We’re often told as photographers not to work for free. I disagree. I think when we’re starting off, it is a good idea to work for free. Then as you build your skills, start to charge a lot of money.

We love FREE!

Photos from my friends, VUDORY Wedding. Saigon, 2017

People love this concept of “free.”

If you’re a newbie photographer, with a good camera, and you want to build your portfolio, offer to make photos for others for FREE.

Shoot a wedding for free. Shoot an engagement for free. Shoot a portrait for free.

Build up your portfolio and build up your skills.

Don’t shoot for free forever.

But once you have a portfolio you’re proud of, stop shooting for free.

Start charging a lot of money.

That means, if your old clients tell you that they want more free work, just tell them:

Here is my new price sheet for my services.

Email them a PDF (professionally designed) of your new rates. If they don’t respond or say no, it is ok. Just move on.

You don’t want leeches holding you back.

Barbell pricing: Free or Expensive

I learned this from Nassim Taleb: the barbell theory. Imagine a barbell at the gym, extreme weights on both ends. Avoid the middle.

For example, I either do things for free, or charge a lot of money.

For example, I’ll shoot a friend’s wedding for free. But if a company contacts me, I’ll charge a lot of money, or refuse to do it.

No more free work for big companies.

I’ll give free photography advice to young photographers. But I’ll charge a lot of money for my photography consulting services.

I’ll give away all my information, books, and videos for free here. But for workshops and experiences, I’ll charge a lot of money.

When should I start charging for my photography?

So the very basic concept is once again:

Shoot stuff for free and give things away for free when you’re starting off to build your brand. But when you are confident in yourself, charge a lot of money.

But when is the right time to start charging for your services?

I don’t have the answers. Only you do.