What is a fair rate for a freelance photographer?

I work here in Minnesota...and the Mid-west is famous for charging cheaper rates for a LOTTT of services. When I shoot a portraits for a Senior yearbook or HS or College Graduation I try to always do it outside on a nice day.....not too sunny...or cloudy. We have many nice scenic State Parks nearby.....one with a beautiful waterfall. I charge $75. to go there and shoot 75-100 shots. I let the customer choose 3 of the best shots and make a simple package deal. I'll sell them MORE if they like for a bit more money. I usually try to schedule at least 2-3 customers on the same day to cut down on transportation expenses. (10 mile drive). I bring my laptop so they can pick and choose what they want 15 minutes after we are done.

There is a whole lot of luck, a bit of experience and some psychology involed in this question. I'll do my best to help.

First of all your beginning day rates are adjusted to your location. Bigger cities usually can support higer day rates and small ones just the opposite, ie; in Atlanta I charge 1300 for a full day. In orlando 1000 but in Daytona it's 700. It pivots on what the market can bare as well. You have to be mindfull of the economy too. Back when we first bombed Iraq (the first time) fair price rates took a dip as they are now. This is because the first thing a company cuts when the economy is bad is their advertising. Individuals too have to adjust for leaner times.

Your experience too is important in the price adjustment.

So if I knew the answer to those two things I could say more about that.

Now with all that said I want to address your maybe thinking of undercutting for more work. This is the psychology at work. When your contemplate and decide on a price you must know that your work is worthy of that pay and they get what they pay for. People are funny. If you go too low they think you suck and they will go with a higher priced shooter almost every time. If you are gonna shoot always strive to give your client more then they asked for and at the end of the day they will think they got more than their monies worth and won't balk at a reasonable day rate and this will result in a relationship betwee you and the client that will last and overcome other shooters attempts to woo them as long as you stay true to yourself and your abilities and strive to improve and learn as your shooters eye develops.

Hope that helps.

c