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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Wedding photos, sell the high resolution files?
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07/10/2008 06:24:24 PM · #1
Hey everyone I have a question, should I sell the high resolution files from a wedding? I've never sold the files, but this couple told me they've looked at other photographers and they offer it. Is it common to offer the files in wedding photography?


07/10/2008 06:42:08 PM · #2
I wouldn't and don't know anyone around here that does. It generates income forever after shooting a wedding.

Besides, if they take them somewhere crappy (i.e. Wal-Mart) to get them printed and they print them with bad colour, that doesn't look good on you at ALL.

In other words, I vote NO. Unless they are going to pay you an obscene amount of money for them haha :)

Message edited by author 2008-07-10 20:05:21.
07/10/2008 06:43:24 PM · #3
Originally posted by TCGuru:

I wouldn't and don't know anyone around here that does. It generates income forever after shooting a wedding. I have had 4 orders for a wedding I did last year since delivery of her initial photos and book.

Besides, if they take them somewhere crappy (i.e. Wal-Mart) to get them printed and they print them with bad colour, that doesn't look good on you at ALL.

In other words, I vote NO. Unless they are going to pay you an obscene amount of money for them haha :)


Forever?

Nah, i am happy to offload the DVD for £300* ($600) and let them deal with the prints and stuff.

(if not included in the package they have ordered)

Message edited by author 2008-07-10 18:44:09.
07/10/2008 06:43:42 PM · #4
Only if you don't mind them printing hundreds of photos to give to their family and friends. Price it accordingly.
07/10/2008 06:49:39 PM · #5
Originally posted by elsapo:

Hey everyone I have a question, should I sell the high resolution files from a wedding? I've never sold the files, but this couple told me they've looked at other photographers and they offer it. Is it common to offer the files in wedding photography?


I sell them as an added extra. If they want the disc they pay if they don't then not only does it save them money but I sell more in prints. I initially didnt offer it at all but you need to keep up with other businesses I think, most around me offer it and I was losing business based on that alone. It seems to work at the moment.
07/10/2008 06:51:06 PM · #6
She is offering me $300 on top of my package price. The only reason I'm thinking of saying yes, it's because she might go to another photographer.

Message edited by author 2008-07-10 18:52:40.
07/10/2008 06:54:30 PM · #7
Originally posted by elsapo:

She is offering me $300 on top of my package price. The only reason I'm thinking of saying yes, it's because she might go to another photographer.


Whats she getting with the package at the moment?
07/10/2008 06:58:59 PM · #8
Originally posted by Simms:

Originally posted by elsapo:

She is offering me $300 on top of my package price. The only reason I'm thinking of saying yes, it's because she might go to another photographer.


Whats she getting with the package at the moment?


She hasnt chosen a package yet but I'll post mine here (BTW i've only done 2 wedding and I'm still not sure what should/shouldn't be included lol)

Package #1 - $500.00
60 4x6 prints
10 5x7 prints
3 8x10 prints
Regular 4x6 wedding album

Package #2 - $1,000.00
90 4x6 prints
15 5x7 prints
6 8x10 prints
10x10 leather album with 12 designed pages

Package #3 - $1,500.00
125 4x6 prints
20 5x7 prints
10 8x10 prints
1 16x20 Canvas Print
10x10 leather album with 16 designed pages
07/10/2008 07:00:21 PM · #9
Some shooters offer the files, some don't.... do what you feel best about.... BUT $300 is paltry. I'd charge $1k for them. We're talking the original res file of what 1000 images? Yup, $1 each sounds right to me.
07/10/2008 07:01:33 PM · #10
Originally posted by elsapo:

Originally posted by Simms:

Originally posted by elsapo:

She is offering me $300 on top of my package price. The only reason I'm thinking of saying yes, it's because she might go to another photographer.


Whats she getting with the package at the moment?


