Your Images Do NOT Determine Your Success

I've often wonder what makes a client choose which photographer to go with.

Price?

Package options?

CD included?

It drives me crazy when I meet with a potential client for a wedding booking and they seem interested, only to have them end up not booking. I never get a reason why. I have the urge to send a survey asking what made them decide to go elsewhere. But, then at the same time, I'm scared to find out why. I'm afraid that they might say something that will hurt my feelings, or I even let my imagination go crazy to think that they may have not hired me because they didn't like my hairstyle. I know that's ridiculous.

I think most of us photographers are very sensitive creative individuals. We take things personally when we shouldn't and it's enough to ruin our day (or week) when a potential client goes with someone else.

One thing we have to tell ourselves is that it's probably not because of our work.

Now, repeat that out loud to yourself.

It's not because of my work!

Most people cannot decipher a good photo from a bad one. Most don't even know what they want. It's your job to educate them. It does not matter how beautiful your images are on your website. With all that competition out there these days, it's even more confusing for people to choose where to go for photos. Thus, many simply look for the cheapest.

So, how do you convince someone to pick you over a cheaper photographer?

Sell the experience

I know you've probably heard this before, but it's true. Letting them know that going with you will create an experience that ends in a memory that is documented on quality products, it lets them decide with their heart. Giving them a reason to think you are worth it (because you are) let's them not think about the price.

Part of selling is to also show why your product is better and worth the extra expense. Explain that, while there are cheaper photographers, you value their memories to have them printed on quality paper/products that will last longer over the years. How important are those memories to risk losing them to poor quality documentation?!

 Create a "friendship"

No, don't invite them out for drinks, but make them feel like they've known you forever. This creates trust. 

When we shoot a wedding, we feel like we've made new friends and I get hugs and tears when I hand the bride over her products afterwards. I created a memory for them during their experience that we were a part of. She feels like (This also creates word-of-mouth recommendation-a whole other post!)


So, when you are consulting with someone about your services, don't just show your work. Talk about it and how you help create a lasting memory for your past clients-not just a photo on paper.

Customer Service-how important is it?

As a business owner, I'm very conscious of how other businesses handle customer service. I can't help it. I'm constantly comparing my standards to theirs, or how I would handle the same situation if it had happened to me.

I'm always shocked when I see an obvious way to make a new client, when other businesses throw the opportunity away.

Like for instance, a couple of Saturdays back, I cracked a tooth. My dentist doesn't see patients on Saturdays, so I decided to check out some dentists that were open on Saturdays. I had been thinking about changing dentists since my favorite dentist in the group moved away and I really didn't care for the other dentist. So, I figured that if they could squeeze me in, maybe I would end up liking them and become a new patient.

I called around and found a dentist that was open on Saturdays and asked if they could possibly at least look at it. I mentioned that I was looking for a new dentist and one that was open on Saturdays would be perfect for my schedule as well. She put me on hold for a couple of minutes and when she came back on the line, she said that they didn't have room.

Hmm.

My entrepreneur brain was horrified. If I had the opportunity to make a client for life, I would make the room. I would stay open later if needed, or at least met to get that initial meeting. Maybe that's just me and maybe the dentist didn't need anymore clients, or maybe she had important plans after lunch.

I ended up waiting until Monday and made an appointment with another dentist and now that dentist will be my new dentist. Score for new dentist. Too bad for that other dentist who lost a potential client.

Now, on the other side, I've seen great customer service from our favorite fast place we go to on Sundays. We have two in our city; one that's close to our house (and more convenient) and another one that's on the other side of town (way out of our way).

We would go mostly to the one closest to us and to the farther one when out that way. We found that we would get rude service and wrong orders at the place closest more often than not, and when we went to the inconvenient one, we got excellent service. The manager even remembered us and started giving us VIP discounts for coming.

So, where do you think we go when we want to eat there? Even though it's out of our way, we go there because they go out of their way to keep us as a returning client.


Customer service is the soul of a successful business-remember that!

Seven essentials to starting a photography business

Photography is not a cheap business to start.

A lot of people think that all you need is a good camera and talent and you are good to go.

THIS IS NOT TRUE.

The truth is, there are many investments to make when starting a photography business. This is probably true with most start up businesses. It takes money to make money-plain and simple.

