Reply To: I am terrified of you people! Here goes nothing.

[IHF]

I also think you should quit with the contests and give aways and marketing, and instead of shooting for others, shoot for yourself and work on in camera and the technical aspects of photography BEFORE you start taking on clients again.  When you feel it’s time to portfolio build again, can I suggest posting your regular prices (prices that will turn you a profit, and have you making AT LEAST minimum wage after all of your expenses, and fees and taxes have been figured in), so people understand that the lower prices you are charging is just as you portfolio build, and you will soon be charging real prices.  This is much more effective and honest than sales and contests and what not.  It also lets people know how much your photography and photography in general is actually worth.  Lot’s of togs get trapped in that cheap photographer label and get burnt out in a jiffy, especially after they find out what they are charging doesn’t even cover the cost of doing business, and in all actuality they are paying their clients for their hard work.  They try to raise prices but they are unsuccessful at doing so.  and this is the timeline of a fauxtog.  avoid it at all costs if you are serious about making a living with your photography.