She hasnt chosen a package yet but I'll post mine here (BTW i've only done 2 wedding and I'm still not sure what should/shouldn't be included lol)

Package #1 - $500.00
60 4x6 prints
10 5x7 prints
3 8x10 prints
Regular 4x6 wedding album

Package #2 - $1,000.00
90 4x6 prints
15 5x7 prints
6 8x10 prints
10x10 leather album with 12 designed pages

Package #3 - $1,500.00
125 4x6 prints
20 5x7 prints
10 8x10 prints
1 16x20 Canvas Print
10x10 leather album with 16 designed pages


I say just go for it.. but would advise you to revise your packages, they look like they are stuffed to the gills just for the sake of it..

Decide on an album supplier, then base your packages around that.. With my packages I have tried to keep them as simple as possible.
07/10/2008 07:04:20 PM · #11
Originally posted by Simms:

Originally posted by elsapo:

Originally posted by Simms:

Originally posted by elsapo:

She is offering me $300 on top of my package price. The only reason I'm thinking of saying yes, it's because she might go to another photographer.


Whats she getting with the package at the moment?


She hasnt chosen a package yet but I'll post mine here (BTW i've only done 2 wedding and I'm still not sure what should/shouldn't be included lol)

Package #1 - $500.00
60 4x6 prints
10 5x7 prints
3 8x10 prints
Regular 4x6 wedding album

Package #2 - $1,000.00
90 4x6 prints
15 5x7 prints
6 8x10 prints
10x10 leather album with 12 designed pages

Package #3 - $1,500.00
125 4x6 prints
20 5x7 prints
10 8x10 prints
1 16x20 Canvas Print
10x10 leather album with 16 designed pages


I say just go for it.. but would advise you to revise your packages, they look like they are stuffed to the gills just for the sake of it..

Decide on an album supplier, then base your packages around that.. With my packages I have tried to keep them as simple as possible.


I agree with keeping it simple. I have had so many brides tell me how confusing it has been to choose. Thats why I started a create your own system.. works fantastic!
07/10/2008 07:09:01 PM · #12
I dunno, my sister just got married and since I was in the wedding I couldn't take a lot of photos. I'm an advocate for selling the client the hi-res files but that's just me. Putting myself in their shoes that's how I'd want it. Then again, I'm not making my living from it.

I'm not sure what kind of package my sister purchased but looking at $8 for a 4x6, $100+ for anything over 8x10 on the photog's website is frustrating, especially when I could have easily taken comparable quality images for free. I would have preferred a package that gave her the original or edited hi-res files - it gives a lot more flexibility for sizes as well.
07/10/2008 07:35:37 PM · #13
I had a friend that get married but were not offered the original files immediately but close to a year later. Not sure of the price, but they had already bought prints from the photographer after the wedding and I don't believe they printed up many more from the originals. It's just good to have files where they can print from if there was a need to.

I think this method works out well for both photographer and wedding party. Just don't let them know that you are going to sell it to them in about a years time so they buy as many prints as they need.

Message edited by author 2008-07-10 19:38:40.
07/10/2008 07:57:30 PM · #14
Originally posted by faidoi:

I had a friend that get married but were not offered the original files immediately but close to a year later. Not sure of the price, but they had already bought prints from the photographer after the wedding and I don't believe they printed up many more from the originals. It's just good to have files where they can print from if there was a need to.

I think this method works out well for both photographer and wedding party. Just don't let them know that you are going to sell it to them in about a years time so they buy as many prints as they need.


That is something I am planning to do.. for those couples who did not have the DVD, I will probably contact them in a year or so once any knock-on sales have died down and just offer it to them for half-price (£150). I don't even have to do it on the companies books if you know what I mean.. wink wink, say no more.

Message edited by author 2008-07-10 19:58:16.
07/10/2008 10:25:51 PM · #15
I believe it depends on if you want to be a print seller or not. There are a lot of photographers (myself included) who don't want the hassle of keeping wedding images forever and trying to upsell to get more money. My wedding shoots have included home use rights (that is print whatever you want, just no selling for profit). I charged more up front, but I'm done with the work immediately and don't have to worry about people coming back years later.

For some photographers they live on the repeat business, therefore they cannot sell the images. Me I'd rather get the money up front and move on. Selling the files is a growing trend.

BTW, I think you're very inexpensive to start with, so I'd price the digital copies at least at $500, probably $1000. I'd also include some reputable places to have the images turned into hard copy.