But, what do you really need to start a photography business?

There are many hits and misses in the photography field. You have to experiment with products and you might end up with purchases you find out your don't need. There also are many people out there trying to cash in on the growing amount of newbie photographers out there, so it's hard not to get talked into unnecessary products.

That being said, let's talk about the bare essentials...

1. Gear

Having the right equipment goes without saying. You will need a good body and at least one good prime, though you will want different lens for different situations-and I haven't met a photographer yet that could stand just having one lens! ;)

If you are setting up a studio, you'll need the proper lighting equipment which can be purchased inexpensively if you do your research. I found a great deal for under $400 on Amazon.

I would recommend a good flash as well. Depending on what brand you use, there are many off brand flashes that are compatible with your camera.

2. A Way to Connect with Potential Clients

If you want the world to know you are open for business, you will need a website or blog. Almost everyone these days has at least a blog or Facebook. It's our way to let people know we exist. For businesses, it's an extension of their storefront, or for people working from home, it is their storefront.

There are inexpensive blog platforms, or even free ones (I still believe in Blogger). Especially when you are just starting out. If you want to invest in themes, or hire a designer, that's cool too.

Once you figured out the route you want to take, you'll need to think of a good domain name. Using your business name is the best route. After you set up your website or blog, start writing. Add lots of photos to showcase your work. Submit it to search engines and connect with other businesses related to yours.

3. Invest in Marketing

Marketing is a must for any business. There are many free marketing routes (a whole other post) but, you really need to invest in a good marketing source until your business gets rolling.
A cheaper investment are business cards. Vistaprint is awesome, as well as Moo Cards (I love Moo!) Hand them out to everyone you come in contact with. I know this will be hard at first, but once you get used to it, it will come naturally. You never know who might be your next client!

4. Get Insured!

Yes, there was an exclamation point there. It is very important to get yourself insured. You never know what might happen. Even if you don't do weddings, things can go wrong.

5. Editing Software

Even the best photographers use some kind of editing software. If you are into actions or textures, you will need to invest in editing software. There are expensive ones, like Photoshop, and there are more reasonable software like Paint Shop or Lightroom. What you choose is mainly your taste and what you can afford. Photoshop does have a lot of free help on the Internet and many assume that everyone uses Photoshop, so they gear products towards that product.

6. Training
I suggest ongoing learning. This does not have to be expensive. For every paid training out there, you will find double free help. I cannot afford $400 for an ebook, can you? Check YouTube-this has taught me a lot.

7. A Computer

Having a computer is a must. You don't need a Mac, but it has to be able to handle big files. I actually have three computers now, but I started out with one. You can find good deals at Walmart or eBay if you wait for sales.

One last tip: Make sure you invest back into your business and start a savings for unexpected expenses, like broken camera lens or marketing.

Don't let these steps discourage you from starting your photography business. Have fun and though it's an investment initially, soon you will reap the rewards!

The Passion

I have a couple of weekends off before my wedding season will be taking over my life. This year will be my record for weddings. I know I should be excited. I love shooting weddings, but I'm actually regretting booking so many.

Why, you may ask?

Because I'll be so busy, I won't be seeing alot of the family. I know one may deem my business successful. I mean, I'm busy with clients, right?

Success comes in all forms. One may define success because they have riches. Another may associate it with doing something that you love. I like to think it's a combination of both, but to me, it cannot interfere with being a mom and wife-and me.

Entrepreneurs tend to get caught up in work and forget to take time off to live their life too. I think that if we don't do that, we will lose the passion that inspired us to do it in the first place. I'm afraid that I'm getting to that point right now. This is the very reason why I've sat down and took a long look at where I want my business to be a year from now.

I know I don't want to be the Jack of all trades if you may, in photography. I have a tendency of feeling guilty if I turn a client down because I don't want to take photos of babies, or shoot another birthday party.

I really would like to see myself shooting glamour by next year, in addition to weddings. Maybe offering the two as a package option for the bride for her husband. I think concentrating on a specific niche will make me feel less overwhelmed. This will help me get through this year, knowing it will be different next year.

I'm also allowing myself to take a vacation this summer as well. No work. No emails. Just the family and having fun.


Do you feel this way too? Are you overwhelmed with your business that you are losing your passion? What changes are you going to make, if any?

