I did look at the union card and it does give Union Rates and the books are all written by successful authors written for hopeful wannabes like me. But this guy was looking for real answers from real people. He has dumped alot of money into the business and if you price to the going price offered on the web, you will go out of business.

My case and I am just a hobbyist:

Two Cameras cheap out dated JVC GHD1's the price $2,000.00.
Two Manfetto Tripods (Cheap ones) the price $ 600.00.
Shotgun Mics, onboard lights, bags, tags, ect. easily $1,000.00

Than you have to edit and publish the product.
Software, computers, websites I would say about $3,000.00

And let us not forget the cost of your time.
Weekends are overtime at my regular job, so that is $30.00 an hour I lose to do what I like doing. Than there is the editing time and the publishing process and materials used. (DVD's/tapes) Another 20hrs? $4,000.00 yearly?

So, it would be my guess, that if the market in your area is like mine ($500,00 a wedding or event), a new person starting from scratch, without a storefront or employees who wishes to do this part time, has to do 20 events a year to pay for his time and equiptment. That does not include the tax man, but in this business who tells him anything.

I know it has been done and done. But people in this business price with their heart and not their head. They hurt you professionals and themselves by working for nothing. They also diminish their ability by not being to upgrade their equitment and software.

G, There is no other Forum, but this Forum.

Thanks for the attitude, I would not feel at home without it. Compared to being in a room with my wife, this place is absolutly lovely. Rick