Good luck. I'm not a fan of the pressure weddings have. In a portrait sitting you can always take a second shot. weddings don't afford the chance.

L
07/10/2008 10:45:55 PM · #16
I see all this never sell the orig guff... For our wedding we got the same rah rah deal we keep the negs forever, come back anytime bs [I know it's hard to understand but this was pre digi when we used this plastic type stuff... and flash powder :)]... We go back 10 years later and no they flipping don't keep negs "forever".

I don't see why it's hard to understand why people want something they can use again later - usually when they have more $ :-). Find a decent price - and I don't meed 5K silly price - and add it to the package or have them wait 12 months or something.
07/10/2008 11:14:34 PM · #17
My wedding is coming up pretty quick, and I really like the way our photog approaches this: her package is all the selects @ 1800 x 1200px (4x6 @ 300 dpi), and anything larger, we order through her. So for facebook, small prints for family, etc, I can take care of it, and for big enlargements, we pay extra. Great system, IMO.
07/10/2008 11:19:28 PM · #18
For weddings, I charge by the print (no packages) I offer an option of the CD of the printable 4x6 files for a base price. That price is reduced by 10% if they order a minimum price of prints. If they want larger files or different crops (8x10 for instance) I will add the file onto the cd/dvd for an additional price per file added.
07/11/2008 12:01:27 AM · #19
Originally posted by elsapo:

Originally posted by Simms:

Originally posted by elsapo:

She is offering me $300 on top of my package price. The only reason I'm thinking of saying yes, it's because she might go to another photographer.


Whats she getting with the package at the moment?


She hasnt chosen a package yet but I'll post mine here (BTW i've only done 2 wedding and I'm still not sure what should/shouldn't be included lol)

Package #1 - $500.00
60 4x6 prints
10 5x7 prints
3 8x10 prints
Regular 4x6 wedding album

Package #2 - $1,000.00
90 4x6 prints
15 5x7 prints
6 8x10 prints
10x10 leather album with 12 designed pages

Package #3 - $1,500.00
125 4x6 prints
20 5x7 prints
10 8x10 prints
1 16x20 Canvas Print
10x10 leather album with 16 designed pages

HOLY BABY JESUS, you're very inexpensive!!!! My mom paid $700 for 45 4x6's for my wedding and that was cheap for around here! As for your question, I don't shoot weddings, but I've had to help plan plenty of them and no one around here offers the files. I suppose if it started becoming the norm they would, but I think that would really cut into the money you earn from selling prints.
07/11/2008 12:22:28 AM · #20
Around here, some do and some don't.

I was reading in a magazine the other day (rangefinder, maybe), and they interviewed several professionals.

The answer was clear -- some did and some didn't.

All for different reasons, and based on what met their needs.
07/11/2008 12:25:00 AM · #21
I dont do weddings either, but i think you are very cheap and give alot away in your packages. Ibet you she chooses the cheapest package and then wants teh files for 300 to print whatever she wants. You will be losing out.

I suggest that you pretend you are a groom and want info and phone the other photographers and find out what and how much they are selling them for and what their packages are. In fact this is what I would have done before I had even written out my package deals
07/11/2008 01:44:32 AM · #22
Originally posted by Maverick:

I'm not sure what kind of package my sister purchased but looking at $8 for a 4x6, $100+ for anything over 8x10 on the photog's website is frustrating, especially when I could have easily taken comparable quality images for free.

Sure, you could have probably done a similar thing for your sister for free, but how much did your equipment cost? How much time have you put into refining your photography skills, reading about technique and composition, and editing in Photoshop? Those are all costs that need to be covered, and the photographer should not be faulted for trying to make a living. Sure, I agree, that $100 for an 8x10 is too much. However, saying that you could have done it for free is no better than one of my clients going with someone cheaper shooting with their newly acquired photography kit, simply because they don't appreciate what goes into it all?

Would you offer to do your day job for free? How would you feel if someone else offered to your boss to do your job for free?

Originally posted by Maverick:

I would have preferred a package that gave her the original or edited hi-res files - it gives a lot more flexibility for sizes as well.

A CD full of edited files? Seriously?

