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Knowing your own self worth is important in a tough economy

By Kevin Michael Reed. January 24, 2009

As one comment on YouTube.com said, “I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry.” I couldn’t agree more. A few months ago, I happened to come upon this video on ThePhotographyBiz.com and saved it to share with my readers. I had forgotten about it for a while, but I think in this tough economy it’s even more important to take the “lessons” from this video to heart, and practice.

Plain and simple, as a fashion photographer in New York City, or anywhere in the world, you will not get clients by being the cheapest, a poor negotiator, or by having a total lack of understanding of the worth of your work. Money is not the only factor that makes a client sign on the dotted line; Negotiation is much more effective if you can show the value of what you create for your clients. At photography workshops, in books and on forums, others are constantly telling us photographers, if you want to get hired – never be the cheapest. Mr. Focus took that to an extraordinary level, obviously a skilled photographer with name brands as clients, he offered his work for free.

Clients want to know and see that you are working. If you’re so desperate that you’re willing to offer your work for free, maybe you just aren’t as valuable or good as you say you are. Working with a clients budget is one thing, giving away your work is something completely different.


Date Posted: January 24, 2009. Tags:  , , , ,      |  2 Comments

About the author
Kevin Michael Reed
Kevin Michael Reed (Google+, Facebook) is a fashion & beauty photographer and producer/director based in New York City and Los Angeles, CA. He is the President/CEO of RedFOG Visual Media, a production company in New York City, and a partner in Passion of Photography, Inc, a company dedicated to teaching photographers and sharing our passion through charitable causes. Kevin has lectured and hosted workshops throughout the United States and the world teaching photographers the business and creative sides of photography. (Kevin's Fashion & Beauty Photography Portfolio can be seen here).
  • http://www.wattsdigital.com/blog1 John Watts

    WOW!

    Kevin, this really opened my eyes – - I've never apologized for being on the high end of the hourly rate for what I do, and frankly, I had considered lowering my rates in this goofy economy to attract business – - NOT NOW!!! I know what I'm worth, and worth every penny – - my rates stay the same!

    John :-)

  • http://www.KevinReed.com Kevin Michael Reed

    I too have considered lowering my rates, but here's the problem.

    In a good economy, when someone is starting out they tend to start at lower rates and then try to raise them every year until they get to a point where they are actually making money. Of course, we both know this hurts the photographic community and it takes a VERY long time to raise your rates back up.

    In a bad economy, you'll never be able to raise your rates back up.

    KMR