I have my own thoughts on the whole "pricing model" that most established photographers have and regularly shove down the younger photog's throat. There are arguments on both sides and it IS the White Castle vs. Five Star Restaurant model in reality.
For me, it a simple decision on whether you turn down 50% of your proposed projects and focus on the upper eschelon or become the "guy" who is the one taking the "turn-downs" of the other guys. Neither one is bad, in my opinion. What IS deplorable, is the way in which the established photographers in the industry scoff and belittle anyone choosing to be the Timex of the photography world and NOT the Rolex.
I, as a younger pro, would say that you have to pick a business model in order to be successful. In the beginning, you will accept jobs at rates that you will be able to turn down in the future. But, simply turning those down is not going to make those low-paying gigs go away. They will always be there. A client is not going to suddenly start paying more for your service just because YOU say so. The MARKET has to say so. In the end, that type of client - the one who will buy Timex and NEVER a Rolex - will simply be serviced by a difference photographer with a different business model.
And, honestly, EVERYONE wants to be paid a king's ransom for their time. But, I honestly believe that there is a working model for high volume photography work performed at reasonable rates. Lifetouch is a great example of how that model works. Now, before I get flamed - I realize that they do "less than perfect" work. The smart thing is... THEIR customer is happy. It is still a better product than a consumer can produce. Is it the best available? Absolutely not. But is IS enough for who they want to sell to.
Here's a great story that touches on this topic. I think it is a sad reflection on our business when an article must redact the names of the posters to avoid them getting "backlash". Can't we all just get along? I would like to see the more experienced photogs HELPING the younger guys, rather than discouraging them.
http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/03/11/stop-accepting-200-assignments/
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