What DSLR Camera Should I Buy?

Some of you may be out there spending your tax refund on goodies, so just in case you might be thinking about investing in a camera, I wanted to talk about which camera might be the best to start out with.

I get a lot of questions from readers about what camera would be a good one to buy. Most beginners want to know about Nikon or Canon, though there are other great cameras out there too. I know that most help is geared towards using either of these brands as well, so I will stick to these. I want to point out though, in the end it’s not about what brand/model camera you have, but the person taking the photos that matters.

Lens

Purchasing glass (lens) is a very important step in starting your photography journey. I cannot stress enough - do not buy the “kit” lens that is offered. Instead, buy a 50mm f/1.8 lens for Canon or the 35mm f/1.8 for Nikon. These lens will allow you to take photos in lower light and create bokeh (images with the subject in focus and the background blurry).

Buy the Canon 50mm f/1.8 Lens


Buy Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens



You will also want a telephoto lens like the 24-70mm f2.8 lens available for both brands. This lens works well for walk around and portrait.

Both lens types are great lens to start out with until you get the hang of it and want to buy more, and trust me, you will!

Bodies

Sticking with the Canon and Nikon, the Canon Rebel T1i for Canon users, or the Nikon D5000 are good camera to have for your first couple of years-or longer if you want. They have excellent sized megapixels and handle well for portrait photographers. Either of these cameras would be enough to use in a portrait business. If you are thinking of becoming a wedding photographer, you will want to upgrade before going pro (another post in the making!.

Buy Canon EOS Rebel T1i (Body Only)


Buy Nikon D5000 (Body Only)

Recommended Places to Buy your Camera

Just my two cents worth, I buy all my equipment on these three sites; Amazon,
Adorama, and B&H.


Learn How to use Your Awesome New Camera

My favorite recommendation to learn about your camera would be the Photo Nuts and Bolts: Know Your Camera and Take Better Photos

It's you, not me-dealing with difficult clients

Back last summer, I shot a senior girl session which turned out beautiful. I sent the gallery proof to the mom and she picked out her favorites for the prints and I ordered her package. Everything went smoothly-so I thought.

When she received her prints, she said her daughter's face looked pink in print in one of the photos. She was up against a red brick wall and it was a hot day, so she did have a "hot" face. I did, however, touch it up as much as I could before she saw them. She didn't look unnatural in coloring though. She (mom) began complaining about other photos as well.

I offered to do a retouch and take out more red and "fixed" the other photos as well. She agreed and I had them reprinted (shipping at my cost) and sent them out to her once again. I didn't hear from her until almost two months later by email telling me she still wasn't happy with the photos. Well, since she waited so long, I couldn't send them back to the lab. Frustrated, I asked her just what was she was looking for? She just wasn't happy with the coloring once again and added new complaints this time!

At this point, I wasn't sure if she was just trying to get everything for free. I have been using her daughter's photos in my senior advertising since summer and they look great, so I was lost at what she wanted me to do.

I decided that I would just offer her the amount it would cost ME to print them and let her be the printer's problem. Maybe that wasn't the right thing to do, but eliminating the stress was worth it. I think this client was just one of those people who aren't happy unless they feel they got away with some deal.

Dealing with difficult clients can be hard. A few tips to follow may help you to deal with a difficult client, or avoid them in the first place.

Just say no.

This word is the hardest word to say sometimes. Guilt works big time on me and the need to please all my clients no matter what. Used appropriately though, this word sets boundaries for the client that might not otherwise be apparent.

Offer a solution.

Clients have a tendency to be single-minded when it comes to voicing their request. Find out what their underlying reason is for their demands. Maybe they don't have the money, or a specific location they didn't know you would go to. You might turn their demand into a positive.

Pre-qualify your clients.

This is such an important step in the photography business! Don't just book your clients. Instead, hold a phone or in person consultation to feel your client out. Understand their wishes and let them know what you are all about as well.
I turned down a wedding couple just the other day because I didn't feel we were a great fit during our interview. Pre-qualifying your customers saves a lot of headaches!

Write up a contract!

I've learned first hand what to put in your policies contract through trial and error with clients. My contract has changed over the years to include things I didn't think about until after I lived them. Very important to protect yourself and save yourself money and time in the long run.

Be professional-always.

