Hi guys just starting out in the photography business, would like to know roughly ways to charge product/food photography especially starting out
Might seem like noob questions but i really need answers 🙏🏻

1) do u charge by product or by hour

2) if the client’s product include many products eg ~30-50, whats the best way to charge

3) how long of duration is considered reasonable from getting the product to sending the photos

4) if a client require product photos, but needed only a few photos with a “model” to showcase their product (eg fashion products)do u think this is a diff category of photography and shud be charged differently as “models” arent “props” basically

Would appreciate tips and comments!!

Maybe can use this as reference / guide.
https://fash.com/costs/photographer-prices

This post has been edited by ketnave: Mar 8 2021, 04:54 PM

Thanks! Ive seen some articles on pricing as well but wondering if the rates are similar in malaysia too after converting to rm

Convert to RM as in, USD 50 per hour = RM 200 per hour ?

Yep! Thats what i meant

Well, as long as your client agrees to the rate that should be fine

Personally I think it will more likely to be "dollar-to-dollar" (dollar-to-ringgit in your case) kinda conversion, USD 50 to RM 50 ...

However, I am not really from the photography or creative industry people, so that's purely my view and 2 cents.

An example in IT world:
https://www.exabytes.com/websites/website-design
https://www.exabytes.my/websites/website-design

Again, nothing is set in stone, and it's more about what you can offer / deliver and do you have something to backup the rate you are asking for.

I think there's a saying, "Don't sell yourself short"

Recently facing with a client where after discussing a price for their line of products(~20-30 products), client requires “2-3photos only” of product with a model, which then proceeds to client saying that they have a model. But as i don hv a proper studio, i’d hv to shoot at another place or client’s place. Is this a normal occurrence? Shud i increase the price as it now involves not only the product itself? If so How much shud be reasonable?

Maybe start with the client's budget ? If it's too low will you still take it ?

Let's say, you are looking to charge RM 50 per picture taken:

Products	Number of Pix	Total Pix	Rate	Total
20	3	60	50	3,000
30	3	90	50	4,500

Disclaimer, this is just my 2 cents, am not photographer, but if I am one and starting out, that's how I will "like" to charge

You can rent a studio if need be, and factor in the studio rental into total cost. If client's place is suitable then great.

Thanks for the 2 cents!

Actually just afraid like what you say “selling yourself short”. Constantly contemplating whether to just do whatever client tells me to just for the experience and learning, or have a set self value but risk loosing clients (which = experience) 🙄haha

This post has been edited by Y_vonne: Mar 9 2021, 02:31 PM

Everyone gotta starts from somewhere, if you are really just starting out, it's normal to be earning less and can't really command a premium, but as you keep getting better at what you do, then you can start putting your foot down and all.

Anyway, if this is not your first time taking on a job / client, trust your guts and negotiate from there. Else, just make sure you at least you can cover your cost + a little bit left

All the best !