 Marina Brisco |
Event Photography Pricing Do you think charging $595.00 for a two hour event (shooting digital with a Nikon D1X) is too much if the customer is receiving a photo CD of approximately 300 images. I personally look at each image, color correct and enhance by eliminating shine or blemishes for them so that they can take it to a lab of their choice and it is ready to print. I recently charged only $395.00 and found that my time for all involved should have been at a higher rate especially since no photos are being ordered through me. (live and learn, right?) Of course, the customer doesn't want to pay more next time so we may have to go our separate ways in an amicable manner. I always want to be nice and give as much as I can but do you think I am doing the right thing by charging more? Thanks for any opinions out there. I don't want to be greedy nor do I want to charge too little. I have made that mistake so often.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Jon Close |
It's difficult finding the equilibrium price. If the customer walks, are you priced too high, or are they just not willing to pay for that level of service? If they buy, mayber you're priced too low? How much more would they have been willing to pay? You might offer them the choice of your full service at $595 (customized images at high res for printing at 8x12 or larger) and for a lesser price the CD of un-tweaked images at a lower res (suitable for emailing and 3x5 prints). This will emphasize that there is more to getting good photographs than just showing up and pushing the shutter button.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Marina Brisco |
Jon, thank you for the reply. It makes me realize that I need to be more informative and clear to my customers in terms of their choices for purchase. The idea about the lower res vs. higher res is great. Thanks again.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Davin Edridge |
Hello All, My advice: Do not give them the original files on CD or copies - find a good printer - and have them order the photos they want through you. Charge $395-00 to shoot the event. Do up contact sheets to show your client - unedited - unless something is obviously wrong. Charge a reasonable amount for any of the photos they wish to purchase. (offer deals etc - buy 10 get 1 free etc). This gives you a set amount of money to shoot the event. If they do not order any photos - you do not have to edit any. You can make up the extra money in editing time in the price you charge for the prints ordered. Change what you like here to suit yourself - this is how most wedding photographers work. Go through the phone book and find people doing the same type of assignments - phone them as a potential customer to find out prices etc - that will give you a realistic and competitive price to use for yourself. www.davin-photography.com
|
|
|
|
||
|
Marina Brisco |
David, thanks for your input. I did give them the option of the $395.00 plus contact sheets. I guess because they had received the CD before, they were disappointed and rightly so. I was honest and said it was not cost effective for me so that is why the price had to be increased for that option or they could purchase prints through me with a $150.00 an hour shoot charge. Thanks David. I just wonder if I should even call them back but I'm not sure what incentive I have for them now. Your thoughts? By the way, they love my work. Also, I looked at your website. Very nice. Mine is http://www.briscophotography.com
|
|
|
|
||
|
Marina Brisco |
Sorry Davin, I called you David. My mistake. Have a great day! I actually go by Belen. (my middle name)
|
|
|
|
||
|
Davin Edridge |
That is ok grew up being called everything except Davin. lol. You have alot of nice work - the only thing that I did consistently notice - which is more technical a point - can be distracting sometimes too... You are cutting peoples limbs of frequently - eg missing half a hand of foot etc. I was told many years ago - never crop an image of a person at a joint either - eg wrist, knee, etc. This is only my advice. If the people are still looking for a photographer or are providing consistent work to you - I would call them back - you can always use a reason of my available technology has changed prices, I have finally found a printer I am happy with etc - something that is suitable to the person/s you are dealing with. I do not do weddings or portraits - so use my advice as you see fit. www.davin-photography.com
|
|
|
|
||
|
Marina Brisco |
Davin, thank you for your input on my work. I didn't realize that I was consistently cropping that way and it is nice to have another pair of eyes for critique purposes. I started my business 4 years ago and it started out of a hobby. I am still learning so much. I will probably my customer a call as I usually do one job a year for them. Thanks again! - Belen
|
|
|
|
||
|
Davin Edridge |
Hello Belen, You are welcome. My photography is still a hobby, and I am still learning too. www.davin-photography.com
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||