Show 'em off!

Senior Portraits:  I had one call.  Have never done a senior portrait session yet.  They lived 30 miles from me, said I would meet them at a park 20 miles from me (between us), do a 1-1/2 hour shoot, process the pics and give (GIVE!) them the pics on CD with a license for printing and internet use.  Because I needed the portfolio shots, I'd do all of this for $25.00.  I really wanted to do this for the port. shots.

They said they thought they could get pics for $10.00, and my price was too high.  I really had no comment.

edit:  sorry, just wanted to tell that story, but don't let this hijack this thread...  yes let's see some senior portrait shots...  good suggestion Susie!

 I've only had one request so far, which surprised me since i am just starting out.  So I not sure about the poses, etc.  These people are friends, and was more of a mutual favor.  We combined these with a few quick shots of their family photos as well.  I am just finishing the editing of the last few sets of poses, and should have the senior photos uploaded soon.

Kevin, those people would have been your worst customer anyway.  If they think they can do them for under $100 they really never looked into any sort of pricing.  My nephew just spent over $300 for his - and he didnt get the disc - just the standard print package.  Sometimes there really is such a thing as "too cheap".  You just can't help some people out....

They look good!!!  Nice job

maximumgravity1:

Kevin, those people would have been your worst customer anyway.  If they think they can do them for under $100 they really never looked into any sort of pricing.  My nephew just spent over $300 for his - and he didnt get the disc - just the standard print package.  Sometimes there really is such a thing as "too cheap".  You just can't help some people out....

+1

One of the skills I have had to develop the most since starting a photography business is screening potential clients. The cheaper they are, the worse they are... Everytime. I now have red flags that are like a checklist. 3 strikes and your out!

Answering a call or email and the first few minutes/messages exchanged contain "My friend/Uncle/pet monkey is a photographer too", "[anything]Craigslist has lots og guys who are cheaper" or "Come on, digital is free unlike film, you shouldnt charge that much" is a one strike your out 98% of the time...

I'm not sure how I got started in this niche, but Senior Portraits have become the crux of my pro/am work.  I'm fairly discerning about the clients I work with - I don't sell "price" necessarily, but I feel I sell uniqueness, creativity, and value - "affordability."  There's a fine line between being perceived as cheap as well as being perceived as as expensive in the mind of today's more value-conscious customer.  My prints are probably more affordable by a long shot over "pros" but my sitting fee is likely much higher.  I don't think senior portraits should cost a small fortune...some people pay ridiculous amounts for senior portraits.  I believe I provide a high level of service, flexibility, creativity, quality and perceived high-value.  I'm not cheap but I'm not greedy either.

I know I have a ton of competition in this area - and I have just enough work to make it fun and manageable without being over-the-top overwhelmed...it's a perfect fit for my style, time and interests.  I'd like to try weddings next, but I know that's a whole different game altogether.

I'd love to hear any feedback any fellow Zenfolio discussion participants are willing to share your thoughts.  Thanks in advance for your input.

A link to my Seniors gallery:  http://www.dhostphotography.com/p956640789

Kevin - you absolutely made the right decision.  You were probably much kinder than I would have been.  $10.00????!!!  That's a total insult to your craft.  At $10.00 I hope they got what they paid for...and less.  What goes around, comes around...I'm sure they ended up with photos that looked like bad snapshots!  And deservedly so!

Kevin (and others too) this should give you a chuckle or two about cheap clients and bridezillas. It was posted on dpreview earlier so you may have seen it, but honestly I dont get tired of it... Pay special attention to the photographers "pricing"!

Theres some not so kid friendly language so be careful how loud the speaker is

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/5432981/