Baby Collage - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/26/2006 10:40:43 PM · #1

An 11x14 collage I made up in a package of photos I did for this couple and their 1 week old daughter.

Kelli

Canon EOS-D60

08/26/2006 10:59:54 PM · #2

Judy, that is awesome! They are going to love it. Did you do this in photoshop? I'd like to do a collage for a family member, but I'm really not sure how to go about it. She wants one of her 3 girls sitting together on the left (large) with individual photos of each (much smaller) going down on the left.

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

08/26/2006 11:02:11 PM · #3

Not only is this beautifully put together, the lighting in the images is first-rate!
This is for sure, is something that would be admired and cherished for a lifetime.

08/26/2006 11:06:29 PM · #4

Originally posted by BradP:

Not only is this beautifully put together, the lighting in the images is first-rate!
This is for sure, is something that would be admired and cherished for a lifetime.

Natural lighting with a sheer curtain to diffuse the light a bit. Still some blown highlights, but I think I hit a pretty decent compromise with the contrast and levels so nothing looks TOO blown out. I've cobbled together a make- shift backdrop holder and the black is two bedsheets. My camera may look more professional now, but I'm still cheap. :)

Thanks for you nice comment. Made my night! :)

08/27/2006 12:37:01 AM · #5

Wow...5 nice comments and a favorite already! I love it when I hit something just right. The whole point to 90% of my photography is to convey an emotion, feeling or story. I'm thrilled that this one works!

Now...isn't there a baby collage challenge coming up??? Too bad it can't be used for the free study. :) I hope the parents like it enough to order the print.

It's kind of odd to me because I'm just stuck at that "not a professional" yet "sought after hobbiest" stage. I really don't want to develop this into a booming business I've decided. However, I get asked a LOT to take photos now and I do feel like my investment of time, talent and equipment is worth something. Yet, I don't feel consistant enought to charge much.

What I've finally decided to do is this for regular portrait type shoots: I don't charge a sitting fee. I also no longer give away the files on cd. I develop 4x6 proofs with a watermark. I include an order form and make any of my money from orders from the client and/or their family and friends. I figure this way, if they don't like the photos, The only thing we're both out is a little bit of time. The 4x6's cost me a very minimal amount. I ask for 1/2 payment when order is placed, which more than covers the cost of the prints, and the balance upon delivery. I've had two "sittings" since I started this policy and it seems to work well. My prices are pretty cheap, but not give-aways - 4x6 - $3.00 5x7 - $7.50 8x10 - $15.00 11x14 - $20 wallets - $7.50 I don't have 'packages', just separate print prices. If they do want to just buy the CD, it is $100 or $50 with a minimum $75 print order.

For weddings, my new policy is this: For this, I DO charge some money up front due to the major time committments weddings are. Deposit is $250. For that the client gets me for the rehersal (if desired) and the wedding and reception. Also a book of 4x6 proofs. Nothing fancy here, just in a regular cheap album. Print prices are the same, however a wedding CD is $250 or $100 with a minmum $150 print order.

For something like this baby shoot...I am giving the 4x6 proofs (no watermark) plus two 8x10's to my friends as baby presents. I also provided them with a photo to use in their baby announcements. I figure I can always cut down my costs here and there if it's for a good cause or a gift, but at least I'll have my price policy in place to begin with.

So....I figure by working on some presentations, such as this baby collage, I can increase my sales.

Does this sound reasonable for being a sort of "in-between" photographer? Am I asking too much? Obviously my wedding prices are for the budget minded, and they will get what they pay for. No fancy albums or packaging. Is there something here (I'm sure there is) I haven't thought of?

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

08/27/2006 05:14:37 PM · #6

Sunday bump

carisakD70

Nikon D70

08/27/2006 05:59:35 PM · #7

Judy...I think you are definitely under valuing your work here. It is very good, as are many of your other shots that I have seen. I am just getting started myself and I think we walk a fine line between making the prices attractive...and being to cheap to be taken seriously. IMHO your work is worth more...and you should be able to take advantage of those benefits. You could keep the same laid back build your own package type of scheme...but add in a little more money for yourself. Hey, look at it as new equipment funds!

Bottom line...you are doing excellent work and people will be more than happy to pay a bit more.

Just my 2 cents...

Carisa

P.s. If you want to know a bit more about how I am setting up my pricing structure just send me an email or PM.