amy_r1

If you're worrying about THIS kind of stuff, you need to take it up a notch and get out of that market. It's a tough market to be in and I don't think a lot of photographers strive to be there. Personally, it's for the new photographers to build a style and a thick skin and quickly move above and beyond. Who doesn't want the quality client that appreciates quality work and guests who have enough class to stay out of your way??

 

And the comment about the guy with the tattoes and such... you'd be surprised that if he makes stellar images and has a great personality, he will not be hurting for work.

 

With all due respect, sounds like you might want to reasses your position in wedding photography and make some goals to get out of being in situations where someone wants to hire you for 50 bucks.

Raise your prices when your phone is ringing off the hook and you're getting more work than you want. Not that that's bad :)

 

For the bridal show, I would create a separate price list and make it a la carte. That way your low prices aren't so obvious at first glance.

Luiz -

 

Many wedding photography books have templates in them as well. Don't forget to have a lawyer check it out first before having a client sign it. Things vary from city to city, state to state and you may leave something out that could cause you trouble if anything happens with the arrangement.

 

Amy

Jennifer, those kolo albums are kool!! I'll have to check those out.

 

If you're looking for a more traditional album, try Leather Album Designs and they can tell you where to buy directly instead of online.

If you're looking for the traditional black leather with black mats try Art Leather and Leather Abum Designs in addition to Renaissance.

 

The current Topflight catalog has the clear acetate sleeves as an option WITH the mats for both the pin and post style albums.

Boni, Where are you located?

Queensberry albums??

Put a hefty price on the edits... like what you think your reputation is worth. I doubt she has the dough for that. Don't give in and give her what she paid for... beautiful pictures of her wedding day.

I like both primes and zooms but this sounds like you need to go out and shoot with both to figure out what YOU like and what fits YOUR style.

 

I have both primes and zooms in my bag but I know when and why I want to use them for... not saying that you don't, but our opinions shouldn't be your deciding factor on this.

 

 

 

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I didn't see this in person but saw the picture on a website... the bride was tounging the ice sculpture!!!

 

Talk about targeting a cetain kind of bride :)

 

 

 

 

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I like it!

 

 

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I think you're on the right track so far. I'm currently working on my business plan as well and my goal is to be in business by the first of 2006. I wrote down everything I could think of and continue to do so and then try to link it all together so I can understand the effects that each decision has on everything else. In regards to financing, I'm in the same boat as you. I'm paying for everything cash right now and will keep my day job until the photography becomes a full-time job.

I think it's more of a personal preference. My packages include the negatives and a set of proofs. I'm in the lower price range and a lower middle class area so I don't suspect that holding the negatives for reprint $$ will get me anywhere. I'm also new to the business so I'm not worried about copyright either. If and when I get to a point where I feel that I can raise my prices into a higher level and have made a name for myself, I may change that.

I recently went to a bridal show that I'd like to participate in next year. I quietly and quickly walked through, took some of the pamphlets that were handed to me and then got the heck out of there. I really wanted to see the booths since I had never been to a bridal show in my life and had no clue on booth size or how decorative to be. Everything was pretty much as I expected it to be with no big surprises. If you really want to check out your local competition, check out their websites. The stuff handed out at the shows is a fraction of the information you can see on the sites.

 

I wouldn't recommend handing out your information if you're not a paid vendor. People pay a lot of money and spend a lot of time preparing for these events. If you're caught handing out your card and brochures, you'll most likely be asked to leave. You'll also make a bad name for yourself with the other photographers and vendors since doing something like that is cheap and unprofessional.

Robert, so glad to see you here! I was a lurker on the zuga wedding forum and always enjoyed your work and comments.

I like the pics and their expressions are great!! I stay away from cutting off at the knees but that's more of a personal preference. I also like the layout. To me the minimalist look is very classy and uncontrived.

I second shoot with a pro wedding photographer and most of the time it's C-41 B&W and Portra 400 VC. I personally like the VC over the NC because of the extra punch in color.