 Brenda M. Wolfensberger |
Portraits @ an Open House I just got a call from a prospective client who is considering using me to take portraits of all her guests at an upcoming open house, 100-150 guests. :) I've never done something like this or anything this large. Here are my questions... (I hope someone can offer some help!) 1. I use a D70 with the 35-70mm lens, and have a 70-300mm lens. I also have two small soft box lights, but haven't used them much. I told her I would like the opportunity to come to the house prior to the event (Dec 10th) to take some practice shots to get the lighting correct. Should I invest in a flash unit, flash bracket, etc? And if so, which one? 2. Is there a good method to keeping track of which client is which when developing the shots? I recently did my daughters volleyball team and just did a sign up sheet, but that was only 24 girls and was relatively easy. This is potentially much larger and will be harder to get the right photo to the right couple. 3. Any suggestions on what type of "package" to offer them? I'm assuming she wants to give them the chance to buy the pictures (or maybe she will be paying for them?) we haven't discussed that yet. But I was thinking of a 5x7 & a few wallets with the client having the chance to contact me later for reprints. ??? I'm sorry this is long and alot to ask, but I'm just sort of getting started and would really appreciate the advice of all you seasoned pros out there! Thanks!!!!
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Brenda M. Wolfensberger |
Sorry to bump this, but just looking for some input. :) Thanks!
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Angela K. Harter |
well, I don't have much advice for you... I have never done anything like this but I was curious as to what kind of open house it was? just a holiday get together? I think a 5x7 and maybe 4 wallets is good.... and I heard someone else say that they had a sign up sheet and then wrote down the #'s off of your camera onto the sheet for each person if that makes sense... well, I hope others can give you better advice!!! and good luck!
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Brenda M. Wolfensberger |
Thanks Angela! Yes, she is actually off work all this week to decorate for it! It's an annual thing for them. I was thinking the same, a 5x7 & wallets and then if they wish to reorder, they can call me after the fact. The sign up sheet is a good idea. I'll have to work on a spreadsheet to get it the way I want it. Thanks!!!
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Debbie Del Tejo |
That is why putting photos online and letting them order from there is GREAT!!! No more keeping track of who you shoot......just give them the web site and the password and VOILA!!!!!!!! no time spent on spreadsheets......hope that helps. GOOD LUCK!
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Debby A. Tabb |
BRENDA, I WOULD LOVE TO HELP YOU WITH THIS. I DO THIS ALL THE TIME. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TALK BY PHONE PLEASE EMAIL ME AND WE CAN EXCHANGE #'S.AND YOU CAN ASK WHAT EVER YOU NEED TO ASK. ALSO OUR THREAD ON "STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY..." WOULD BE OF SOME HELP. I WOULD URGE YOU TO INVEST IN A BACKLIGHT. *I PRINT UP A "SITTING JACKET" NAME,ADDRESS ,PHONE,AND A DISCRIPTION AREA OF WHAT THEY ARE WEARING.AND A PLACE TO RECORD THE CHOSEN PACKAGE.THESE SERVE AS ARECORD OF WHO THEY ARE BOTH FOR THAT DAY AND FUTURE CONTACT. * I USE SEVERAL SMALL MEMORY CARDS: (LOOK AT LOT PRICES ON EBAY:I FOUND 64MB CARDS FOR 2.99 ON EBAY THEY HAD 300 OF THEM AND YOU JUST BID ON HOW MANY YOU WANT.)WITH THESE IF I AM HAVEING A TIME WHERE I AM SHOOTING ONE RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER AND CAN'T SHOW THE PICTURES AS FAST-THEN I JUST SHOOT 1 FAMILY PER CHIP AND PLACE IT WITH THE SITTING JACKET.THE PEOPLE GO ABOUT THEIR EVENT AND I CALL THEM AS IT IS TIME TO VEIW. YOU WILL NEED HELP-I WOULD HAVE SOMEONE HELP YOU BY SHOWING THE PICTURES AND TAKING THE ORDERS. *WHEN ON SITE AND VIEWING ON MY LAPTOP, I USED WINDOWS PICTURE VIEWER TO SHOW THEIR PORTRAITS. *I PRINT AND LAMINATE A PACKAGE SELECTION WITH PRICES FOR THEM TO CHOOSE FROM. *AND FOR PRINTING ON SITE I USE THE EPSON R300. *ALSO I HAVE ONE PACKAGE THAT INCLUDES A DISK PRICE OF ALL THEIR PORTRAIT SHOTS-I MAKE THIS RESONABLE AND ATTRACTIVE-I'LL TELL YOU WHY:BURNING A DISK TAKES 3 MINS. AND COSTS .12 CENTS FOR THE CD AND .15 CENTS FOR A PAPER SLEVE=.27CENTS. VS. THE TIME AND COST OF PRINTING:PAPER,INK, ENVELOPE AND ABOUT 10 MINS TO PRINT. THERE AVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I HAVE SOLD ALL CDS AT A EVENT AT $55.00 TO $45.00. TRUST ME AFTER YEARS OF THIS,VERY ,VERY SELDOM DO YOU GET A REORDER ON PRINTS-SO ,I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE COPYRIGHT-I CARE ABOUT KEEPING THE EVENT ON TIME AND GAURENTEEING , WE MAKE X AMOUNT OF DOLLARS. I DO HOPE THIS HELPS, DEBBY
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Brenda M. Wolfensberger |
Debbie, that really does help alot! I have to call her today to see if she wants to confirm the date & time and then go over what she will be expecting from me. Once I know for certain that I will be doing the event, I will definately be getting in touch with you to talk on the phone! I like the CD sold on site idea. !!!
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Debby A. Tabb |
Brenda, just wanted to add a little something. the day after Thanksgiving, we HAD to take Greg's brother who was visiting to the FRY's for the afteer thanksgiving pre christmas sale at 5:00am,lol,lol. anyway, while there they had the Epson Picture Mate on sale for $49.00. well thought I would get one for quickys of family at Granmas house ect. well opon looking at it- it does a proff sheet of 20 poses a sheet. now, I am thinking that I will take my shots per family-insert the card -print a proff sheet that they can be looking at as they are waiting for a sales person to show them on the monitor and take thier order. and I thought of you and thought I would share. have a great day. Debby
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Brenda M. Wolfensberger |
What a great idea Debby! I'll have to check into one myself! I've been trying to keep my costs down since I'm really just building my business, but that sounds great! I won't be doing the open house this year, but most likely will be there next. I am still going to do family shots for them as well as a surprise shot of her husband & daughter (he called me without her knowing and we're going to take their pics for xmas!) Thanks for all your great advice Debby! You're such a huge help to everyone here, you always offer such great suggestions. Thank you!
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Debby A. Tabb |
good moning Brenda, it's always a pleasure to see others enjoy their passion. Now, I don't know how much you want to start working as a photographer- but, I tell people all the time a great place to build clientel is pet stores and Grooming Shops- they are always excited to get someone in there to do family shots during the holidays. and not many photographers will do it??? but this will help you to do sittings an dorders one right after the other- to prepare for next years event , while making some money . I did it last year trying to build business in the new town I had moved to-I had Photographers taking care of clients in the old community - so that helped . I would make $300.00 to &600.00 at a grooming shop in a day. but just to warn ya -boy do they keep you hoppin. wishing you the best over this holiday season
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Debby A. Tabb |
but it keeps you busy and people laughing.
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