Considering I take between 400-800 images at a wedding, I cannot imagine EVER having to edit them all. And certainly not for only $500 (my cost for the CD of proofs). The only way I would edit them all is if the client bought every print; luckily, I have factored editing time into my print costs (something your sister's photographer has undoubtedly done as well).

I have no issues charging $10 for a 4x6 print, and can easily justify the cost to my clients if they question why it's "so much".
07/11/2008 02:34:28 AM · #23
Justin:

My vote is no. I don't sell the original images in digital format for many of the reasons stated already. Personally, I don't want to take the chance that my name will be associated with Wal-Mart prints that may or may not have been color corrected or resized appropriately. I do offer significant savings on multiple print orders, but I make money on the prints I sell.

I also agree that your prices are very low - especially based on your talent and skill. You may have only done two weddings so far, but geez... Give yourself some more credit. I'd pay a helluva lot more to have you shoot an event for me.

I live in a VERY rural small town (pop. 1200) in a poor county in southwestern Virginia. My wedding packages start around $1800 and I'm not having any problems getting bookings. I don't pretend to offer the "standard" Sears portrait studio shots (although I do include some traditional poses based on client requests), but I doubt people are coming to you for "stiff" poses either. You have an amazing gift for capturing "life" in a moment, so don't be afraid to charge for providing that service. It's not a common talent.

PM me if you want me to send you a complete copy of my wedding contract and price list. Good luck and I know you will be extremely successful in your photographic endeavors. :-)

Jimmy

07/11/2008 06:44:44 AM · #24
Originally posted by geoffb:

Originally posted by Maverick:

I'm not sure what kind of package my sister purchased but looking at $8 for a 4x6, $100+ for anything over 8x10 on the photog's website is frustrating, especially when I could have easily taken comparable quality images for free.

Sure, you could have probably done a similar thing for your sister for free, but how much did your equipment cost? How much time have you put into refining your photography skills, reading about technique and composition, and editing in Photoshop? Quite a bit (the difference between our kits was a D300 vs. a D200 - the wedding was shot with a 17-55 f/2.8 exclusively) and as I said, I'm confident I could have gotten all of the shots that were taken. My kit was built around wedding shooting and I've put in plenty of time - I'm not an expert but consider myself capable and have a couple years experience shooting weddings & assisting other photogs Those are all costs that need to be covered, and the photographer should not be faulted for trying to make a living The cost for the photog to come in and shoot (prints aside) was high as well. Sure, I agree, that $100 for an 8x10 is too much. However, saying that you could have done it for free is no better than one of my clients going with someone cheaper shooting with their newly acquired photography kit, simply because they don't appreciate what goes into it all? My preference (and how I charge) is time for shooting & processing, not individualized print prices, that's just my humble opinion. I would have shot my sister's wedding for free, but not a non-family wedding. I don't fault them for making a living - again as I said I'm not making my living off of it.

Would you offer to do your day job for free? How would you feel if someone else offered to your boss to do your job for free? My overtime is unpaid so I end up doing lots of free work = P I'm not saying a photographer shouldn't charge to shoot a wedding. I was expressing my frustration over print prices for images that I could have comparably shot. As the customer and also the seller, I prefer buying/selling the photos in a CD/DVD vs. individual prints, but to each his/her own.

Originally posted by Maverick:

I would have preferred a package that gave her the original or edited hi-res files - it gives a lot more flexibility for sizes as well.

A CD full of edited files? Seriously? Again, this is what I offer, so yes.

Considering I take between 400-800 images at a wedding, I cannot imagine EVER having to edit them all I wouldn't edit them all either - they don't all come out great, but I would consider 200 reasonable. And certainly not for only $500 (my cost for the CD of proofs). The only way I would edit them all is if the client bought every print; luckily, I have factored editing time into my print costs (something your sister's photographer has undoubtedly done as well).

I have no issues charging $10 for a 4x6 print, and can easily justify the cost to my clients if they question why it's "so much".


Message edited by author 2008-07-11 07:12:17.
07/11/2008 07:26:29 AM · #25
I am surprised Prof Fate hasnt chipped in yet with his usual rhetoric.
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