NEED HELP! - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

01/24/2007 09:28:13 PM · #1

okay so i need to call my teachers daughter(shes 23) to talk to her about the photoshoot i might be doing for her. but ive never talked to her before but i have her number. This is my first time talking to a "real" customer who i dont know personally.

so when i call what do i say. i dont want to sound like a fool. I'm not sure if my teacher even told her my name.
WHAT DO I SAY WHEN I CALL?!?!
like Hi this is Dustin, I'm the photographer that your mom recommended to you.?

hows that
please help!!

Blue Moon

Canon EOS-40D

01/24/2007 09:32:42 PM · #2

Considering that you (like me) are particularly young for a photographer, that sounds fine. I don't they will ask for you business card, receipts, portfolio, and recommendations...just make sure you sound confident and don't talk to fast. A good trick when you want to sound personable over the phone is to smile :D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

01/24/2007 09:34:15 PM · #3

Originally posted by Blue Moon:

well she knows im a student, but i just sent her an email with my portrait portfolio. but im not %100 sure its her real email. her mom gave it to me because she thinks that what it is. i hope it is

chip_k

Canon EOS-20D

01/24/2007 09:43:15 PM · #4

Ask open-ended questions. "What kind of shots are you looking for?" "Are these for a modeling portfolio?" "Are these for a particular event? College graduation?" "What else should I know about you for the shoot?" "Are you hot? If so, can we do some nudes?" :) Okay, so that's not an open-ended question :)

GoldBerry

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

01/24/2007 09:53:50 PM · #5

Hey Dustin, just have your sh*t together before you call :-) ..as in, if you're charging her - know how much. If it's something casual than have ideas written down about where to shoot, what she should wear, etc.

I always find putting something down on paper beforehand helps organize my thoughts, and then I just naturally sound more put together. But you're an artist so no one expects you to sound or act like a banker or something.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

01/24/2007 09:58:44 PM · #6

Originally posted by rob_banks:

I know all of that already :P i talked to her mom about it. I just need to call to confirm a date and tell her i sent my portfolio via email. and if its her right email.

shes a musician and she needs them to give to a producer.

i'm only charging a flat rate of 50 bucks. is that too little?

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

01/24/2007 10:26:07 PM · #7

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

01/24/2007 10:32:39 PM · #8

You've gotten some good suggestions so far. You should definitely have prices already in your head before you talk to her... then something like

"Hi, I'm Dustin, a friend of your mothers and a professional photographer. Your mother gave me your number and said you were interested in having some portraits done. Can you tell me what you had in mind... indoors? ... outdoors?... what style?.... how did you plan to use the pictures?.... how many do you think you will need?... etc...

Then quote an hourly rate and shoot the best damn pictures she's ever seen! :)

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

01/24/2007 11:05:07 PM · #9

Originally posted by idnic:

that sounds good :)
but im just charging her a $50 flat out rate, doyou think im cheaping myself out? i just really dont know what i should charge for my first shoot as i dont really have the most expierence in the field.

and i hope my new canon 24-70mmL will live up to its name

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

01/24/2007 11:25:28 PM · #10

Originally posted by noisemaker:

If you've already told the mother you'd do it for $50 then stick to that and raise your prices as your experience grows. Google other photographers in your area to see what their normal rates are; that will give you a target to aim for.

Marc923

01/24/2007 11:33:17 PM · #11

Also, just relax, and be confident. Don't let it stress you out. This is supposed to be fun and make you some extra cash, not get your blood pressure up.

01/24/2007 11:38:08 PM · #12

Originally posted by Marc923:

Also, just relax, and be confident. Don't let it stress you out. This is supposed to be fun and make you some extra cash, not get your blood pressure up.

im fine with the shoot. im just terrible with phone calls.

Marc923

01/24/2007 11:43:51 PM · #13

Originally posted by noisemaker:

Originally posted by Marc923:
Also, just relax, and be confident. Don't let it stress you out. This is supposed to be fun and make you some extra cash, not get your blood pressure up.

im fine with the shoot. im just terrible with phone calls.

I meant while on the phone.

Edit to add. I'm the same way, I hate phone calls. I just try to relax and be myself.

Message edited by author 2007-01-24 23:46:28.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

01/24/2007 11:49:04 PM · #14

Originally posted by Marc923:

Originally posted by noisemaker:

Originally posted by Marc923:
Also, just relax, and be confident. Don't let it stress you out. This is supposed to be fun and make you some extra cash, not get your blood pressure up.

im fine with the shoot. im just terrible with phone calls.

I meant while on the phone.

Edit to add. I'm the same way, I hate phone calls. I just try to relax and be myself.

oh okay

Its going to be fun to do my first paid shoot though, ive done tons with my girlfriend. but thats different, well i think it'll be different. does anyone find directing someone who you personally dont know easier or harder?

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

01/25/2007 08:43:04 PM · #15

So did you make the call? How did it go?