How do I get money from headshots?

[ella_swanson]

<p>I've been doing headshots for free since August and now I think I have a pretty decent amount of good headshots to make a comp card exclusively for that, but I'm not sure where to post it. I posted a digital copy on craigslist but it got buried with the other hundred photographers selling headshots.<br>

Also I was researching how much actors expect to pay for headshots and most people told me $200 and up and anything drastically cheaper is just too sketchy so they stay away. I'm decent but not good enough to charge that much, but I need to make some money in order to get better equipment so that I can get more jobs. It's kind of a chicken and egg situation.<br>

One of the actors I photograph told me he would try and get me at least one client and tell them they had to get me another one, kind of a pay it forward thing, but I need something more substantial than a few hopeful clients.</p>

<p><em>Below is a sample of the comp card I'm using right now.</em><br>

<img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/Beamer1987/Ad.jpg?t=1234915595" alt="" width="485" height="485" /><br>

<strong>Where should I post this? Am I overcharging?<br /> </strong></p>

 

[peter_cofran]

<p>First of all I like your work. The biggest problem with Craigslist is that it's audience is made up of bottom feeders. I know this sounds awful but its true. Like the people who pick through your tag sale and try to bargain you down. In addition anybody who is starting out in any sort of business posts their services there so there is a lot of competition.<br /> <br /> Now here's the part that’s pure speculation. I'd try to offer someone who has access to source of potential clients like a head hunter/agent. For every referral you pay him a finders fee or commission like 30%. Once you build up a client base you can drop that tactic.</p>

[ellis_vener_photography]

<blockquote>

<p><em>I'm decent but not good enough to charge that much. </em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>Let your clients decide that. If they like the work you do they let you know by paying what you ask. If they don't they won't.</p>

[christian_harris1]

<p>Yeah, I think you're more than talented enough to charge $200 or more for these. Are there any local schools and universities that you could tap for acting students?</p>

[michael_meyer]

<p>Look for bulletin boards at acting schools, film schools, music schools and rehearsal spaces where you can put a flyer up with tear-aways with your phone number, website and e-mail. Consider also coffee shops or restaurants where you can drop postcards or tack up a flyer. From you're profile I see you're in NYC, there are lots of places to get your name out there. Word of mouth will also be a good source of leads. </p>

<p>I agree that Craigslist is where the bottom feeders go. That doesn't mean that you won't get leads from there, just don't make it your only source. </p>

<p>I think your rate is low for the NYC market. You might want to check what other photographers are charging and how they structure their rates. A flat rate as opposed to an hourly fee is more common.</p>

[Ian Taylor]

<p>I know in Toronto, where there is a huge number of actors, the top end of the headshot market is controlled by 3 or 4 people. One guy I know charges $650 for a 90 minute session, then gets about $250-$350 in print orders, so a grand a session. He does two a day. No lights, just outside, in alleyways, against wall etc. Stuff looks very slick.<br>

Then there are tons of shooters doing them for $300. It's a competitive market.</p>

[mikmilman]

<p>Ian, I'd like to see the above mentioned photographer's site. Do you have a link?</p>

[greg jansen]

<p>Be sure to specify in your pricing what is included, and what they can expect. You could start with a basic headshot price for one look. Have it include ONE corrected image on CD. They can pay extra to have the same shot with their name and/or contact info on it. If they want to bring a change of clothing, that is a new "look" and will cost them extra.<br>

Your time is valuable. What you don't want to do is spend a whole afternoon milling about shooting all over the place, switching lenses, trying this, trying that. A good headshot, once set up, should not take longer than 10 minutes and maybe 15 frames.</p>

[ella_swanson]

<p>Thanks for all the answers. I agree on the Craigslist comment, haha. It's just so easy to post there so I always do just in case.<br>

I'm actually going to e-mail a few of my actor friends about the finders fee right now.</p>

[heller_harris]

<p>Hi - Your card shows some perfectly nice casual portraits, but IMO most of the shots don't look like headshots. The large shot (lower left) looks the closest, but it's not your strongest shot. Do a little more research and see what actors in your area are using. Things have changed in the last few years - color, most notably - but try to stick to the formula that Casting Agents, etc. are using.<br>

Just my 2 cents... Good luck.</p>

<p>PS - If you live in a warm, sunny part of the world, then you can forget the studio and shoot outdoors.</p>

[nick_r8]

<p>I like your work, but I would only consider the studio shot in the lower left a headshot. I work as a director, and what I'm looking for is a tightly framed face with eyes directly into the camera that shows the real person I'm about to meet at the audition. Actors also need a standing 3/4 shot for most film work that should be similarly engaging, not posed like a modeling shot. Show personality! I'd also suggest playing around with various portrait length lenses to get a good grasp on how focal length can compress an image and use depth of field more deliberately. <br>

Most actors find photographers by word of mouth. Once they see someone with shots they like they will ask who did them. See if you can't place your cards at showcases, schools, and any place that offers services that actors use.<br>

I would also discourage charging an hourly rate with no minimum as the end goal is to make the person feel as comfortable in front of the camera as possible and nor rushed. </p>

[jake_hesseltine]

<p>The worst part of being on the low end of the spectrum as far as pricing is concerned is the fact that there will always be someone who is lower...always (you even mentioned that you were willing to work for free for a while). Not to mention, price is subjective and what is low (or high) to you may be completely different to a potential client. If someone is seeking you out because of your work, price really does not matter (unless it is too low and they now think less of you). Not to beat a dead horse, but just as someone mentioned that Craigslist is full of bottom feeders...by being the lowest priced, you are attracting price shoppers and bottom feeders who have no loyalty and will expect the world from you. <br>

Believe me, the majority of us have been where you are and know this from direct experience. Do the calculations and you will see that at the rate that you are charging that even if you were working all day every week (shooting, processing, and not to mention the daily business tasks), you would not be making enough to cover the costs associated with being in this profession. It is not a matter of how much you think your work is worth and instead how much you have to charge to survive...and I am sure you want to do more than just survive.<br>

I have not met a pro photographer yet who has not struggled with this timeless dilemma. As artists, it is soooooo hard to remain objective about what our service is worth and to not take it extremely personal when someone rejects us (for whatever reasons). Your photos are high enough quality to justify charging a standard rate. Good luck with all this...it is almost a right of passage. You look like you are on the right track and keep up the good work.<br>

Oh yeah...I would highly recommend you take off that last part on your card. It really does not matter that you do not have a studio and that surely should not justify charging less. If you have portable lights, you can set up a studio anywhere and people usually really appreciate the convenience of you coming to them...use it as a selling point.</p>

[steven_kokensparger]

<p>I like your work as well. Any marketing consultant will tell you that charging less than the standard rate for your services only serves to send the message that you're not as good as everyone else. Judging by your comp card, I don't think that's the case, and I'm sure that more than a few of your competitors haven't put as much time and detailed thought into it as you obviously have. Start at the going rate of $200.00 and, if you want, make sure the word gets out that you'll consider lowering it a tad to help out starving models. :)</p>