Candice - Love the video. When you say you photograph for free and everything else is full price, does that apply to digital images? Such a tough subject for me. I am instinctually generous and want people to like me, but you're right, my brand will be devalued and another client might hear about the discount and be upset, which wouldn't be good either.
Anna Kerns - Thank you so much for the encouragement!
diana e - YES!! thank you for this post. I've noticed the discounted clients have in turn ended up being the nickel and dimers who have come back with many "requests" for more images, other additions, etc. Thank you for reaffirming to not discount.
Alicia -- Beba Photography.com - Ammmmmeeeennn!!!! I stopped bartering and offering discounts for the same reason--it devalues my work as an artist and I care about my work too much to do that.....and the people that *do* see the value, are more than willing to pay for it and I haven't had one get their pictures and say, "Dang....why did I pay that much for these?!" I usually hear, "I'm going to have such a hard time selecting because I love so many of them!" I know the value I'm putting out their for my clients and my pricing is firm. I value it and am looking for others that do too. If they don't, then we're not a good fit. ; )
Chelsea - Fantastic post. What a great way to explain what can be a pretty awkward subject. Thank you!
Yair Haim - You have know how idea how much I think you are right! I also believe in my value as a photographer and it's hard to say no but we have to!!!
Thank you for sharing :)
Kelly - Hilarious! I especially like the ending where they expect to be shown how to cook the meal themselves!
Elizabeth - Loved the video -- I understand where you are coming from Melissa. Harsh words, but I agree with you -- your time is your money. I will be honest if I were getting married you would be out of my league. Not gonna lie and I would have to look somewhere else. I would not expect anyone to lower their prices to fit MY budget wishful thinking but most likely not happenin. You are very talented in what you do and people have to understand you pay for that.
Melissa Jill :) - Hi Ali -- No, I didn't. There's a difference between offering a low price and offering a discount. I would just set your prices lower to begin with, but don't deviate from them. Set your price to whatever you feel comfortable working for and stick by it.
ali - Great post. Q: So u never gave discounts from the begining? I am just starting to build a business here, and sometimes i think i should just do it.... Right?
Allison - Can I give you a high-five too?? Great post to remind us to be firm and sweet about the value of our abilities!
Thank you!
Kari Jeanne - Such a great post! I'm giving you an internet high five right now!!!
M'Lynn - This is a great post for photographers and designers. Thanks for sharing you thoughts!
Heidi - Can we become superclose/family and friends please? ;) LOL Your work is worth the price and anyone who has had their wedding shot by you would say the same tihng. :)
Abby Grace - Ugh, that YouTube video made me sick to watch because I've HEARD people say those exact things! I really like what you had to say about not offering discounts because you're not desperate, and to do so implies you are. I never thought of it like that!
Jody Seibert - Love the video! Your article is well written and applies to all industries, not just photography.
Melissa Jill :) - Hey Kimberly -- I've done 6 cousin's weddings so far. But that's the line -- no cousin's kids or any other distant relatives :).
Kate Appelman - OMG - what a hilarious video! (Classic "it's funny cuz it's true" work here)...
I agree with your post and thank you for posting it. This kind of education needs to be spread out to ALL potential photography clients!!!
Myrian Peery - So true and so fair. As a client, I would be really upset to find out you charged me a x amount, then to know that someone else got the same for less. So yes, I don't think discount works in this type of industry! Great post!
kimberly - Hi Melissa Jill! Just curious because it seems like it could be tricky ... where do you draw the line at family? second cousins? Aunts stepchildren? or "immediate family" only?