my first photography payment!

[Emma]

My senior portrait client just left with her framed prints, and I have my first payment check in my hand. Wow! I'm a photographer :) I have a lot to learn, but she was really pleased, gave me a little "tip" thinking I must have undercharged her for sure, and took several cards to pass out saying she's told everybody what I nice job I had done, just based on the proofs she had seen and the grad announcement prints she picked up a few weeks ago.

I've done other jobs as favors or barters, but this was my first paying job.

So far the business side of things has been interesting, getting my client database and order history set up, invoicing, tax ID number, etc (I've combined all my little side things like online classes and live seminars into one business), but it still seems weird people are willing to pay me for this! I won't argue

[Scrapping4Him]

Wahoo - congrats Emma, that's awesome!!!!!

[Abby]

Way to go Emma!! You're on your way!

[Jill W]

Awesome Emma!!! I am so proud of you!!!!!!!!!

[Janet]

Wooo hooo!!!!!!!! :) congrats!!!!!!!!!

[webfrau]

CONGRATULATIONS Emma! It must be a wonderful feeling. Well done.

[RoadMap4Us]

Go, Emma!! This is just great! Way to go!

[Marriedin79]

Wonderful! Congratulations are in order for you!

[Audrey]

Congratulations, Emma!! Way to go!!! :clap: :tup: :yippee:

[Tara]

WOo Hoo!!! Congrats!! (Oh, and btw, Mr. OrangeSue says being pregnant is no excuse for not coming to Adobe...he's sad you won't be there!) :)

[honeymoon]

WTG Emma. You're an inspiration.

[bpalmer]

Way to go Emma! Isn't it a great feeling?

[HeatherL]

Wow congrats and high fives!!!!!

[shazzt]

Congratulations Emma - that is awesome!

[Karen]

Congrats Emma, here's too many many more of those checks :)

[Jennifer]

Cool!!!!! Congrats! yOu've come a long way baby ;)

[Stormies r us]

Hey Emma I saw this one a coupla days ago! Wanted to wish you a happy congrats!

Best wishes for a brite future! And no third degree burns!:D

[MomO3]

congrats! I am hoping to get mine soon!! :)

[dkapp12]

Nothing more rewarding than getting paid for something you love to do! Congratulations - you deserve it!

[Emma]

I did a freebie mini session for a friend's baby this morning, and I think I ought to charge at least a little as people "take advantage" of me on freebies! They reschedule, don't get around to making an appointment, show up late or not at all, etc. I don't feel comfortable charging market rate, but what we decided was to put my eventual market prices on the invoice with a big discount. That way they won't freak out when I charge them a bit now, and don't have to "raise" my prices later.

We did straighten out that the family session she booked is for a fee.

For those who do both free and paid work, how do you make it clear if the session is free or fee? I'm never sure what to say when they ask me to take their photos. How do I say, "This isn't a freebie," or if they were intending on paying me how do I decline? There are some situations I just don't feel qualified taking payment, and others where I do.

[Starla]

Girl, I'm in the same perdicament... I was offering free photos for awhile, just so I could get the practice, now people either want me to do them free still... or I just don't know how much to charge based on my skill level.

Looking forward to hearing the advise you get.

[Karen]

I think the thing to do would be right at the very start, give your client an invoice with the full costs then put on it the discount so they know right from the beginning what you are charging and that you are giving them an amazing discount lol.....but that doesn't help you girls now....sorry no advice there except being strong and just stating what it will cost.