Okay. The first thread of this new forum - Show Me The Money! This whole forum is meant for discussions regarding the business side of photography. It's a place where professionals can discuss their common concerns regarding photography as a means of livelihood. It's also a place where photographers who want to turn their photography into a profession, can find out tips and advice on how to go about it.

There are a lot of questions and concerns - everything from how one begins, how one markets themselves, how to price one's work, how to protect one's rights, etc. Mind you, it's not as simple as it may seem. Even most of the pros are in a bit of confusion regarding many of these concerns as there still is a lack of a real industry standard. So, we hope that this forum would actually help in the shaping of a set of standards for photography as a profession.

Hi Louie,

I'm back. Just want to know how you handle friends and relatives who ask for a discount of your professional services? I sometimes feel insulted when they do so to me. We are all professionals and many of them have stable jobs with fixed incomes and yet when it comes to the most important part of an event, Photographers are sometimes misunderstood for their profession that all they do is take photos. I have to explain to them that there is this thing called pre and post-production work that we now do since digital came into the picture.

If we give discounts, they sometimes abuse us by posing beyond the agreed number of hours of coverage. In the airline industry, discounted tickets from relatives and dependents are considered as non-revenue passengers and are always on the last priority unless they pay 50% of the airline fare. Whether friends, relatives or clients we still give them the same quality of work so why would we give-in if we have other things to do and projects that were paid in full by clients? They already got a discount and yet here they are asking for additional services, free items and quite demanding when it comes to deadlines so I just tell them that I have another shoot on the same day to avoid any conflicts.

Your thoughts on this matter is highly appreciated. Best Regards.

You could try either 1. explaining how sagad na sa buto yung presyo mo so you can't afford to give discounts (how would people like it if their boss at work asked for a "discount" on their salary?) or 2. pre-compute a fixed discount for such situations.
I'm new to photography so I don't know how well these will work.

EDIT: Oops, hindi pala addressed sa general population yung post mo. Anyway, sana makatulong yung reply ko.

Start by telling them what you consider to be your high rate. Then, say, "however, because you are my friend or kamag-anak, I will give you x amount or x % discount." Some people just want to get discounts and would settle for any discount. However, if they still ask you for more discounts, but you can't say no to doing photography for them, maybe you can get something in return to make up for the difference- maybe they can pay you in kind - maybe gift checks? Maybe they can give you referrals? Maybe they can endorse your services? Maybe they can do the catering at your next party and they can give you the same discount rate? The important thing is that you should get something in return for what you are giving up. Learn to negotiate. Hope this helps.

The problem with some people is that they think all we do is push the button on the camera to take a picture, and that for them doesn't justify the price tag.

Stick to your rates, and don't feel bad if they go and get someone else. If you do intend to give a discount, it must be because the client has committed a volume of other events for you to cover. If it's just a one time thing, or they are not repeat clients, think twice - they will just be taking you for a ride, and you'll feel cheated in the end.

Sure it's just money, but take pride in what you do and keep your dignity.

One time a relative asked me for a discount, despite the fact that their company made a lot of money and could even afford a string quartet for the event. Okay I gave a discount, but just brought my 18-70 lens to the party. No sense bringing the same gear I brought to other parties where the client readily agreed to my rate.

And just one 512mb cF card.:p Nah, joke lang yun.

i agree with you mr. john..being specific on your service!i should have this attitude like you...in my case i try to educate my clients even if it's hard to detailed all the services. it pays off to instill good relation afterwards with our client.in business side everything should be in place.

@ JP, Mam Harvey and Jerico,

Thanks for your advice. I will be implementing them this year. Sir Louie is busy with the standard rate guide. Really appreciate your inputs.

@ John,

Thanks bro for your suggestions. Are you related to Mike Aguas from Bene?
It's a small world and I think you also came from the same school in Alabang. Best Regards.

Is there a seminar or a short course on the how to properly operate a photography studio, etc.?

Is there a seminar or a short course on the how to properly operate a photography studio, etc.?

There's one on the business of photography that's going to be scheduled next month. We're still working out details. I will make the announcement in this forum as soon as date, fee, etc. are final.

I'll try to con my brother to spot me on this one. :D

Photography for Profit
March 24, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.


Getting started
Are you the kind of person who enjoys taking photographs, has spent time improving your photographic skills by reading a book or two and taking a short course, or spent weekends photographing your favorite subject? Have you considered a career in photography, or perhaps already set up your own photography business, but are not happy with the results? Regardless of your photography experience, this one-day course is intended for every photographer who thought of becoming a pro.


Choosing a direction
The field of professional photography is vast as there are several disciplines (and even sub-disciplines) to choose from. These include advertising, people and events, corporate, or journalism. These disciplines require varying skills, personalities, education, and experience.


To help you select a field of specialization, an overview of the more popular disciplines and sub-disciplines has been included in this course. Other topics that will be discussed are:
- Understanding the marketplace and what opportunities are available
- Identifying the customer and what product or service is valuable to him
- Knowing the business logic of photography


Breaking into the business
Apart from getting paid for something you enjoy doing, there are many incentives to entering a photography business. It is something you can do part time or full time, a creative outlet after a long day at the office, an opportunity to get to know different people, and a way of funding that dream camera.


Guest speakers
Speakers will include John Chua who will speak on advertising photography, and Jay Alonzo who will discuss travel documentary photography.
Joining these photography experts are Harvey Chua and Luis Cruz Jr. who will tackle the business side of photography. The former is from Adphoto, a world-class photography firm that has specialized in advertising since 1973, and the latter is a member of the Asian Institute of Management ‘s Asian Center of Entrepreneurship faculty.


Course fee
Php 2,000.00 inclusive of handouts, meals, and certificate.
Due to the limited availability of slots, you need to confirm your participation on or before March 15 by placing a Php 500.00 partial payment. A 10% early bird discount will be extended to those who settle their payment in full on or before the deadline.


For more details, please call 8921801, email events@filipinaslibrary.org.ph, or visit www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph (http://www.filipinaslibrary.org.ph/).

Oh, you beat me to the announcement! Hope to see you there. By the way, for those of you who are interested to read my blog on the business of photography, try visiting www.adphoto.com.ph/business

As for the seminar, the other speakers and I would appreciate getting some questions now, so we can prepare some answers for you at the seminar. You can post your questions here or you may PM me.

Oh, you beat me to the announcement! Hope to see you there. By the way, for those of you who are interested to read my blog on the business of photography, try visiting www.adphoto.com.ph/business (http://www.adphoto.com.ph/business)

As for the seminar, the other speakers and I would appreciate getting some questions now, so we can prepare some answers for you at the seminar. You can post your questions here or you may PM me.

Ma'am you can start another thread in News and Announcements :Grin: