Ta! Da! How friggin cute is that?
*grins*
What ever it is...it's kinda fun, and I really enjoy being a bit crafty (that's just a bit odd for me, as I am not usually the crafty type!). Ah well, I am gonna keep rollin' with this until I burn myself out.
***
OK photog friends...I have a must read blog. It's called In Bed With Sue. Darn good stuff there...tips, tricks, refreshers...you name it. Yep...and I really like her name too. She's got balls and she is not afraid to use them...LOL. But seriously...I needed to read her blog. This article was especially eye opening. It's about how much you charge clients...and this woman ain't cheap!! It got me thinking about how much I am worth. So get this, I shot an event in October and a man asked me if I would shoot his Christmas party. I said sure (and was so excited to get a potential gig). But then he asked me how much I would charge. I gave him my price and he said..."wow that's really expensive! Can you do like, half?" I said no. He looked at me like I was nuts. Then I said to him (and I am not lying here...I really said this...) "You know that's actually really cheap...I am a fucking great photographer." He stood there for a minute and said..."I bet you are...now I wish I could afford you!" Seriously...that happened to me! AND...it actually felt good to say I am a fucking great photographer. And you know why it felt so good? Because it was in that moment that I actually BELIEVED in myself. Holy shit...I need to let that sink in.
Now, I am not trying to be all cocky...and my work does not appeal to everyone. But there are people out "there" who do appreciate my work and are willing to pay for it (the tricky part is finding them!!!!).
I do think we all need this reminder. How many times do you feel that your "work" or creative endeavors are not worth much? I know I have struggled with this for a long long time. I never thought I could earn a living doing what I love. I never thought I was worth a "price." I didn't believe in my talents. But I love what I do and I always give 110%. And that is worth something. Like I said yesterday, it's one foot in front of the other. And it's time that make this shit happen.
Who's with me?
***
OMG! Have you seen this video? If this does not make you smile...you may need to go back to bed!
16 comments:
seriously impressed with all your craft going on here. I wish people would ask me to take their photographs....one day! love the video and i'm now going to check out the blog you mentioned.
love the video and in bed with sue.....thanks for sharing her with us :)
I went through a whole baking frenzy when I first moved into our new place in the country.
I think you should absolutely charge what you feel you're worth. It's not your problem if people can't afford you. Do they discount their wages...? Good for you for sticking up for yourself.
That policeman is certainly patient - must be a cat person. *smile*
My hubby does consulting work and I understand how it can be to be firm with your price. But stick with your plan and price, it all will happen! For some reason, folks discount the value of a good photographer ... guess they figure they can do the same thing themselves ... I say, go for it!
Love the video ... that cat is serious about have some attention!
Good for you! Yes indeedy, you are an amazing photographer and worth whatever you charge! Stand strong.
Ok, so where are you getting all this time to be so darn crafty!! I am jealous! this video is awesome..I love cats!
xo Lisa
LOVE what you said to that potential client.. YOU go girl!!
I swear...I JUST made these!!! And yes....friggen cute!
love how you stood up to that guy. your blog is great, thanks for stopping by my place the other day!
Going to check out that link but wanted to say that I absolutely feel like my work isn't worth much. I did a shoot that I didn't even think was that good, for a friend's husband who builds guitars. I took all the photos for his website, and basically just gave him the pictures and didn't charge for a single thing. Arrrgggh. I just shoot for a hobby. I don't think I want a business, other than selling some prints.
Long ago I worked for a lawyer who was an enormous asshole. I asked him one day how he came up for a price for his services and he told me, "I think of an absurd number and then I double it. If you charge a small price people will not value you."
I thought he was an idiot but later when I was running my own office I found out that although he was indeed a huge asshole, he was right about the pricing thing.
Video definitely made me laugh. Yes, we are worth it.
Mmmm, cookie yumminess! I always feel more crafy during the holidays. I'll have to take a peek at that blog :)
The Christmas spirit has really gotten in to you - could you send some of it my way.
You are an amazing photographer and it is awesome to hear you put it into words, so powerful
I'm going to start calling you Martha. lol!
Ok...haven't made these in years, but just last week I went out and bought the ingredients for them too. Planning to have my girls make them this week. Yours look great!
You stood up for yourself and I love his response. You are worth it!
LOL!! There are tears streaming down my face as I type this...I was laughing so hard at that cat! (Ok, my eyes water really easily, I don't have to be laughing hard, but still...I was laughing pretty hard!)
Thank you for the laughs.
And thank you for sharing the link to this blog...going to go read it... just gave someone a quote for her upcoming wedding, and I always cringe as I wait for their response. I am worth what I charge, dammit.
But first I need to forward this video to a few. lol!
Post a Comment