It was so hard to just bite my tongue when dealing with this client. I just wanted to shake her and shout, these are beautiful-why don't you see that?! lol A client may just want to keep pushing your buttons over and over so you will cave. I know that as artists, we take things personally more than the average Joe. Just simply stand firm and stay professional. Once again, that's why I recommend pre-qualifying to avoid hassles!

I admit, I didn't follow all of these rules with that client and look where it got me-over 6 months later I was still dealing with her.

Rock Star

I spent this weekend watching Creativelive's 3 day event with Zach and Jody Gray.

It was awesome! At the same time, it was overwhelming. I got lots of info, like great ideas for customer service and some lighting ideas.

I love the energy that Zach and Jody bring to the table. If you haven't listened to them, you should. They really get you pumped up. I even found myself saying "You're a rock star!" all weekend (Zach was calling everyone a rock star. lol.)

What I took from that weekend of soaking in all the info they gave was that customer service is the key to success for any business. You need to stand out in the sea of photographers. Clients won't know the difference between who's the best photographer and someone who takes great photos. They won't have any idea what's the best camera. When they hunt through all the hundreds of photographer's websites, they won't remember who took what.

Maybe once photographers understand this, we will have to start competing with who gives the best service opposed to quality of our work. Let's hope not!

I got some great ideas that I will start using with my clients ( and some I already do!). I hope to make a big jump by next year, so I need to work on standing out with that great customer service reputation this year. I'm excited!

I just hope that photographers in my area haven't tapped into these awesome ideas.

Shhh! Don't tell!

Out of commission

I woke up yesterday to a gurgling tummy. Not the hungry gurgle. The I-feel-like-puking-gurgle. By mid morning, I could barely move. Every inch of my body ached. My stomach felt like it was being punched from the inside out and I was freezing even though I had on two pairs of sweats , a sweatshirt, mittens and two blankets.

I hate it when I get the flu.

Luckily, I was alone during the day to be miserable. Well, me and the animals. I laid on one of our couches and Sam, our cat, laid on the other. He usually has to lay on my lap, but I think he didn't know what was going on.

Bella, our dog, laid faithfully on the floor next to the couch I was on. Dogs are like that. I think I would trust Bella to have my back over the cat.

It killed me not to be able to do much needed work on the computer. I wanted to email some vendors about networking and return client's emails. All I could do was suck on peppermints and sip water. Oh, and think about how I hadn't got around to making out my will-feeling like your dying makes you think about things like that.

When the hubby got home, he brought in the mail and I noticed a package with all the letters. I remembered that I had ordered some press printed cards from WHCC (I love them!) the day before. I just can't get used to how fast their shipping time is! I got the idea from Sarah Petty of Joy of Marketing and it made sense. Clients will take you more serious if your price list looks more professional. I was just printing out my contract which included prices.

I wanted to jump off the couch and see how they turned out, but I couldn't. They would have to wait.

After awhile (and two Advils), I finally felt well enough to get up. Of course, the first thing I did was open my package. When I saw the cards, I squealed-LOOOOVE IT!

Obviously, these are for my wedding clients. My next ones will be the senior cards. These are 5x5 folded cards. I was worried that they would be too small, but I like the size. I got the 5x7 envelopes-learning my lesson that the postage is too expensive to use the 5x5 envelopes.

I'm back to work today- after putting the house back together. I can't believe how fast a house can get messy when there isn't a mom keeping things together!

Slow time

This time of the year can be slow for photographers for shooting, but don't think that your business is! Now is the time to market to clients, polish your skills, and get your plan together for 2012.

One item you should not neglect right now is your blog. It's easy to do, I know! Maybe you don't do it on purpose. Maybe you just don't know what to blog about when you don't have a new session to show off.

Here are some ideas for you to use for those slow time of the year blog posts:

Recap the year before

Go through your photos from the year and pick out your favorites. Pick your favorite genre if you want like newborns, seniors, or weddings.

Talk about your favorite vendor

Do reviews of your favorite place to shoot weddings, your favorite prop supplier, even your favorite place to eat-search engines will pick up keywords and a potential client searching for that restaurant might come across your site. Some great free advertising!

Show off your products

If you are adding new products this year (or even the products you already have), take some photos and brag about them.

