our work. Who would have imagined taking 3-4 thousand photos at a wedding in film days...

You are amazing! There are so many photographers on RU-vid and to be honest, there are a lot who are pretty arrogant. You are very humble and down to earth and your videos are so informative, helpful, and easy to follow. I also love your work! Keep it up!

You seriously have the best photography tutorial videos. You've helped me with information I've really been looking for forever

Sorting photos is the fucking worst ugh

A deposit is also for the clients safety too so the photog doesn't book another more lucrative wedding.

I have a friend who did wedding photography for another friend, gave her the unedited pictures because the girl threw a fit when she didn't have the pictures after a week, and the girl who got married did the crappiest editing and posted them all over facebook.

when i do a 1 1/2 - 2hr portrait session, i pick one of my bills - set my rate based off my most expensive bills. each time i pick up my camera one of my bills are paid. Light retouching $50 per image with a 4 pic minimum.

Your channel is literally teaching me so much and I just subscribed like, an hour ago. Keep doing what you're doing because it's a huge help!

just subscribed you are one of the most informative / thought provoking ie the basics of starting professionally you've got me thinking in a lot of areas that didn't think of before.

This video was actually informative! i hate those videos that just are lazy and they end up saying oh its all about you just doing good work.....Yeah we know, anything is about being good at it...but this actually gave me ideas on how to Facilitate.

I really really appreciate this video and many others that you have done. You have taught me a lot and really improved not only my photography but also my business as a whole. Keep up the good work.

Personally, I feel like a couple should receive something physical from their wedding. I feel like physical prints, albums, etc elevates your value. Just shooting their wedding and sending a link to their photos creates a disconnect between you and your newly married couple. Just my opinion.

My daughter just got into photography and she loves it. She is planning 1 or 2 outdoor senior photos. We love your videos-very informative and honest. Thank you for being an inspiration to my daughter❤

Thats my struggle at the moment... Correct pricing! When you step up your photography from hobby to what you want to make your business... A lot more stuff to consider! Thanks for the tips

Such a great video filled with valuable information! 😀 Thanks for this Jessica!

Holy grail of tutorials

My name is Aaliyah and I am 12 years old and I really want to be a photographer. My uncle got me a camera for my birthday it is a digital camera, but when I looked at your video on 10 steps to become a professional photographer. I did some research and looked at the cameras you talked about and I am a bit bummed that I got not such a good camera. Once I used this camera I already have, and get the hang of it then I would ask my mom for a better one like the canon T3i or T6i I don't remember which one it was. I have been binge watching a lot of your videos and LOVE everything that your doing I would love to become professional and at a young age it would be fun. The only problem I really have is the money, and I don't really think I would be able to get anything that I would need to be a professional. For now I will just start small and work with what I have and maybe do photo shoots of people I know and have them pay me maybe like $5 and work like that. I'm just grateful to have the people that are helping me and motivating me through photography.

I’m an aspiring photographer currently working in high-end mattress sales and I can attest to what she said about including a more expensive package to make the middle package seem more valuable. The most expensive mattress I sell is over $10,000 which is CRAZY so it makes it easier for someone to spend $5000 when they see that. Thank you for this video!!

This pricing advice was good overall however, I disagree with your comparison of sitting fees as being outdated. A sitting fee guarantees that you get paid for your time. I charge a set amount per hour regardless of whether they get a print or get a digital file. Your time and talent is of value. That's what a sitting fee is about.

I've never found a RU-vid channel more useful and informative and awesome than yours. Literally sit in my car sometimes watching one of your videos just to learn something new. You ruleeee!

These prices even for amateur wedding photographers are too low. In Dallas wedding photographers make at least 3000$ for a single shooter.

I know this VIDEO is a year old but I love that you are so down to earth and not a hint of arrogance that soooo many other photographers exude it makes me want to puke. You are humble and always say THIS IS ME in other words we all do what we want so its an individual choice and also I am so with the way you do things such as "THE CLIENT PAID FOR THE PHOTOS WHY KEEP THE HIGH RESOLUTION AND CLAIM COPYRIGHTS" its ok to charge the client but NOT rob the CLIENT. You will go far and even though you are in Michigan I see you going places..a good heart always wins.

Thanks jessica for the advice... it seems to apply to all personal businesses not just photography. It's always a struggle to satisfy customers and price your work for what it's worth. Good luck!

Jessica, this was a really well thought out and presented guide. Thank you so much for this it really helped out. Keep making great videos.

This is some of the best information on pricing and sales strategy I have seen. I already do some of it, but there are things you brought up that makes lots of sense. Thanks.

I don't do the package-structure. I just have a base price for a full wedding day with a complimentary engagement session. From there out, it's "a la carte" style for digital, prints, canvas, and albums. I find that the package-structure allows clients to start picking and choosing items from packaging and asking things like: "If i take out the engagement shoot, then what would this package cost?"

Very helpful! Pricing is very intimidating especially when starting out. Thank you!

