If you read the section above for DYI pet photography then you said that we mentioned that a pet portrait session usually costs between $500 – $5000.
If you are doing this as a side job for some extra cash you should definitely start towards those lower ranges.
While the $500 price tag will make some people consider doing it themselves, you have to jump on the boat that people are paying that for photos of their pets.
Not everyone is as passionate about photography as you are, so there are plenty of people who are willing to pay for something they can’t do themselves.
So if you can combine your love of animals with your love of photography, you have a sweet friendship.
Of course, there is a lot more work that goes into a pet photography session than the time it takes to take the photos. So let’s destroy it.
- 1 Hour: Locating and working out details with clients
- 1 Hour: Self photo session
- 2 Hours: Post production and photo processing
You can extend your photo session to an hour and a half if you wish, especially when you’re first starting out. That will buy you more time and help you feel less rushed. However, for some clients and pets, an hour may be more than they can tolerate.
Either way, even if you spend more time than what we have listed above you can check it out for a $500 session fee You will earn over $100 per hour.
Often the only thing holding back someone starting their own business is the feeling that they don’t have the skills or the tools to do it.
I Don’t Have the Skills to do this Professionally
For most start-ups, you’re probably working with family or friends. Feel free to give them a discount, even a 50% discount if you want. You will still earn a great hourly wage while working hard.
Impostor syndrome is also something you may be working on. Don’t be afraid to set your standard rate as high as the market in your area. But if you need the confidence to be able to charge, give a significant discount to the first client you work with.
You’ll gain some valuable experience, but you’ll also be giving them great value in saving them hundreds of dollars over other people or having to try and do it yourself.
You’re not a perfect photographer, but You weren’t hired as such. You have a lot more to learn, but we learn by applying what we know.
No professional photographer starts out as a professional. So it’s true that you need to get better but you are more than good enough to start now.
I Don’t Have the Equipment I Need
While feeling like you don’t have the equipment you need can be an obstacle, it’s much easier to overcome than feeling doubt. If you need some small talk or have any other questions about overcoming the obstacle, please don’t hesitate to contact us and ask us a question.
You can start with what you have. And that’s a great idea if you want to see if this is something you like. One caveat is that it is absolutely necessary to have an interchangeable lens camera. No smartphones!
It’s true that people can get great photos with their smartphones. However, if someone is going to pay you to take pictures, they won’t feel like they’re getting their money’s worth if they see you show up and pull a camera out of your pocket.
Value is all about perception and having a DSLR or Mirrorless camera around your neck creates instant value in the eyes of your clients.
Whether you have a camera but no lens, or you have nothing, it doesn’t matter.
For some people, buying lenses would be the best option. If you haven’t been able to buy the equipment, then you can simply rent it.
As mentioned elsewhere in this article, camera equipment rentals are very affordable. Especially if you are asking someone to pay for the pictures you are about to take.
At first it might seem like, ‘hey, I’m not going to make a lot of money that way. The reality is ‘hey someone else is paying for me to rent this cool equipment.’
Your rental fee will only be covered by the price you set for the photo session. Later you can buy the equipment you need and make more money, but having someone else pay is pretty good.
Camera rental is usually for 3-7 days. If you can fit 2-3 clients into that time period it really makes it worth it.
baresi