Hold a contest

Two birds with one stone. Hold a contest during slow season and bring in new clients to your blog. Get creative and figure out how to use the contest require that they visit daily for a week or two, like making it an online scavenger hunt.

I hope these ideas get your creative juices rolling!

You are so more reasonably priced than other photographers!

I wanted to leap over the table and scratch her eyes out. I had heard that phrase more times than I could stomach. Even though I hated my client for saying that to me, I knew it wasn't her fault.


It was mine.

I made my prices too low. I was afraid. I wanted clients, so I figured the only way to get them was to be the best priced. The only problem was, I didn't know that I was attracting the WRONG clients-and it showed. I knew I wanted to make a living at this. I also knew I didn't want to work myself to death too.

But, how does a photographer go about deciding what they need to make to go full time-or, even part time?

Pricing guides.

I love the fact that photographers are willing to teach other photographers. Some free. Some you have to pay. Pricing guides are one of the valuable treasures that experienced photographers offer! I stand behind a great guide that gives you a vast amount of information that's easy to follow and offered by a real down to earth guy.

Creative Pricing and Packaging for Creative Professionals

I only represent products that I would/do use myself. So, I love to spread the word when I find something I feel is something that you can benefit from. This ebook teaches you about the client's psychology of choice when you are putting together photography packages.

What I like about this pricing guide is that it works for all stages of photographers. So, if you are just starting and don't have a solid price sheet, or even if you want to be competitively priced.

I was at the stage of my business when I didn't want to be undervalued, but didn't want to scare away clients. I also didn't know if I wanted packages or a la carte. Since understanding how to get clients to value your work and not to dwell on pricing, I've increased my averages by at least three to four hundred dollars per sale!

If you are considering purchasing this guide (you won't be sorry!), check out the other cool products Tofurious offers as well. He has blog templates, album templates, and a mix of other photography related items.

Virtual photographer bullies

The business world is very competitive, no matter what kind of business you run. The business world of photography has grown over the years.

When I began my journey as a photographer, I was not aware of what was to become of photography. I'm not even sure if the craze had even hit. my father became a photographer after he retired and when he saw that I was struggling to find how to bring my creativity into a career, he suggested I try photography.

I ended up teaching myself, by reading and reading more, then practising and practising-then, practising even more. I worked hard to get to where I am today and I'm still learning. I think just as any craft learned, you always need to educate yourself.

I have been involved in the blogging world for many years as well. More years than I have been a photographer. I've witness the cattiness with mom bloggers. The mean girls. The popular girls (are these the same?) I tried to stay away from getting caught up in the high school trash and was very selective of who I was friends with.

I also didn't need anyone's approval of whether I was worthy of being a big time blogger. After all, who were these bloggers to tell me? They didn't have any "blogger" degree. They didn't OWN the mom blogging world. Everyone is equal in the blogging world. We all stand the chance to be a big time blogger if we worked hard and built our brand, then we could be just as big as the next blogger.

I see this same pattern happening with photographers. There are definitely the everyone-wants-to-be-like-us crowd. There is virtual fighting. The thing I don't get is, who don ed them professionals? They didn't get a degree in teaching, they are not an art critic, and there was never a course called, 'If I don't think you should be a photographer because you don't have the right camera, lens, talent, etc, then you aren't worthy', is there? Are they calling the kettle black as well?

When I came across "Missy's" videos making fun of newbies, I was sad. (I won't give her traffic by posting her link. You can just type it in Google to find it if you want.)I don't feel that this person should make fun of newbies. Don't quote me, but I heard the rumor that she's the wife of a photographer and that maybe is scorned from loss business.

I know there are way too many people trying to be a photographer. I get it. I fear that pretty soon, the demand won't even be there because there will be a photographer in everyone's family.

I think that seasoned photographers forget sometimes that they were once there, pissing off other seasoned photographers by charging way less because they are just starting out. Nobody starts out charging 1000's. Maybe at the time, it wasn't so noticeable because there weren't as many photographers starting out, I don't know.

I have been hit by an under priced photographer in our area that is actually very good, but has the mind set that she is so successful because she's booked a year in advance. That's great, but I always wonder why she wants to work SO hard to get a decent income. Maybe she makes her money selling prints. I doubt it though, because she gives the CD at a very low price.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to be editing day and night for pennies. Do I get mad at her? Why yes, I do. But, I mainly feel sorry for her because she obviously doesn't get it. If we all didn't under sell ourselves, we ALL could make a decent living.