Wow I love watching your old videos because I’m learning so much and I’m trying to become a professional photographer myself. 😇📷👍 THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR JOURNEY ON BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER.

Great video! You should do an updated version of this video for 2019, has anything in your opinion changed from 2015 as far as the advice provided in this video?

You are kick ass!! you are like seriously the first photographer that I watched on RU-vid that has actually talked about what I wanted to really understand what I wanted to know I thank you for sharing appreciate the free knowledge and I wish you the best in the future!

Great video. Its really given me an idea on how to go about pricing. Can you please do a video on what exactly the details of a package should include? at least the basic stuff that should be included in a package.

Jessica, You are a genius! I'm just getting started with photography, but with you, this is going to be cake. I've seen 2 of your videos so far and they are GRRREAT! subscribed!

This was wonderful! I took notes and I now have a clear game plan. Thanks so much!

Amazing tutorial Jessica. Can you do a tutorial on camera flash at events when best to use or not.

Thanks Jessica you have made it a lot easier for me to base my price toward my clients !!!

I am not doing commercial photography (dont know if I will... see how well down the road in learning, XD) but this is interesting to watch. Your are a good talker.

I've only recently discovered your uploads on RU-vid and I'm really appreciating all the work and time you put into educating the community. Great videos. Thanks for sharing. Phelix. 👍🏾

Thank you Thank you Thank you! Many professionals are not willing to share how they come up with pricing. Thank you for being honest with us in this video. Your videos have helped me so much

This has been so helpful. Your honesty is a breath of fresh air.

listened to the whole video while editing :) you helped me really out with pricing and these little pychological tricks like the price at the bottom of the list etc.

Thank you for sharing. Pricing and defining the quantity and quality of the product is important indeed!

I've gone through so many of your videos today! I'm so happy I found you on RU-vid!

I know this is a few years later...but I just watched this and it was super helpful. If you happen to see this, would you consider doing a video about being a second shooter and what they do in more depth? Thank you, you’re awesome!

I've been a military photographer for the past 5 years and your channel has been way more informative lol. Chive on

î have watched some of your vids this morning. normally i get very restless watching vids longer than, lets say, 7 mintues … i have watched your vids till the very end and i am still not bored and/or irritated … you know why ? because your are cute. you are natural. you are authentic. and you are good ! thank you for you, dear, keep going !

I'm watching your videos from Rio, and I have to say, as a graphic designer that's starting with photography, I can thank you enough for all the amazing tips and orientation. You are amazing photographer and seems to be a really nice e fun girl, thank you again a lot! 😉

The term "deposit" equates to "refundable" legally. A more binding term is "retainer".

Extremely helpful information.Thanks Jessica!

what do you think prices should be for a beginner photographer

I LOVE U SO MUCH seriously thanks for breaking down all of the simplest questions every photographer friend I have WONT answer.

The best explanation I've found so far! Thank you so much!

where can i sell my photos on the internet?

New comment! Do you require clients to pay the deposit BEFORE meeting them in person or AFTER? I'm having trouble figuring it out for myself...If they need to sign the contract in person and pay the deposit, can the payment come prior to signing the contract or should it come after? Thanks so much!!!

Thank you so much. Your videos are so informative. I have learned so much from you. 😊

watching this exactly 3 years from when it was posted, what a coincidence

Great video Jessica. Lots of really valuable pricing tips here. Such a good point about taking a deposit. Such an important step.

You’ve really educated me! You’re definitely one of my favorite youtubers forever! Lol

Adding this to videos that will save my life. I've been practicing photography on my friends and someone offered to pay me to take photos for his business. I've never had a paid client before so I started nervously sweating and ran to you lol.

Such a huge help and you have such a pleasant voice, thank you so much for all the info and tips!

Great delivery Jessica. You lower my blood pressure! If the budget allows I now encourage newbies to buy a tripod along with the camera. Having a 2nd free hand accelerated my learning profoundly.

I loved this video! Thank you so much for all the details and explinations of everything. This was so helpful! ❤ I love your work and perosonality by the way ☺

This got me the idea and really warn me about the dangerous situation I may meet so now I can have better price set for the external jobs now

I appreciate your honesty and guidance

As a tyro photogpher this video is such informative and great help for me❤️ Thank you, keep spread knowledge

These are all very good beginning tips... glad you're out there sharing. I always wonder who the "quality" second shooters are, who have nothing to do on a Saturday? How does $300.00 get a quality wedding day second shooter? All interesting...

Just this video will make me subscribe and follow you. I've been taking photos for a couple of years now and haven't been able to get pricing quite right. Thank you. You deserve all the business you get and more. I'll reply to this message once I've organized myself. Thank you for this clear guideline.

