Pricing for a freelancer: exact numbers without market research

1.How I Set the Price for My Videography Services in Dubai

I have been a photographer for over 20 years and have been working as a videographer for more than 7 years. One of the most common questions I get from other videographers is how to set the right price for their services. In this article, I’ll share my approach to pricing, which helps me not only cover my expenses but also earn enough for a comfortable life in Dubai.

2. Focus on My Own Goals, Not the Market

Many beginner videographers set their prices based on average market rates, comparing their work quality with competitors. However, this approach doesn’t always work because everyone has different expenses and goals. I prefer to focus on my own needs and desires rather than on others' pricing.

3. Determine How Many Hours I Want and Can Work

It’s important for me to understand how much time I’m willing to dedicate to work. Currently, my goal is to work around 120 hours per month (about 4 hours a day without weekends). This doesn’t mean I shoot for 4 hours every day; this time includes filming, editing, and all other processes.

4. Calculate the Minimum Rate

To determine my required rate, I first calculate my minimum monthly expenses: rent, transport, food, and other basic needs. Living in Dubai, these expenses can be quite high. For example, considering my family, including two children, my minimum costs are about $3,000 per month. Dividing this amount by 120 working hours, I get a minimum rate of $25 per hour of work.

5. Set Financial Goals

Beyond covering basic expenses, I have financial goals — I want to earn not just for living but also for investments and future savings. My goal is to earn $10,000 per month. To approach this figure, my hourly rate should be around $83 per hour. This is the benchmark I aim for, either by raising prices or optimizing my processes.

6. Apply in Practice

In my work, I always calculate how much time will be needed to complete an order, including all processes from client communication to editing. For example, I charge $300 for an hour of shooting. If the offered job pays below my minimum rate, I refuse the project because it won’t even cover my basic expenses. Ideally, I need to either raise my rates or reduce my time costs, for example, by hiring an editor to do the editing for me. Of course, I’ll have to pay the editor, but in the end, this will allow me to do more shoots.



Conclusion

Understanding my financial goals and costs helps me set the right prices for my videography services in Dubai and grow in my profession. Videography is not just a creative endeavor but also a business that requires a thoughtful approach to pricing. I hope these tips help you make your work more profitable and successful.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments — I’d be happy to help!