This year, I still plan on raising my prices, as I do every year. Will I bully anyone in the process? No. I don't believe in it. I just hope that this fad passes eventually for the next big work at home idea.

Five reasons why I'm not renewing my studio lease.

I know it seems to be a dream for a photographer to have a beautiful studio-I think many think it's a status of success. If you have a studio, you are a professional. You think you will be treated with more respect. You just FEEL more respected.

Well, I'm here to tell you that you DON'T have to have a studio to feel important or get respect. Sure, it can be exciting, but after all the excitement of renting (or buying) a studio wears off, you may regret it. I did.

I ran a studio out of my home for three years and did very nicely. The only thing was, I didn't feel like a real photographer. I felt I needed a real studio to be taken seriously. It didn't help that I drooled over all the online photos of beautiful studios these other more successful photographers had. I say more successful because they had to be to have a studio outside of their home.

After awhile, finding a space became all I thought about. I searched the classifieds. I drove around the business side of town. I made it my mission to find a space to rent. One day, while walking through a business area, I saw a For Rent sign outside a small place. We called and the rent was a bit more then I wanted, but lower then most rental spaces. I decided that I wanted it.

After painting and decorating, I was open for business. I was so excited! I had a grand opening and it was fun-for awhile.

Then, reality set in. I learned these 5 reasons why I shouldn't have jumped into renting a studio:

1. Renting (or buying) a space cut drastically into my profits-There's rental insurance, electric (I had to pay the bulk of the whole place, even though the people downstairs used most of the electricity), business taxes if buying space, and the biggest-the rent! I never realized how much I extra shoots and weddings I had to do to make up for that.

2. Time lost commuting- The drive back and forth to the studio to just meet 10 mins with a client was cutting into my production time. It also adds gas expense.

3. Less money for advertising-I found I had to cut out some advertising to pay rent. Advertising plays a big part in any business and can't be eliminated.

4. Lugging cameras and computers back and forth-I still did editing at home and didn't feel comfortable leaving my expensive equipment at the studio, so I was always lugging stuff back and forth.

5. Biggest reason why I'm not renewing my lease-I don't use it enough! I thought that if I had a studio outside of my home, I would have more indoor business. I was wrong. I still took most of my photos outdoors, at locations, or did weddings. I was paying for a space that I didn't use!

I'm going back to using my home, but we decided that we could still improve by using what I would have used for rent to remodel the house to something we could enjoy and look nice for clients at same time.

It was an expense lesson for me to learn, but I guess I got it out of my system. I'm not knocking those have successful studios-I still think that it would be awesome to have their studio. I just know it's not the right choice for me and I'd rather have more money in my pocket. I also wanted to assure everyone out there that are dreaming of owning a studio to the point of being depressed over it-don't be! It's okay to run a studio out of your home and you should enjoy having less headaches that running one outside of your home might bring. You are just as important as that photographer that has his studio downtown and don't let anyone tell you any different!

I'll leave you with these photos of an awesome home studio ran by a husband and wife photographer team. You could take that money you'd be saving to make your home look like this too!

Monica and Jake's in home studio:

Read an interview about them here too!

Dropping the cheapskates

Last week, I received an email from a person from my photography site that stated, "I love your work, but you are more expensive then 90% of photographers in our area..."

Then, I got an email from a bride telling me that she was looking for a great photographer at a reasonable price...

I laughed at both of these emails and remembered when I was desperate enough to take the cheapskate client. You know we've all been there. If you are just starting out, you know you are taking them right now.

It's okay.

We all have to go through this stage. We start out at cheap prices-of course this is going to draw them in. Even if someone isn't a cheapskate, who is going to turn down a good deal?

But, there is a time that you must say buh-bye to these people. UNLESS, you want to take in twice or more work to make what you need to make. I don't know about you, but I get pretty grumpy when I'm always working.

It took me awhile to make that jump-and it is scary-but, I did. I actually plan on going even higher by next year. I know there's much advice out there to take on how and when you should take this flying leap. I really think it's all up to each individual and I think you just get to a point when you just know.

