How to Price Your Photography When You’re Just Starting Out (Without Undervaluing Yourself)
Beginner Photography Pricing: How to Set Your Rates Without Undervaluing Your Work
A welder at work captured by Sean Healey—highlighting how diverse, real-world projects can help build a photography career from the ground up.
The Truth: Sometimes It’s Not About the Money
When you're just starting out in photography, one of the hardest questions to answer is: how much should I charge? You Google it, ask in Facebook groups, check what local photographers are doing, and still end up unsure. Here's the truth no one really talks about: when you're starting, it's less about the number and more about the value to you.
When I First Started
In the early days, I didn’t have a fixed rate. I just asked myself: "Is this worth it for me?" That usually meant charging very little—sometimes $25, sometimes nothing. But I always made sure I was getting something valuable in return:
Portfolio content
Real-world experience
Confidence working with clients
A chance to experiment creatively
That mindset helped me grow way faster than if I had held out for "full price" gigs right away.
Why Working for Cheap (or Free) Isn’t Always a Bad Thing
If a job helps you gain experience, build your portfolio, or develop client relationships, it has real value. Just make sure you’re not being taken advantage of. Be clear about what you’re doing, and why.
This isn’t about devaluing your work or the industry. It’s about building your foundation. You’re not competing with professionals charging $300 an hour—you’re competing with your last shoot. Growth comes from doing the work, learning from it, and moving forward.
A Personal Example
There was a time I charged nearly 60% less than my usual rate—just because I didn’t have anything going on and wanted to stay active. That one discounted shoot turned into three more full-rate jobs over the next nine months. That client had a great experience, remembered me, and came back. No awkward price talks. No pushback. They saw the value.
That’s why taking the job at the right time for you can be the smartest move.
When to Start Raising Your Prices
The turning point is when you start getting consistent results and people begin seeking you out. When that happens, it’s time to raise your prices. Not all at once, but gradually and confidently.
Eventually, you’ll be able to say:
“This is my rate. If it’s not in your budget, no worries—I’m probably not the right fit."
And you’ll mean it.
Final Thoughts
So, how much should you charge when you’re just starting out? Charge whatever makes it worth it for you. Focus on growing your skills, building relationships, and creating work you’re proud of.
