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First time doing portrait photography?

I'm gonna start off with a little background information. I've been into photography for a few years now. I use a Nikon D40, with the 18-55mm lens and a 70-300mm lens. I'm mostly into landscapes/wildlife/nature photography, but I have done a few portraits of people/kids.

I've had several people ask about me doing some portraits ( some of children, another would be a couple's portrait) I am a photography major, so it would be some great experience for me(plus help kick off my career) and the extra money would be awesome. BUT I am completely new at this sort of photography so...

How should I charge per session? Since I'm a new photographer I don't want to put an outrageous price on sessions.

Also, should I charge per picture? And is it best if I print my own pictures, or have them printed at a store?

I don't have a lot of equipment, aside from the camera and lenses I have a remote, a polarized filter and two other filters.

I am on a tight budget, so going out and buying a studio and a bunch of extra equipment is totally out of the question as of right now.

Any tips and/or links to helpful advice will be greatly appreciated!!

1 Answer

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  • Anonymous
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Honestly, if you're not comfortable doing it I'd recommend you leave it to the professionals. In this digital age, so many moms and teenage girls are able to get their hands on cameras and, from my experience, butcher peoples most memorable moments (weddings, family photos, senior photos, etc.).

    If you are a photo major and have not fully grasped the process of a portrait session, then I would recommend you sit this one out so that you don't hurt your reputation by jumping the gun on taking peoples money in exchange for your new skills.

    For now, pick up a 50mm f1.8 lens, they're cheap and quality lenses that will help you move towards portrait photography. Your kit lenses are less capable of handling this type of photography at the moment.

    Also, look at other photographers work and learn from them, read blogs, watch youtube videos, never stop learning. Post your photos online for critiques, and make sure they're constructive, not just "omg good picture nice light". That will get you no where. I don't recommend Flickr for that reason exactly.

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