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10/26/2005 05:23:51 PM · #1 |
A referral put in touch with a pet grooming shop that would like to do a christmas promotion - pet portraits. They have over 1200 clients, would promote it in their store. The rest is up to me...
So...do i want a Santa? What about a backdrop (or other props)?
These would be indoors, and almost a production line type of thing I think - the owner wants very little if anything to do with it, as he will be busy with his grooming biz. We both want something classier than teh polaroid on a button or the mall santa deal. He sees a small display on his counter, some handouts, and then we have a day or 2 for the photos, done by appointment.
So how long does it take - to sign in a client, set up the shoot, get teh mutt's attention, etc, and then finalize the deal and collect payment?
I am trying to keep costs down, as we have no clue if 2 clients or all 1200 will want pooch pix. thinking out loud now...I would guess 60 (5%) would be a reasnoable extimate, and i'd like to clear $20 or more per, over 2-3 days of shooting. So that works out (at 5 hours /day) to 15 hours, 15 mins a client). Is that doable? Adding as assitant would be cool, but I might have to pay a santa and can't depend on him/her to be my assistant on paperwork as well.
Pricing...packages...what do i give them? an 8x10? one pose or 3? their choice or mine? I will use on-line printing (probably winkflash or mpix) and can probably get a folder type display for some pics.
I told him i'd get back to by next wednesday with details. |
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10/26/2005 05:34:58 PM · #2 |
| I had this done at Petsmart last year. It took about 30 minutes to get my dog to sit still! He wore reindeer antlers and the background was plain. He was supposed to wear a reindeer nose but he ate it. It cost me $10 for 2 5x7s. No wallets were offered or 8x10's. The pictures were really good but the guy printed them there and we rec them when we finished shopping. |
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10/26/2005 05:38:56 PM · #3 |
| I think that wallets would be nice, but I wouldn't buy an 8x10. 5x7s and wallets, keep it simple. I would charge maybe $20 for that package. Get plenty of props in case they eat them. The dog before us had a candy cane in his mouth...it was sooo cute. Another dog had wreath around his neck and there was a cat with a santa hat on. You will need help for sure, just get a friend or family member to help out for free pet pictures. |
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10/26/2005 06:03:31 PM · #4 |
I am approaching some local pet stores on this as well and plan on having my oldest daughter there to sign them in, fill out the paperwork and print off the pictures with a 4x6 photo printer I'm going to have on site. I'm going to offer 2 4x6's for $15 to $20 for the pair and they can order more if they want, delivery will be within the week of the shooting. I have coming a blue screen/green screen so we can take the animal in front of it and put whatever background we want on the shot. Then I plan on going to the dollar store and getting a bunch of cheap Santa Hats, candy canes, stuff like that.
As for getting their attention, squeaky toys for the dogs, feathers on a string for the cats and have treats handy for both to also offer, with the owners permission. If the pet has any training at all it shouldn't take more than 1/2 for each session. If you plan on trying to sell more afterwards you can take that time to do a few extra that they just "can't" resist! :)
Deannda |
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10/26/2005 10:57:35 PM · #5 |
Santa hats...canes...yes, props for pets. Should definietly do that. I was also thinking a wood box painted up to look like a xmas present that a dog or cat could be put in to look out of. Carboard might work, but might not hold up, or be unstable and scare the pet. Treats i'd thought of. Must addd squeaky toy to list!
Figure i need a table maybe, for the little critters. Not sure, but my tripod does not go to the level of a dachsund!
Did anyone have a Santa, or just xmas themes pics?
Perhaps a chair for the owner to sit and hold the critter?
Are we thinking critter only, or critter and owner?
I was thinking of a green or green/red backdrop. perhaps add an xmas tree or at least a wreath and and a few presents. I'd hate to set up a whole tree.
I was goint to have an order form (name, phone, pet's name/type) and have a checklist of what you get for what price, they check, sign and pay. I then add the pic file #s to the sheet (at least the first one of the series). I get the pics printed and they can pick them up at the shop that is hosting all this in a week or so. No computer to haul, to ink or other worries, one less somehting to do. Also, makes them come back and visit the shop one more time...
I was considering giving a portion of the proceeds to the local humane society, as well as taking donations "Lonely Pets need holiday Cheer Too". Besides, teh local shelter has to move by dec 18 and don't have a home yet...they need the money. also will get me an 'in' with them., and perhaps allow me to advertise the pics there too and help the shop. Portion being 5-10%.
I was thinking of trying appointments on wed eve and sat mornings. I work second shift so my nights are limited. Woudl a weekday daytime be popular do you think?
1/2 hour per sounds good. I'd like to make it less, but then if i am trying to build a biz i don't want to be rushed. I shold have some non-pet portraits there to show also, huh?
no 8x10s. Bummer. Big is impressive! I'll have some to display, but i guess put them seperate from the package. Does this mean the 16x20 giclee poster prints won't be big sellers? LOL
Man, this is a lot to get ready in a week! |
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11/21/2005 01:13:01 AM · #6 |
An Update
Day 1.
Went pretty well overall. Had 10 clients to shoot, and except for flash misbehavior at one point things went off smoothly.
Here is a shot of the 'studio' - what is it they say in Hollywood? Don't work with pets or children? I got to do both!
And yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus I suppose, but more to the point, there are spoiled dogs. This is Roscoe. His owner treats him well. Very well. He has never set paw on dirt! He goes out 3 times a day, in a stroller each time. For his Christmas Portrait, he brought 6 outfits. Yes, six. He gets his clothing at Build-a-bear at the mall. But don't let his fru-fru lifestyle fool you, he is one tough customer!
Changes for next time (wednesday...) - a better BG. I have a blue sheet, and gonna try that with snowflakes on it. Hopefully the strobes behave. I also need to up my sales techniques, but that will come with a bit more confidence in my abilities. At this point i think i'll net about $100 for the day. I suppose some folks may order additional prints after they get their pics back. I plan to edit the best and just give the rest as proofs. The BG will be my biggest issue. I may try and dye it in a bucket to darken it, or soak it overnight...
Anyway, I am officially in business with an income stream! And a list of wants/needs over $1000 long...pocket wizards and 2 ABs to start.
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11/24/2005 07:37:35 PM · #7 |
Prof_Fate, question from one of the class members! :)
About how long on an average did it take you per set? I know you said you only had 10 clients that day so were they spaced pretty far apart so you had plenty of time to spend with each one?
Also, yes, the background has got to change. That was the first thing I noticed. If you go with a blue sheet and snowflakes, go to the dollar store and get the ornament ones that are flat and then steam the sheet, hang the snoflakes and pull it as TIGHT as you can so you don't have any sags in the material.
Another idea I'm playing with is a peice of LARGE cardboard, wrapped like a present, a big fridge box or something to that effect, portable when folded down, tape wide ribbon to where the paper bends to cover that part. Just some other thoughts.
Deannda
Soooooooooooo, how did it go, really? |
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