First off, never sell yourself short. That's my problem lol. You don't have to tell anyone that you're an "amateur" or a "novice" or any of the above. Have a portfolio of your work available. You do what you do and they can take it or leave it at your price. Be confident when you're talking to a client. You can maybe tell them how long you've been a photographer and how you prefer to work. Things like that.

Also, make sure you do add in your editing time. For me, that's something very time consuming. If you don't charge enough, it'll make it feel like it's not worth your time.. don't ever do that. You do have to add in supplies because you don't want to be upside-down.

I don't usually charge for travel because I'm living in a small town right now. I only charge if I'm going to a near-by city and I charge for gas. Gas prices are rediculous, you know lol. If I travel somewhere I have to stay, of course they will be paying for travel and hotel =)

I think it somewhat depends on where you live, too. A friend of mine's mother was talking to someone about having met me. Like I said, we're in a small town. She comments, "Oh, I've heard of her. I heard she's good... expensive... but good." To be honest, I'm not expensive lol, but it's a small town, I may be expensive for some.

I guess the bottom line is what I said above.. if you're charging a price and it doesn't feel like it's matching up to what you're doing, you should probably adjust it.

Hope this helps =)
 

I agree with what was said above me, but also...don't forget to factor in TAXES when you set your prices. You don't want to go broke at the end of the year when you have to pay taxes on your earnings. :/ I've always been told to add 25-27% extra, just to cover taxes. Just thought I'd throw that out there. :)

Also, do price comparisons in your area for similar types of photographic work. That should give you a reasonable place to begin...and you can adjust your prices as you see fit.

Good luck! :)
 

I just got my tax information back and JEEZ it sucks!

I made about $30,000 and had to pay $5,000.

Save for that as the year goes because it hits like a train if you don't.
 

as far as taxes go, check with what your state dept of finance and administration. when i first started i wad told by another local photographer that you dont have to charge tax because its considered a "service" but come to find out, photography is not in that "list". so i let people know up front that prices do not include tax, and i add them on to their total. i had to get a tax id number too and i file monthly, so check all your p's and q's before hand.
 

If you ask for $30 dollars thats what your picture will be worth, don't sell yourself short!
As far as being an amateur/beginner, as far as I know you were born with eyes right?
Life & Nature show us the pictures we just click the button. ^_^
Professional/experienced photographer...what does that really mean if you think about it?
So basically if your good your good, ask for an appropriate price for your gift & your time.
 

Thanks so very much guys! This experience has been just a tad overwhelming, but I think that if I sit down and figure it all out one step at a time it wont seem so bad!