How much should I charge for freelance graphic design?

How much should I charge for a photo shoot and additional graphic design?

• Hi, I am starting to feel more comfortable in my photography abilities when it comes to portraits (for weddings, graduation photos, family photos, etc.) and I feel that I finally feel confident enough to charge a higher price. Also, the amount I'm charging is not making up for the amount of time I put into these photos. However, I'm still nervous about just how much I should charge. I usually do a three hour shoot and then give the client about 30 full quality photos from the shoot. I have always charged somewhere from 40.00 - 50.00 for everything (photos, editing, delivery), but also started creating announcements, invitations, christmas cards, etc. which I've stupidly included in the 50.00 charge. I don't want to overcharge because I don't enjoy making people spend money they don't have, but what is a comfortable asking price for just the photo shoot and photos with edits? I wanted to start charging 150.00 with 50.00 additional for the designs (photoshop takes a LONG TIME). Is this too much? Too little? For those of you who are freelance photographers, I would love hearing your input and possible prices I could use to quote people. Do I also charge by amount of photos, hours, people? Thank you for all your help in advance!

• Answer:

  Do you have repeat customers? If you jump from $50 to $150, expect to lose some. I would give repeating customers a price increase, then a year later another one, until they are on par with new customers. As for those, try the $150, if that turns people away, lower the figure. The essence of marketing is to charge an amount that keeps the customers coming in the door but doesn't put you in the poor house.