--- Disclaimer : This is a thread purely for full time photographer who livelihood depends on photography as income ----
Sometimes I wonder... It would be nice if every photographers out there make a decent living, self sufficient and have something left to help others... a world will be a better place when more people can help others...
I wonder why would photographer (I am talking about those depends Photography to make a living) don't see the cost equation and always think they do a service to the industry by charging below cost? would someone nice enough to put food on the table when you need it? (for your info, I don't have problem with people charging less, I am just wondering why)
One thing for sure is, you need a minimum wages to maintain your life... sure, if you are single, living at home and just out of school, any money that you make seems to be a lot... as time goes on, the reality hits... you need a roof over your head, you need a decent income to pay for your child's necessity and you need a decent income to sustain a family. For people who are employed, there is government body that set a minimum wages... when you are self-employed, you are on your own.
I have seen a fair share of people who charge below their cost and shouting so loud to everyone that other photographers who charge more are simply greedy and simply charging way too much... so what happen to them in 5 years down the line? still complaining about why the living standard is so high, why others should charge more just because they don't charge more...
If you are using a very simple formula that you are only making 30% profit (not a magic number, but rather a number that is convenience and those who are in business will think it is relevant) of whatever you are making right now, and ask yourself... are you making enough to sustain your current lifestyle? how long can you continue to make a living? how do you plan for your retirement?
I know we should all be contented with what we have, but seriously, don't take it literary... it really also says that work hard and better yourself but in the process, do something that benefit more people... or rather, do something that doesn't harm others...
It is sad to see so many that see others who charge more as an "issue" and a few years down the line, they are doing something else because whatever they charge simply below they should charge...
Blame whoever and whatever you want and I can promise you nothing will change... unless YOU CHANGE...
Life is not always good, but nothing stops you to make it better... the key here is YOU and if YOU stop yourself from being better... no one will stop you.
So ask yourself, what have you done today that hopefully make your family's tomorrow better? if the answer is nothing... isn't it time to wake up and do something...
Ok, this is a rant... but nonetheless, I think it is relevant in business of photography...
All I am saying is, change your MINDSET and CHANGE what is not working today to make tomorrow a BETTER for yourself... so hopefully, you too can help. (just a side note: I don't feel people who charge less is any less than people who charge more... I see it purely as their own personal choice)
If you seriously thing by charging your service cheap help others... You should do it for free... it is even better... seriously... if you could fulfill your family's need and yet still provide free photography that you think helps other that way... go for it...
Regards,
Hart
Sometimes I wonder... It would be nice if every photographers out there make a decent living, self sufficient and have something left to help others... a world will be a better place when more people can help others...
I wonder why would photographer (I am talking about those depends Photography to make a living) don't see the cost equation and always think they do a service to the industry by charging below cost? would someone nice enough to put food on the table when you need it? (for your info, I don't have problem with people charging less, I am just wondering why)
One thing for sure is, you need a minimum wages to maintain your life... sure, if you are single, living at home and just out of school, any money that you make seems to be a lot... as time goes on, the reality hits... you need a roof over your head, you need a decent income to pay for your child's necessity and you need a decent income to sustain a family. For people who are employed, there is government body that set a minimum wages... when you are self-employed, you are on your own.
I have seen a fair share of people who charge below their cost and shouting so loud to everyone that other photographers who charge more are simply greedy and simply charging way too much... so what happen to them in 5 years down the line? still complaining about why the living standard is so high, why others should charge more just because they don't charge more...
If you are using a very simple formula that you are only making 30% profit (not a magic number, but rather a number that is convenience and those who are in business will think it is relevant) of whatever you are making right now, and ask yourself... are you making enough to sustain your current lifestyle? how long can you continue to make a living? how do you plan for your retirement?
I know we should all be contented with what we have, but seriously, don't take it literary... it really also says that work hard and better yourself but in the process, do something that benefit more people... or rather, do something that doesn't harm others...
It is sad to see so many that see others who charge more as an "issue" and a few years down the line, they are doing something else because whatever they charge simply below they should charge...
Blame whoever and whatever you want and I can promise you nothing will change... unless YOU CHANGE...
Life is not always good, but nothing stops you to make it better... the key here is YOU and if YOU stop yourself from being better... no one will stop you.
So ask yourself, what have you done today that hopefully make your family's tomorrow better? if the answer is nothing... isn't it time to wake up and do something...
Ok, this is a rant... but nonetheless, I think it is relevant in business of photography...
All I am saying is, change your MINDSET and CHANGE what is not working today to make tomorrow a BETTER for yourself... so hopefully, you too can help. (just a side note: I don't feel people who charge less is any less than people who charge more... I see it purely as their own personal choice)
If you seriously thing by charging your service cheap help others... You should do it for free... it is even better... seriously... if you could fulfill your family's need and yet still provide free photography that you think helps other that way... go for it...
Regards,
Hart
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