Hey Jessica, nice video! At 17:38 I don’t know if you started doing it out of your own creativity but this is not a dishonest practice and it’s taught in marketing classes. You see this practice even in fancy restaurants. If they want to charge you $60 for a dish, they would put it next to a $95 one and a $35 one for instance; that way you would think that $60 is way cheaper than $95 and you would still get something special without feeling robbed and at the same time you won’t feel like you are getting the lesser version of a dish by choosing the $35 dollars one.

This video was VERY helpful. I took multiple pages of notes 😂 THANK YOU JESSICA! I truly believe that this will help me in the near future 😊

Thanks Jess, these are all the critical information that I needed to know, its a big help to be honest and that I have to write it all down on my Notebook...again thank you so much!

you are favorite!!note at hand writing everything you saying. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

can you make a video showing us how YOU made a contract and tips to put in one?!

I stumbled across your videos and am so glad! You have tons of really great information and are also entertaining and enjoyable to listen to. Thanks and keep it up!

Thank you for always posting. I love watching your videos, they are very informative📸

Dear watchers/future wedding photographers. Working with an established photographer will kickstart everything in the right motion and give you far more information on how to price etc. I'm not talking about working year or two and leaving that photographer before your feet are wet, you should work at least 3-5 years assisting and second shooting before making the leap. What's the rush? You will get way more info/skillset on how it's really done than some videos on youtube.

you are the best

Oh my gosh, you are amazing, I´m struggling about how much do I have to price my sessions, it´s very difficult for me, but now I have my list and I´m going to use all your amazing photographer experience to guide me. btw can you make a video or help me about what things a package should include, or what do you include on them. thanks, greeting from Costa Rica.

What about single photos? (I mean outside of events, or portraits, but say....street photography, or a landscape)

This video is another Thumbs up 👍 great video Jessica, your so right about the mire expensive package thing, it would work in me lol !!!

Usage is everything. Print and Media Professionals use the ASMP guidelines... wedding photographers are different.

Thanks for the great tips, i am just starting out on photography and i dont know if i am charging too much or not. I found this video very helpful.

Hi Jessica, enjoyed the video and certainly appreciate the information. I'm not good at pricing out, but you gave me a lot of food for thought. did you draft your own contact? or is there a general one photographers use? thanks.

Thank you for your advice n info,its a really gold tips,appreciate it👍

Hi Jessica I have a question: how big is the digital photo when you send it to the clients? After editing my raw pictures, the photos are around 2-3MB only. Will that be a good size to send to clients? Or bigger?

Oh my gosh I know I’m sooo late but I lovvvve divergent! I swear I’m like overly obsessed w it so when you started talking abt Theo James and divergent I was FREAKING out!😂💕

All ur videos are extremley informative ..i love ur channel 👍👍

OMG THEO JAMES!!!!! i accually freaked out when she mentioned him

I appreciate the advice. I totally agree with everything you are saying. Thank you.

You just made me realize I am undervaluing myself!

How , Where and when do you pay your second shooter?

so as the wedding photographer are you looking for places for pics after the wedding? like different parks in the area? do YOU reserve a place or is this usually done by the bride / groom?

Can you talk about the business aspect of being a professional photographer? Copyrights, paperwork, etc. Thanks!

I’m in high school right now I’m using my Sony A7II for photography. The lenses that I use are 55mm f1.8 Zeis, 24-70 f4 g master lenses. I’m pricing my photography for about 20$ that’s it they can ask me for how many pictures they want I don’t mind unless if they let me test some of their photos and post it online without copyright.

I’ve been watching and listening you since the beginning of the video and on 15:19 you said unless it was Theo James ! We loved the same person 😍☺️

Why does your channel not have more subscribers!!!! Your great & down to earth

What is your advice on charging friends, when your just starting, need practice, as you are completely new to Manual dslr cameras, you have spent around £2000 plus in your kit, do you think you should still say hey £50 for mini shoot? Or us it bad to charge people when your using them to practice?? I can take a decent photo ! What's your thoughts??? On say if a friend says do my kids party? It's your party, how much is acceptable?? Really struggling with this, as my other half says I'm selling myself short, but I say I need practice before I charge bigger prices??? Help me please!!!!

I just want to say "Thank you"

From 4000 photos captured from 2 photographers at a wedding in your example, how many do you send to the client after culling out images (as in digitals posted online on a private access site for example). Just curious. Is it 50 percent or less? At a 10 hour wedding, I generally take 1200 to 1600 photos (as solo shooter) and take out some of the images before posting online for client (I do general global color adjustments before posting). I take a bit more time composing photos in posing during wedding, but also capturing lots of candids and action emotional shots.

When you do give away full resolution images to your clients what format should those images been? JPEG's or any other?

You talk about not giving discounts, I understand what you mean, you do want to keep the deals fair for everybody. It would make business much easier, but what about military discount, I think that is a pretty widespread thing in the U.S. and people understand the reason for it. I think you should clearly state that, so people know the reason. Do you think if you can spare the money, it would be a good idea, because it can enhance the deal. Sorry if my thoughts were kind of going everywhere.