For me, it happened one day when I was sitting with a couple discussing their wedding plans. The bride was looking at my books and made the comment that my work was just as wonderful as the $5000 photographer they met with the week before, but I was so much cheaper. She even added that my albums were so much more "neat" then his.

It's not that I hadn't heard that my work compared to more expensive photographers before, but for some reason, it clicked for me that time. I think it was that same week that I redid my website and changed my prices. Then, I sat and waited. Did my phone ring? Not for the first couple of weeks, but I finally received an email from an interested client. Woo-hoo! I was so excited when they booked me without a blink of an eye at the price!

I don't feel any hard feelings towards my old cheapskate clients. Cheapskate clients are just a stepping stone in your career. We need the cheapskate client to build our portfolio and find out what we want to charge. But, when you raise your prices, you welcome the RIGHT kind of clients that help KEEP you in business.

Let your cheapskate clients go and don't look back. Unfortunately, they will just find the next photographer just starting out-until they realize their worth too!

Getting ready for the holidays

This is the time of year when portrait photographers should start getting ready to cash in for the holidays. Most families are thinking about their holiday cards, family portraits used for Christmas presents, or even fun Halloween photos. Now is the time to run a promotion if you can.

But, what's the best promotion to do?

There really isn't a BEST promotion to do, but there are many promotions out there.

Offer a unique product

I always scan the internet for ideas around the holidays and then run a promotion that works for me. There are so many products out there these days that cater to photographers and that clients think are awesome. Incorporating a unique product in your promotion may get the business you want.

Mini sessions

Alot of photographers run mini sessions around the holidays. These are a fast way to get a bunch of sessions done in one day. I have never done one before, but I'm really wanting to do one! You can make it a themed session geared around the holiday, like a Halloween theme, for instance.

Portrait Party

Portrait parties are like mini sessions, except there is a hostess and they usually get their portraits for free in exchange for getting you clients.

Offer a free product

Offering something for free (that doesn't cut into your profit too much) is always a winner. If they want to get holiday cards, why not give half the cards for free?

There may be more ways to beat the competition out there for holiday clients. Feel free to let us know in the comment section!

What should you charge?

A reader sent me an email the other day:

I’m a newbie at my photography business, and a friend asked me to photograph her wedding. I really didn't know what to charge (and thinking of just doing it for free). I decided to go by what other photographers are charging in my area. I lowered my price from theirs, but I'm not sure if that's what I should do. What else should I do to come up with my pricing?

I cringe when I hear photographers guessing at what to charge for their services. There are a lot of things to consider when deciding what to charge.

You must look at the following:

expenses

editing time

marketing

business expenses

The bottom line to a business is profit.

Just "guessing" will lead to failure. You have to take into account where you are located, what the competition is doing, what you can give your clients and what your clients expect.

Another important factor is making a goal. This will help determine how your business will run. Some people want to replace the income from their present job. Others may just want some extra spending money. Still others may want to become a well known photographer.

Each goal is different for each person starting a photography business. Where you want to be in 5 years will help you to have a successful business.

So, where do you want to be in 5 years?
How to easily start up and market your own profitable photography business

The cost of being a photographer

When I was an on location photographer, I really didn't have a lot of expenses. I used the outdoors and I do a lot of weddings, which don't require anything other then equipment as well. I really didn't do a lot of newborns because I didn't like doing them at my house, nor did I want to go to client's house.

When I decided to make the move to rent a studio, many things changed for me-and quickly! I realized that I didn't have squat when it came to props. I have started to figure out what I want to do for advertising as well. I really only have been doing word of mouth and a website. I have no trouble getting weddings booked, but now that I want to get into newborn and maternity photography, you have to get creative in getting the word out. Let's just say that I've been walking around with a headache this month.

The cost of running a photography business is more then one would think. I know there are hoards and hoards of photographers these days, so competion is stiff. You need to make yourself stand out from the crowd more then a photographer might needed to just a couple of years ago.

Let's hit the basics of what it would cost to start a photography business:

Camera equipment

Yes, you need to get this first. The most important part of this business. lol Depending on what you think you need, there are many options for camera equipment. You could jump right in and get the best camera like the big guys do, or you can either work your way up, or find something that you like and does what it needs to do. I am a firm believer that you don't need a 5D to be a professional-and don't let anyone tell you any different!

