Thursday, March 05, 2009

"Amateur" is the operative word.

I've decided to go for it. Or I should say I've decided to, then against, then to, then against... charging for photos. AAHH! I know I'll change my mind again if I don't just post this today, so I'm going for it! I've thought a lot about whether or not it was way too soon. If I could possibly get away with charging for something SOO fun. I made a list... let's see:

CONS- (Why I'm TERRified to charge:)

- I like doing things I'm good at. Ross has more of a "Practice makes perfect" mentality. Mine is more,"Soar with your strengths." If I get discouraged that I might not be that natural at it, I want to run the other way. I'd hate to open myself up to criticism by charging and find out I'm just not that good. I know there's ONLY room for improvement at this point and that most likely, in a year when I look back at the photos I take today, I'll want to barf a little. But I'm thinking that's inevitable. Like reading what I thought was my best paper in Junior High or something.

- I'm quite aware that there's still a fabulous amount of knowledge I don't have on the subject. Technically and artistically.

- I WANT to take pictures of people and what if nobody wants to for $$$???

- But mostly, I'm just nervous to open myself up to criticism (as mentioned in bullet 1). Maybe I'll just elaborate some more... :) I know I'm guilty of being extra judgemental of the level of beauty of actors or models since that's their JOB, they're getting paid for it, so you're allowed to judge. I get it. When I'm just taking them for fun, of course people are going to find nice things to say about my photos. But if they're paying, they might see more of the flaws. Do I sound like I can't take an ounce of criticism?? That's not what I mean. I just really want people to be happy if they're paying money. It's a hot commodity these days.


PROS- (Why I WANT to charge):

- I really don't think there's a more enjoyable hobby right now and I LOVE taking photos of new faces with different hairdos and different eye colors and different attitudes. I appreciate any practice I've been able to get... and I love the editing process where you get to see just how vibrant and sparkly those photos can become, and just how much ATTITUDE you can capture on photo paper. However, it can, of course, take up a lot of time. My main motivation to charge is to be able to justify that time spent away from my kids and in front of the computer editing.

- I'd also love to be able to use any money I earn to eventually upgrade my camera, maybe take a photo class, get a new lens, (I think I'd love a macro lens next), and build up a collection of some fun accessories and props for photos. I want to get good. I really want to get good.


- I feel like charging will encourage me to get more creative, take photos even more often, work a little harder, try out new places and ideas, and upgrade my equip. sooner. All things that will help me get better faster.

- I honestly don't know of anyone who lives in my area who takes affordable family photos. Unless you count Sears. ;) It's hard enough to get your family all ready and have a friend come over with her point and shoot. I'm hoping this might give an option to some people who really want nice pictures taken of their family, or their kids, but don't know who to bother for it.

- I've just had to ask myself, "what's the worst that happens?" Nobody asks. And maybe I figure out I need to make a change. Or I just keep teaching myself and trying to learn as much as I can so eventually I'll be really good. And then people will. :)

- Before we know it, it's going to get super hot out here in the desert-- too hot to enjoy being photographed outside. So I'm hoping that my biting the bullet now will at least make it possible for anyone who is interested-- to get some in before it's too late!

I guess the pros won because I did it. I posted "Session Fees" on my photo blog. Doesn't it sound so official?

If you're local and interested, leave me a comment or email me at lillie_biesinger@yahoo.com!

22 comments:

Lizzie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Da Costa said...

Go for it woman! You're good and adding the "fee" will only make you better! :0) And you can do it in the name of all the dreamers out there (like me) who'd love to be in your position now! Don't worry, you'll be great!

TnD said...

Your photos are amazing and having people pay for them will just add value to what they are already getting. Congrats on your new business!

Rachelle said...

Way to go lady! All of your reasons for thinking/wanting to charge are fantastic, but ultimately it comes down to your talent being worth it!

Ashley said...

I LOVE your pictures. You do such an amazing job! I wish my pictures looked like yours! Congratulations! If I lived near you I would totally have you do our family pictures! We are due for new ones.

Jlowryjr said...

Terrible idea...

Missy said...

congrats lillie!

Laurel said...

I fully support this new business venture Lillie! Your pictures are beautiful. You inspire me for the day when I have some cute kids to photograph!

Kodi said...

So when can I schedule a time? :)

Lindsay Griffeth said...

Yeah for you! You're totally right that an affordable photographer is HARD to find. You'll be BUSY! I'm totally coming for you to take pictures of Nate. Can I schedule a day in April?

Heidi McMillan said...

Lillie, My family talks with numerous random people who find your blog through ours and LOVE your photos. It this makes you feel better, we thought you had already gone pro. You are one of the best photographers I have seen. Your photo sessions are really affordable!! It is only fair that you charge money for the time and effort you put into it. And now when you need a very cool, expensive gift, a photo by you will mean that much more. Way to Go! Proud of you!

Michelle said...

this is going to be nothing but good. seriously, I love how you think later you'll barf when you look at the pictures you take now. WHATEVER! I have always been amazed at how quickly you picked this talent up and are now just GREAT at it. so no more worries, okay?
spent some playground time with sweet lacy one morning this week.... sigh...love you ladies..

Lizzie said...

It's about time!!!! I couldn't be happier for you.

Sarie said...

I LOVE YOUR PHOTOS and support this idea 100%!! I am doing the same thing now... did a family session and maternity session last weekend. Super scary, but I am still alive...

You will do GREAT!!!!

Mark and Stefani McCune said...

Definitely charge!! You have awesome talent & it's a perfect way to make some extra cash. Look what happened when we changed our photos on our shop from mine (yuck) to yours...everyone started copying them. :) You're so amazing!

Lauren said...

Alright miss Lillie. Your photos are outta this world! I love them. Yes, you keep getting better and better. Way to go! :) Thanks for the comment on my blog. In response to ya:

a. Yes, my second life of teaching kids music is crazy. There are over 200 of them. I really do love it and it's only 1 1/2 days a week. So I guess I have WAY too many kids' names to remember between that job and my primary president calling. :)

b. About my hair. Gotta love the flat iron. I love curling it with that thing. I do like the length of my hair now. I have some natural waves, but my hair is too thick for it to look cute.

c. Yes, SD in July. I think we're coming around the 23rd. Like I said, we're meeting Christin there. I've never been to CA so this will be a great experience! :) It would be great to meet up.

d. Potato barn? Uh...it's like 2 minutes from my house here in Gilbert. Not kidding. I've never been there. Although I will go now since you say it's great and my friend Melissa LOVES it, too. I will be on the lookout for a four post bed...that's what I WANT, TOO!!!!! haha. Keep in touch. Sorry for the LONG comment. :)

Unknown said...

Of course you should charge-- your fees will be more than reasonable; you won't be price-gouging (however you say that) and you put your heart into what you're doing- receiving an income from this great hobby will just be icing on the cake lillie! your pics are AWESOME- everybody thinks so!!

Lacy said...

Lillie- you are inspiring. I thought of you when I saw the blind guy performing on American Idol. It gave me goosebumps to watch him and to think of you putting yourself out there and subject yourself to criticism. Maybe I'll take a leap and do something new and risky... Love ya.

Anonymous said...

I miss you Lillie, Ross, Sophia and Mila. It has been too long since we last talked. Thinking of you.... Maybe we could exchange a photo session for a trip fare? That would be fun!

Marnie

Anonymous said...

Go for it Lillie! Your passion and talent will bring you success!

catchilupi said...

If we were local, we'd ask. Your work is fantastic. Alas we are in Washington DC.

Rebecca Smylie said...

I'd pay you. A lot.