A couple of weeks ago we looked at the over all amount couples have been spending on their wedding and started looking at what we as photographers should be charging. There are many different theories about how to price your services, but if you are serious about running a photography business, there are some key things you need to know and understand.

Travis Hill recently wrote a wonderful article on his blog, The Perfect Pose, that really gets you thinking about what goes into a being wedding photographer and what you need to charge in order to make a living. If you haven’t looked at your expenses and all that you put into being a wedding photographer, this article will really open your eyes.

In Travis’ example, using his numbers, he shows how you’d need to charge at least $3500 for your services. Now, in today’s market, many of you are going to say, “there’s no way I can book any business if I start my packages at $3500.” Proper marketing aside, if that is true, then you have to look at what Zookbinders’ President, Mark Zucker, said in his article and presentation, “Your Business Needs to Lose 1000 Pounds.” If we use Travis’ example and you feel you need to be able to offer your services at $2500 in order to attract business, then you shouldn’t just slash your prices and undervalue yourself but you should look at where you can “trim the fat.” Look at how much time you spend editing and designing albums; if you can trim those times through software, efficiencies or shooting fewer images, you can trim that cost. If you offer a less expensive album, cut overhead, and offer a smaller package, you can offer your services at a lower price while still making money and not devaluing yourself.

I encourage your to read Travis’ blog and seriously look at your expenses and what you charge. In the end you’ll be smarter and make more money for yourself. – Scott Patrick, Zookbinders.