How To Determine Photo and Prop Styling Pay Rate

Trying to determine your photo and prop styling pay rate? I come from a completely different perspective and strategy behind the whole’ photo and prop styling pay rate convo.

When I first started styling ~ I started styling editorial and magazine covers. (right from the beginning, lucky, know.)  Out of 12 Magazine covers a year, I started getting booked for almost half of the covers per year. So, why? What was the reason? I went straight to the person who could give me the stats, the "numbers person".  Waaaayyyy before the Influencer social media kits with stats of today! BOLD, I know ~ but that’s how we roll round’ here ~ bold moves.

I was getting booked for covers because I was SELLING the covers (Magazine sales for my client) with my styling.  Of course it was when Magazines were plentiful on the Newsstands! Times have changed ~ but some (& my) strategies have not.  From the very beginning to today ~ I want to know how (EFFECTIVE) my styling is. 

Because when I know how effective (how the client feels about the ROI of my styling/stats) that is “evidence” and evidence = higher photo styling rate. (Don’t just send out your “justification” rate increase letter)

Stylists (usually) will style an assignment and NEVER wonder or ask . . .

■  How did that campaign, ad, or video I styled for my client do?
■  Did it do well?
■  Did it bring in more sales for my client?

 
Are you asking for and collecting evidence in your styling business? (By asking those questions above) I know it could seem awkward asking those questions ~ but they are integral to your business ~ both in determining your styling pay rate AND to see how effective your styling is. (Are you doing really GREAT styling and not giving yourself enough credit ~ or asking enough in your rate! ;) OR does your styling need some improvement in order to get to a better rate?  BOTH those instances are important to know. 

DON’T JUSTIFY.  

Yes, you can “justify” a higher rate with reasons like: 

■  Inflation.
■  I improved my skills.
■  I have more experience.
■  My business costs have increased.

when sending your  “I’m increasing my rate” email.  All that can be true.  But, the very BEST Reason to determine (or increase) your rate is . . . your Styling Skills and Talent.

SO, RATHER THAN BEING "faith based" by doing these . . .

■  Charge what other Stylist’s are charging.

■  Going on Indeed or Payscale rate calculators to search what rate should be (or “they” say it is.)         

■  Guess at what you THINK a Stylist should make.


GATHER YOUR EVIDENCE.

It can be like I do with Magazine Clients I told you about. Getting (asking for!) SOLID, “results-driven” stats testimonials. Just start gathering. It’s just not ENOUGH to have the “belief” (faith) you should be getting a higher styling rate ~ get your evidence.

In the wise words of @ryanholiday ~ “I don’t have faith in myself ~ I have evidence”. 

DO YOU HAVE "FAITH" THAT . . . 

(1) What other stylists charge is accurate for you.

(2) That rate information you get on Payscale, Indeed, etc. is accurate for the talents/skills you bring and the region that you live/work (style) in.

(3) That "guess" of what your styling rate is the right guess.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Reach out and connect with me at [email protected]

 Bonnie ~

Image Credit ｜ Stocksy