hi i’m vanie
Pronounced like Bonnie… and I blame my parents for the mis-spelling of my name! I went from having $300 in the bank to building a six-figure headshot photography business doing what I love. I’m here to teach you how to do the same!
hi i’m vanie
Pronounced like Bonnie… and I blame my parents for the mis-spelling of my name! I went from having $300 in the bank to building a six-figure headshot photography business doing what I love. I’m here to teach you how to do the same!
questions i’m often asked
How much should I charge for portrait photography and headshots?
The short answer: It’s not about what others charge – it’s about what YOU need to charge.
Here’s the truth that took me from struggling photographer to six-figure business owner: pricing based on what everyone else charges is a recipe for failure. When I started charging $895 for sessions that others were pricing at $300, it wasn’t because I was being greedy – it was because I understood my true value and costs.
The difference between photographers who make $35,000 a year and those making $150,000+ isn’t talent alone. It’s mindset and proper pricing strategy.
How do I price photography sessions as a beginner?
Your experience level matters, but it’s not the only factor.
Even as a beginner, you can price profitably by understanding this formula: Your expenses + desired profit = your pricing foundation. Then adjust based on your current skill level and market position.
I’ve seen too many talented photographers price themselves out of business because they only considered their experience, not their actual costs. Remember, you’re running a business, not a charity.
What's the biggest mistake photographers make when pricing?
Copying other photographers’ prices without understanding their business model.
You don’t know their expenses, their business goals, or their financial situation. What works for someone else might leave you broke. I learned this the hard way early in my career.
The only pricing strategy that works long-term is one based on YOUR specific business needs, weighted against your experience level.
How do I price corporate headshots specifically?
Corporate headshots command premium pricing when positioned correctly.
For corporate work, you’re not just selling photos – you’re selling professionalism, reliability, and results that impact someone’s career. My corporate headshot sessions start at $895 because I deliver consistent, high-quality results that help professionals advance their careers.
The key is confidence in your ability to deliver what you promise. Practice your craft until you know you can consistently produce work that justifies your rates.
Do I need a studio to charge premium prices?
Absolutely not. I built my six-figure business without a studio.
Location doesn’t determine your worth – your skills, professionalism, and results do. Some of my highest-earning sessions happen in clients’ offices or outdoor locations. It’s about delivering exceptional value, not having expensive overhead.
How do I get the confidence to charge what I'm worth?
Confidence comes from competence, and competence comes from practice.
Here’s what I tell every photographer: Practice your craft until you KNOW you can deliver what you promise. When you’re confident in your ability to create amazing work consistently, charging premium prices becomes natural.
The only thing stopping you from charging $350 instead of $150 for the same session is your mindset. You ARE worthy of charging what you need to build a sustainable, profitable business.
What if clients think my prices are too high?
The right clients will appreciate quality work and fair pricing.
You won’t get everyone, and that’s okay. You’ll get clients who value quality and understand that professional photography is an investment. These clients are easier to work with, more appreciative, and help you build a sustainable business.
Remember: it’s better to book fewer sessions at profitable rates than to stay busy at prices that don’t support your business goals.
How do I transition from part-time to full-time photography?
Proper pricing is the foundation of any successful transition.
Most photographers struggle to go full-time because they’ve priced themselves into poverty. When your pricing covers your true costs AND generates profit, scaling becomes possible.
Your expenses should match your experience level. As you gain experience and confidence, you can (and should) increase your rates. As your business grows, your expenses will grow too – and your income should grow even faster.
What about photography packages vs. individual sessions?
Structure your offerings around profitability, not just convenience.
Whether you offer packages or individual sessions, each option should be priced to ensure profitability. Don’t create packages just to offer “deals” – create them to provide value while maintaining healthy margins.
The goal is to work smarter, not harder. Every offering should contribute to your six-figure business goals.
Where can I learn your exact pricing formula?
I’ve created a comprehensive pricing guide that walks you through my proven system.
This isn’t about copying my exact prices – it’s about understanding the formula that works regardless of your location, experience level, or specialization. The guide shows you how to price your sessions to build a sustainable six-figure photography business, even as a beginner.
from the blog