As a photographer, there have been several moments in my career that have stood out and they have all involved others.  There was one moment in my career where I was starting to sell my images and my services.  Rather than charge prices that were compatible to the local environment, I was thinking quantity would overcome pricing so I was selling my services and my images at very low prices.  It was during this time, a well known local artist reached out to me and said, “You have got to value yourself more than what you are because you are killing the market.”  He went on to tell me that my work was improving every day,  and regardless of what I thought of my work, I needed to charge what the market would cover and not what I thought it was worth.  By marking my prices lower than everyone else, I was letting the world know that I didn’t think my product or services were worth it.  Honestly, that had not crossed my mind exactly like that until I had someone of this caliber talking to me about my work, knowing the magnitude and reach of their work. It was around this time that a friend of mine introduced me to another photographer that I had never heard of.  In an effort to just be me and talk about photography in general, they essentially told me the same thing but was a bit more harsh about it.  They let me know that it was people like me, someone that had a camera and could push a button, that was killing the industry.  Where I was charging $50-$75 for a one hour mini session, this individual was doing family photo sessions for $2,000.  Over time I have grown to admire this individual and learn from them.  They know their market and know that it’s not Stanly County so they aim for areas and markets that will accommodate and he has no lack of work.  Since that time, I have raised my prices and my products and services still sell.  I have taken the advice given to heart and taken the time to figure the cost of what I do into what I charge.  I have equipment that has wear and tear every time I push a button.  I have my time and I have my skill.  Honestly, these last two were the hardest parts to put a value to.  It’s hard to look at yourself and say, “I’m worth xxxxx dollars”. Another defining moment for me was when another local well known photographer contacted me one day after a Stanly County Arts Guild contest.  They said, “You really have an eye for what you do.  Would you ever consider coming to my studio and letting me show you my editing process?”  I was thrilled.  I knew who they were but had never officially met them, and then all of a sudden I was sitting in their studio surrounded by computers and large format printers.  I spent the better part of an afternoon with them and gained knowledge of editing, photography, printing, and even life. They took one of my raw files and edited it the way that they would have and printed it on quality paper.  The only thing I regret is that I didn’t have them sign it for me.  I know it’s my image, but it was THEM!  Approximately six weeks later, their cancer returned and they passed.  While I was sad, I was thankful.  Regardless of the brevity, a friend and mentor was gained.  Today, I see people that charge so little for photography services and I want them to know . . . “You are worth so much more.”  I can tell.  I can tell because they do beautiful work. Take a minute and reset.  Think about your equipment and time but really think about you and what you bring to the table.  Want to talk about it?  Please don’t hesitate.  I would love to discuss it.