Charges for hourly rates?

[Rell]

Hi all,

I understand that some of us out here are full time photographers who rely on photography as a rice bowl.

Recently, there is a rise in demand for DSLR cameras, whereby an entry level is simply more affordable as compared to the past. Anyone can simply wear one over their necks as a fashion accessory and proclaim themselves as professionals as compared to those who do not own one.

It has even come to the point whereby they decide to start charging for their services at rock bottom rates, which I understand, had created quite alot of competition in the market.

Hence, I would like our dear friends to advise on what factors which they will put into consideration before coming up with rates for a client.

[The Miracle]

I think there are two scenarios, the freelancer/part-timer and the full timer.

For the full-timer, everything from traveling time, equipment depreciation, phone bills, electricity bills, broad band bills, computer hardware and software costs, advertisements will add up. A full timer will also have consider the bonus,CPF, medical benefits which are forgone when compared to an employed person. Hence a reasonable estimate could be: for a take home income of $3000, he or she will need to take in at least $6000 /mth. If that equates to 8 jobs per mth at 6hours per job, he or she will need to charge at least $100/hr.

For the part-timer, all the above can be negated as photography would be a hobby. Hence charging $20 an hour or even free services can be possible.

[absolut]

as u said everyone now can hold a DSLR...no longer e old times..howevey its still e persons skill which matters most rather than the cameras use.

i can be using a DSLR but in auto mode.. which most of the people use..(when they hit e shutter button e flash pops out).
i feel that its much more of skill which matters most beside looking pro..whats e use of looking pro when u deliver lousy shots to Ur customers/friends u r helping to shoot?

at e end of e day, its you how decide how much u can charge and not looking guideline for t rates to charge..for a start maybe $20 to $50 per event??(if ur learning at e same time)

[Rell]

Some new updates which I came across.
When it comes to charging, do charge RESPONSIBLY.
Your charges have to justify your output.
Of which, we base this on the equipment, skill level and the complexity of the job.
As such... Someone with really complex gear, yet shooting an auto should pretty much be ok if he chooses to charge 10 per hour.