When offering a package... - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

10/03/2008 08:46:35 AM · #1

do you allow the client to choose multiple pictures?

Isn't it pretty standard to ask for one photo selection for the package, then have them order the others individually?

Dirt_Diver

Nikon D3s

10/03/2008 09:18:15 AM · #2

I would say that it really depends on the type of session you are offering.

For my 99% of my packages I allow the client to choose multiple pictures. They send me an email and say they want this image in a 4x6 and this image as an 8x10 and so on. Then for the rest of the pictures they can order them online and choose any size they want.

chesire

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/03/2008 09:26:06 AM · #3

We did packages like that in the mall. You get 2 poses and 3 sheets for X dollars. That's great for "coupon carlas" the one's who want to spend $20 get their pictures and go. For the one's who are giving 40 wallets away to their school buddies.

It did NOT work for the urban professional, who wants one nice wall painting, with a picture of each kid for their memory books, and maybe another one for Grandma A, but then Grandma B would really like this one better.

So for the new studio, we've wrapped all post processing costs up into the cost of each picture, and let them choose whatever they want in whatever size they want. 2 Wallets of this, 5x7 of that 3 8x10s, one big wall on canvas? SURE we do that! Want a frame too?

Dirt_Diver

Nikon D3s

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

10/03/2008 09:27:51 AM · #4

Originally posted by chesire:

SOLD! Where do I pay??? Wait a minute....

Message edited by author 2008-10-03 09:28:06.

Marc923

10/03/2008 09:28:27 AM · #5

You could always break down the packages into lots. They can order a lot of 8 wallet prints, same picture. So if they want 3 different wallet pics, then 3 lots. Same with the 5x7, they get 2 pics per lot. 1 pic per lot for 8x10 and 11x16.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

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

10/03/2008 09:32:54 AM · #6

Cyn, my packages are set up in "levels" (by the way, don't call them packages, call them collections; better connotation). Level one is xxx dollars, includes 1 wall portrait and various gift portraits - they can choose 3 poses. Level 2 has more prints and they can choose 5 poses. Etc....

That said, I often break my own rule. If they are going to spend $900, I give them as many poses as they ask for. Its more important to me to make clients happy, than to stick to "rules".

10/03/2008 09:40:40 AM · #7

Originally posted by chesire:

Yeah, we let them choose whatever however too, but we ask that they purchase a package/sitting fee first. for example, $50 gets you 30 minutes in the studio, a private on-line gallery to purchase from, and an 8X10.

However, for $300 you get 2.5 hours for up to 6 people, any location, 4 8X10s, 20 4X6, and 50 wallet + plus an online gallery to purchase from.

I like the dividing the packages into lots idea... or maybe offering more poses as the packages increase. I don't know.

timfythetoo

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

10/03/2008 09:44:11 AM · #8

We have recently shifted to an ala carte price schedule. We charge a premium for the initial print of a single pose, and then each print afterwards is at a reduced rate. Our prices were way too low to begin with and I got hit by a customer who purchased 110 4x6 prints of 55 different poses. It was a painful lesson to learn. Our price structure now will hopefully bypass those issues (or make us a ton more money to do it).

Toole Photography current price schedule

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/03/2008 09:47:22 AM · #9

Originally posted by idnic:

"collections"... i like that.

Cindy, do you mind if I send you the first draft of our portrait contract for a quick look-over? I hate to bug you with it, but we're kinda pulling it out of our arsses and we have no clue if we're cheating ourselves or our clients.

chesire

Canon EOS-60D

10/03/2008 09:49:21 AM · #10

Originally posted by cynthiann:

first draft of our portrait contract for a quick look-over

Hey Share, we're in the middle of writing our contract too!

Prof_Fate

10/03/2008 12:58:07 PM · #11

I have wedding packages, hs senior packages, baby/kid packages and family session packages. As well as sports and events.
Each client type wants/expects something different. You the photogapher want as much money for as little work as possible. Each pose is work - to pose it, shoot it, process it, edit it, retouch it, crop it, print it, etc. The paper it's printed on is the cheap part, so you want to control the poses (generally speaking).

For seniors I offer 3, 4, 5, and 7 pose packages. Each package has a main item (framed and matted wall portrait or collection of poses), wallets, gift prints (8x10s and such). Bigger packages get more poses as well as more gift prints and more wallets, etc. As I said, the prints are cheap and the wall items are about the same cost whether they hold one 11x14 or 7 8x10/5x7 prints. HS seniors want variety so that's what you need to focus your packages on.

A family session you have (usually) a main portrait and then smaller groups (parents, kids, or even individuals). The focus of a package is traditionally one large wall portrait, with some smaller ones for the rest of the family (usually loose prints). So you can figure on 3 poses maybe - big one, parents, kids, or perhaps if you've grandparents or parental brothers/sisters you'll need more.

Babies are a whole nother thing. 3, 6, 9, 12 months they get pics so a wall portrait for each session won't go over all that well. Wallet albums do well, as do gift prints (for grandparents, desk at work, etc). Here creative wall hangings work well - collages, art strips, etc.

You can sell an 11x14 for $45 (cost is $8 or so). You make $37 and they will have to go someplace else to get a frame - that's really your money that just walked out the door.

Or you can sell a framed 11x14 for $250 (cost is $30) and you make $220 for little effort - they're going to buy a frame someplace....or are you OK with your work sitting in a drawer for the next 10 years?

Hence the idea to sell anything over 8x10 in a frame. Heck, if they buy the 11x14 I have no problem giving them 5 8x10s..cost is what, $10? They think they're getting a deal but you're still making $210.

Just something that has worked for me, and many other photographers, and can work for you too.

Prof_Fate

10/03/2008 01:00:23 PM · #12

Originally posted by chesire:

Originally posted by cynthiann:
first draft of our portrait contract for a quick look-over

Hey Share, we're in the middle of writing our contract too!

You need contracts for portraiture? Weddings, sure, it's a year off and stuff gets delivered in phases. But a portrait? I guess, maybe...I don't have any contracts for portraiture - a simple receipt thing "Famiily Portrait Session" and an amount. Same for babies, seniors...