Online Proofing and Ordering

<p>I get how online proofing and ordering works but why do photographers (wedding, portrait, etc.) try to make this seem like it's a benefit when it's just a part of the process...?</p>

<p>For example:<br>

For $XXX<br>

1 hour session<br>

30 edited images<br>

Print Credit<br>

Online gallery</p>

<p>Isn't that the same as saying we use cameras? (being facetious now)</p>

<p>Opinions?</p>

<p>TIA</p>

<p>I'd venture to say it's all part of marketing, advertise and promote what's "hot" to the customers. Right now, online galleries are what's "in" amongst the "Facebook frenzy" public. If you don't mention it, many will assume you don't offer it, so you're not "cutting edge" like Photographer John Doe over there.</p>

<p>Similar to saying "<em>I use the latest in professional quality digital cameras</em>." As if using a film camera means lesser quality. As photographers we know better than that, we know that the skills of the person determine the quality of the pictures. And of course they're using "professional quality" cameras, you think they'd set up with a one-time use camera or something?</p>

<p>But to the mass public, who are constantly fed "<em>this camera is the latest in digital technology, it does everything for you and is better than everything else available</em>" advertising lines from marketing directors, it's comforting to the potiental customer to know that the photographer they want to hire is using the best equipment available. Or the newest technology.<br>

It's like when you go to buy a car, they all advertise that "A/C is included" Honestly, when was the last time you saw a new car for sale that didn't have A/C?</p>

<p><strong>And FYI</strong>, not every photographer offers online proofing and ordering. Many still do business the "old fashioned way" by having proofs, or a proof book printed, and then having the customer select what prints they want.</p>

<p>Others will "soft proof" in that they pull the pics up on a computer at the end of the session. The customer will select what they want right there, before they leave and the photographer then edits and orders the prints.</p>

<p>Then there are some who only proof online. The customer still has to make orders directly to the photographer. The online gallery operates as their proof book, but the customer can not order directly from that service.</p>

<p>Depends on how you want to run your business, to each his (or her) own.</p>