Well if this isn’t the question I get asked the most… how do I decide what to charge? I think a lot of people think creatives just pull a number out of their butt, and maybe some do, but I have another way.
How about using some simple calculations:
First off, how much income do you need each month to ‘survive’?
What are your bills each month for your home, kids, camera, computer, CRM system, etc?
I like to think of it as, your spouse shouldn’t be paying for your clients photos, so what does living and running your business actually cost you?
Really dig up those receipts, include client coffees, computer software, retirement savings, SD cards, off site backup, etcWhat amount would make you thrive?
If question number one just gets you by, this question should actually allow you to make some income and have some fun too!
Add in a budget for eating out, seeing a movie, that new Third Love bra you’ve been eyeing up. Your skills and talent deserve more than just getting by…How many clients can you manage ‘well’ in a month?
By managing ‘well’, I don’t mean barely surviving, delivering clients photos late, or ignoring your kids and staring at your computer all the time.
I mean, no late extensions, no ‘up all night editing sessions’, no apologetic emails.
Be honest with yourself about a healthy number of clients.Now take your thrive amount of income and simply divide it by the number of clients you can serve.
That’s your income needed per client.
Does it look crazy to you?
Is it way above every other photography in your area?
Is it way below?
Can you say it out loud without puking?
Run it by a mentor in your area, email and ask me
Wanna actually get some clear cut advice and scale your business a lot faster?
Consider signing up for some consulting with me through The Well Collab. It includes all the perks of being a member, online events, features and promotion, as well as one on one consulting with me.
I’d love for you to leave a comment below and let me know how much your session fee is!
xo Tams