aimee_pieters

<p>Meg,<br>

What kind of work are you looking to do? Portraits? Weddings?<br>

Also, do YOU want a customer who's looking for a "good deal" as you do when you're looking through those packets?<br>

For weddings, I've always had luck aligning myself with someone at the locations I want to work at. I find out if they have some special, big budget events coming up and I ask if I can come by for 15-20 minutes and photograph their room setups, food displays, etc. and I compile an album with my website address in each photo. I know that they'll show my work and spread my name because it's in their own interest to show these photos and help them make their sale.....-Aimee</p>

<p>In my research, I've found that NO commercially available wedding albums are archival. While some claim that they use archival mats or papers, the adhesives, cover materials and lacquers are not.<br>

Besides, we're talking about a peel 'n stick album, not an heirloom.<br>

By the way - I've heard that you can remove most photos from this type of album with a hair dryer. You probably won't save the print, but you'll save the album and all the other prints that you're already stuck down....-Aimee</p>

<p>My best advice is to make the larger prints seem like a bargain. In other words, charge substantially for the 8x10 and only a little more for an 11x14 and 16x20. You're not selling paper, you're selling art. Your customer is buying an image and it's valuable regardless of size.<br>

Think about this, all size jeans are the same price, right?....-Aimee</p>

<p>Absolutely talk to a lawyer and only one who practices in your locality as everything differs from one town to another. You should also consult your insurance agent/broker about some type of umbrella policy. If your customer slips in your driveway, that's your home, not your business.<br>

This type of investment in your home seems like a much better alternative than paying rent elsewhere and may be a great answer to compliment your lifestyle. Many people do well with home office/studios while others either work too much or don't work enough!</p>

<p>When I was at Imaging USA a couple of weeks ago, I saw lots of these peel 'n stick albums. Has anyone used these? How do they compare and how do you price them? Are some better than others? Any information would help, thanks.....-Aimee</p>

<p>I always get paid for the basic contract upfront and for any additional items when the order is placed. This is a good reason to use a lab that will ship directly to your customer. If they're not coming back to pick-up, then they can't pay then!<br>

Also, it's a great idea to NOT have your customer owe you any "old" money when they're placing an order. Otherwise they add the 2 together and will not spend as much.<br>

I also set-up my pricing to offer discounts for certain items like family albums, etc. when they are INCLUDED in the initial contract. Remember that a commitment in a contract that's paid before the wedding is much better than a promise of "my parents are going to call you to order an album and some pictures when they get back from their vacation."</p>

<p>I don't mean to offend any of you, but I decided a long time ago that I was a photographer and stick to that. I check with an attorney and/or an accountant for questions like these. You can even call the IRS or your state tax department for the legalities in your area. Afterall, if something happens and you need advice or representation down the road, you're not going to get any real help from a photographer, right?</p>