Alright, you got your phone. You learned a lil’ bit about lighting, composition, editing — you even got some fire shots under your belt.
Now what?

You ain’t about to stay stuck on “free 99” forever. Let’s talk about charging and finding people ready to book you — even if you just starting out.

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Step 1: Stop Thinking You Gotta Be “Famous” to Get Paid

Nobody’s asking you for a Grammy.
They just want somebody who can make them look good — and if you can do that, you can (and should) charge for it. Period.

Your work = your worth.
Even if you just starting out, time is time. Talent is talent. Energy is energy.
Set a price.

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Step 2: Starter Pricing Cheat Code (Without Overthinking It)

When you first starting: keep it simple.
A basic starting point could be:

• Mini Shoot (30 mins – 1 hr): $50-$100
• Full Shoot (1-2 hrs): $100-$200
• Add-ons: Extra edits $10-$20 each, quick turnaround fee (rush edits) $25-$50

Key:
Start lower while you building, but not “desperate low.”
Once you got a few clients and you cooking up better work? Raise your prices little by little.

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Step 3: How to Make Your Packages Look Legit (Even if You Still Using Your Phone)

People love feeling like they buying a “deal.”
Even if it’s just you pulling up with an iPhone and vibes, package it right:

• Name it: “Quick Flicks Session” or “Street Style Package”
• List what they get: X amount of edited pics, how many outfits allowed, time limit, location details
• Set the vibe: You’re not just selling photos. You selling an experience.
  Make it sound fun, easy, professional.

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Step 4: Where to Find People Who’ll Actually Book You

Now, this where the real hustle come in:

✅ Friends and Family:
Shoot ‘em, post it, tag them, and tell them tag you back. Word of mouth is free marketing.
(Don’t let them keep getting free shoots tho. Set boundaries early.)

✅ Social Media:
Post a portfolio highlight reel — even if it’s just a few shots at first.
Use local hashtags.
Example: #CharlottePhotographer #NYCPortraits #MiamiShoot

✅ FB Groups:
There’s groups for everything — models, business owners, influencers — all looking for photographers without the crazy prices.

✅ Craigslist / OfferUp:
Underrated. People need birthday shoots, family pics, graduation pics…and not everybody wanna pay studio prices.

✅ Pop-up Sessions:
Pick a busy location (park, downtown), announce you’re doing quick mini-shoots for cheap.
Pull up, shoot, get paid, collect testimonials.

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Step 5: Bonus Hustle Tip — Create Scarcity

Say it with me:
“I’m not available every day.”

Even if you free all week, don’t say that.
Create limited slots.
Example: “I’m booking 5 shoots this month. First come, first served.”

It makes you sound in-demand. And people move faster when they think they’ll miss out.

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Final Word:

You ain’t gotta charge $500 right away.
You just gotta charge something and start.
Move like a real business from day 1, even if you building it from your phone and a prayer. 🙏🏽📱

You show people how to treat you.
If you move like a pro, they’ll pay you like one.