Pricing questions

DrDavid

I'm trying to figure out what is "fair" pricing for my time, etc.. Basically, I price my photos at $8/5x7, etc.. I include in that price, the cost of post processing. I'm finding I'm spending a LOT of time to post-process images so they are perfect.

I guess, here's my questions...

I charge for the sitting fee, and had, been just charging for the prints. BUT, I'm finding more and more that people want custom work on the photos, or *I* want to make them prettier.

For example, I have one person who wants me to create a 8x12 montage. I was thinking of charging her by the hour; something like $125/hr (which is what I charge for an extra hour of sitting fee). Is that reasonable? Also, as far as post processing.. Should I offer two levels of PP? One that is "Basic" i.e. Levels, white balance, remove blemishes and run through i2e, and one, that is "extra" -- something like $25/image or as an hourly rate to do 'enhanced' PP? i.e. remove bags under the eyes, veins in eyes, change backgrounds, remove larger objects, etc...

What does everyone else do?

David

~Jan~

I just have one flat fee and I charge $15 extra for storyboards, montages, etc. If they want something major done like a head swap or braces removal, then I'd charge hourly.