Knowing how and what to charge for your photography is hard. Especially when you are just starting out in the business, or if you are pricing a job or photo usage you have no experience with. When I first started out there were not many places to turn to for help. That’s why a while back I made the post
Stock Photography Pricing Resources in which I list several free and some pay resources to help you with pricing. Recently I came across a new web site to add to the list; Shakodo.

Shakodo is offering a free service “where amateur and professional photographers can talk openly in a public forum and make the entire photographic service process more transparent, especially in the pricing area”.

From the Shakodo site…

The Problem

Photography is one of those professions without any fixed prices; everything always must be negotiated. Up until recently, the photographic market was very isolated and the art of price negotiation was one of the keys to success for professionals. With the influx of talented amateurs a market shift began to take place. With their lack of experience and knowledge about current market rates and not understanding client’s budgets and needs, these talented amateurs have settled for lowered price offers. As a result, they have unintentionally undercut professionals while leaving money on the table because they are not aware of the true market value of their photos or services.

As I said Shakodo is new so I have not really been involved yet. I’ll be following it and formulating opinions I am sure. If you try it I would love to hear back from you in the comments what you think of it.