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11/07/2011 03:17:20 PM · #1
Ok well, I'm new here so let me start off with Hello! Here's the situation. I'm a Registered Nurse and have been a photographer part time for the last two and a half years. I just moved to a new, much larger, market and am looking to revamp things.

1. For starters - what seems to work advertising wise in large markets? I came from a much smaller area and was using Google adwords and Facebook ads. I've been getting impressions and hits since I moved here and updated the ads but no bookings yet.

2. My Wedding packages... They start pretty low (no overhead and do this part time... however, I'm trying to change that). Bottom package is $ 850 and you basically get me for four hours and a couple of prints - no e-session, bridal, dvd. They go up from there with my top end being 2,800 - includes 8 hours, wall prints, a canvas, and DVD. Seems to be pretty cheap compared to others I'm running across... What do you do with your packages?

3. Am I charging enough for my work? You can see some of my latest at my blog or website through my profile (not sure if its ok to post the url in here - I havent posted work on dpchallenge in over a year probably)... I think there are a lot better than me, but everyone else says I do a good job - I'm just unsure since I'm still relatively new at it. Your thoughts? Should I stay bargain or move up?

I REALLY appreciate any help, feedback, or suggestions. I would love to be able to make the swap to doing photography full-time since it's my passion...

Thanks again.

Message edited by author 2011-11-07 15:19:23.
11/07/2011 03:22:15 PM · #2
Originally posted by malenurse1979:

(no overhead


No overhead? What about equipment, computers, memory cards, maintenance, personal liability insurance, equipment insurance, business license fees, car, gas etc.... I think you have more overhead then you realize.
11/07/2011 03:23:19 PM · #3
Sorry - clarifying - by overhead I mean no studio...
11/07/2011 05:40:54 PM · #4
As for advertising I can't help because I really stink at marketing. As for charging that is very complicated. It depends on your area and what the market will bare. Pretty much you can look at others in your area and what they charge and price accordingly. But personal I would charge what you are happy to make. Are you happy to go out and shoot a family session for $100 or do you feel like you should get more. Charge what you are happy with but don't under charge.

Oh and take my advice with a grain of salt as I am no expert.
11/07/2011 06:26:13 PM · #5
good luck building your new business! since this isn't your full-time gig, you can afford to break into it slowly. establish reasonable rates (there are a number of freelance rate calculators on the internet. google them up and go through the exercise of determining what you need to be making. balance that with what comparable photographers are charging in your area and set your rates from there), give some introductory incentives, then pound on the word-of-mouth. learn the art of relationship marketing and you can build a nice, steady flow of work.

here's what one person suggests and it sounds promising.

11/07/2011 09:39:17 PM · #6
My wife and I got our photographer cheap at like $1000 for two photographers for several hours with photos on dvd. Prints were extra. They were just about a year or two in the business. I was happy with them. I looked at your gallery a few timees before and looking at your work compared to what I got, I would say you should step up your pricing too. Your work is good enough to go for that higher end clientele.
11/07/2011 10:39:18 PM · #7
What kind of clients do you want? Just anyone? A specific type of bride (glamorous/rustic/low budget/etc)? I've shot wedding all over the U.S. based on word of mouth alone. If you are good to your clients, they'll be good back. And word of mouth clients are ALWAYS far more awesome to work with than others in my experience.

Just watch out for the bridezillas. They make you rethink your entire life in photography. Haha.
11/08/2011 04:30:54 PM · #8
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I appreciate it. I've gone through and upped my wedding rates to be on-par for the most part. I have one fairly basic package that's 1250.00 (was lower than that previously). Next step up is right at 2k - seems most photographers start at 2-2.5k around here... maybe my bottom package can pick up a few clients to help the word of mouth. Even if they arent my target audience it's a fairly small commitment - they've got me 4 hours and a couple of nice wall prints (no canvases, no dvd, no engagement or bridal session).
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