So, if you invest in a $1000 camera and get some good lenses and a flash to start out with, you are probably looking at around $3000-4000 in camera equipment. Down the line, you will pick up more lenses, another body probably too-but, that's later.

Lighting

Depending on whether you will be a natural light photographer or use studio lighting, studio lighting can be found at decent prices on ebay and discount sites. I found mine on ebay for $250 I think and it was a package deal.

Backdrops

For some reason, backdrops are crazy priced. I'm not an expert on material cost, but this has been the biggest expense other then camera equipment. I don't know if merchants are taking advantage of this hot trend to be a photographer, but I'm thinking that I might need a business loan to get all the backdrops I want to get. I would say to start out, you'll need a large white backdrop, a large black backdrop, and three to five fancy ones. I use paper backdrops from BHPhoto (they are great!) and very fair priced starting at $24. I still need my fancy backdrops, but they seem to run at least 150-200 a drop. Ouch! (tip: try looking at fabric stores and price the size you want. I found a cool vinyal material thats only 7.99 a yard!)


Props

Props. Props. Props. All photographers need them. The cooler, the better. I can't give you a price on props because I don't know what you need and there are so many merchants out there selling them. I would have to say that if you want to do newborns, you'll need a bean bag, blankets, hats, bowl and baskets, flooring, etc. I think it's a costly start, but if you can get good at it and specialize in it, it will pay off.

So, maybe to put a rough estimate, maybe $500-700?

Children props can cost a pretty penny as well. Get creative. Look at thrift stores and garage sales!

Packaging/Materials

I do a pretty simple packaging. I give the cd in it's own case with covering, my referral cards, thank-you card, my business card, a treat like candy and it all goes in a bag, tied with a black and a pink ribbon. I have it figured to around 5.50 per bag. Not too bad. I know some photographers get really elaborate. My clients love my packaging the way it is and I keep more profit-woo hoo!
You need to decide what you want to do with your packaging. Just make sure you adjust your prices to include the cost. I would only start out with a small supply of material until you get more steady customers.

Record keeping material

I use a folder per client with a copy of their receipt, expenses for that order and profit. I also make a cd of their session and keep it with the file. All except the cd was purchased at my local dollar store. I don't use a lot of dollar store stuff, but their paper products are awesome and cheap! Don't feel you need to start out with a file cabinet and fancy desk. Start small!

Computer

Duh, I almost forgot. You'll need a computer and a good photo editing program. Now, you don't have to jump right into Photoshop-exxxxxxxxxxpensiiive!!!! Try one of the cheaper programs if you can't afford it.

Actions/Textures

This is a personal decision. So far, I only have had to use free ones, or I just do it manually. I want to get into textures for a romantic look for engagements, or cool senior photos. I'm not sure what the average cost per action or texture or whatever else is out there. Do I think it's a necessity if you are just starting out? No. In fact, if you look at photographers like Jasmine Star or Scarlett Lillian (my favorite photographers, BTW) I don't think they dazzle up their photos with anything-I could be wrong though!

Advertisement cost

I hate this subject. Some like marketing. I hate it. Not because I don't want to go talk to anyone, but because I have a hard time finding out the best way of marketing. I still have that fantasy that I some day I won't have to market and I will be flooded with clients without having to lift a finger. Maybe some day!

For right now though, it's tough and can be costly. I would suggest taking an ad in the phone book, making brochures or post cards, lots and lots of business cards, and of course a website that is optimized with keywords. Price? You can use Vista Print for most of your materials and they are pretty inexpensive. I know they make their money off of shipping -watch out, they'll tell you one date for delivery and then tell you a different date after you hit "pay". That's the one thing I hate about them. So, to put a price on advertising, it probably could vary between $200-400 and a lot of your time. Look on photography help blogs for marketing ideas. Some even selling marketing plans.

Am I forgetting anything? Oh yeah. Studio, or no studio? If you have money to burn, then by all means, get a studio. Otherwise, if you can get away with going to client's houses and doing outdoor photos, I would strongly recommend starting that way. You can always do it in your home to if you have space.

Am I trying to discourage anyone from starting a photography business? No way. I love to see artists fulfilling their artistic need. I also know that us artists are always trying to live the romantic life and sometimes reality has to bite us in the butt once in awhile to bring us out of the clouds. :)