First Client - They bought the biggest package!!

[fofazoju]

So I am pretty happy with myself; I had my first REAL client a few weeks ago and today showed her the proofs. Well, she started crying (newborn session) and wanted them all. So, in the end she purchased the largest package I have!!! I was having a new client discount sale but still, I am over the moon. It was almost $650 - which to some seasoned photographers may be pennies, but to me, I will take it! Especially since it was only the 3rd newborn I had ever shot!

Not sure if this was a special case but I think having the REAL 4x6 proofs in her hand (rather then on a client gallery computer screen) helped, as did having a face to face consultation. I haven't done it the other way before so I do not know, but I think I will stick with this way from now on. If it ain't broke don't fix it, eh? I also REALLY personalize things - it takes time but a) I enjoy it and b) the client appreciates it.

But I am curious, does anyone else see the difference between the 2 proofing styles (online galleries versus face to face tangible proofs??)?

Good Luck to all those others out there with their first clients!!

[GreggObst]

Congratulations ! That's a heck of a first sale but more importantly, you made a client and Mother very happy apparently. That's something to be VERY proud of.

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by fofazoju

But I am curious, does anyone else see the difference between the 2 proofing styles (online galleries versus face to face tangible proofs??)?

First off congratulations!

As to your question, I haven't ever done face-to-face and physical prints, so I can't give you a comparative. All I an tell you is I'm still getting residual print sales from weddings last year through the gallery.

Usually within a month, I get a couple of decent sized orders (usually from parents of the couple) and a few from guests, and periodically, random orders weeks, months later.

The benefit to me, obviously is that I don't have any work to do once I've uploaded the gallery (which I usually do when I go to bed), and never have to deal with people. This was the driving force behind my decision.

I'm continually surprised that despite receiving the files themselves, they still order healthy amounts of prints on the whole...

Perhaps you could offer the online ordering as an add-on, so they could send the link to friends and family?

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

First off congratulations!

As to your question, I haven't ever done face-to-face and physical prints, so I can't give you a comparative. All I an tell you is I'm still getting residual print sales from weddings last year through the gallery.

Usually within a month, I get a couple of decent sized orders (usually from parents of the couple) and a few from guests, and periodically, random orders weeks, months later.

The benefit to me, obviously is that I don't have any work to do once I've uploaded the gallery (which I usually do when I go to bed), and never have to deal with people. This was the driving force behind my decision.

I'm continually surprised that despite receiving the files themselves, they still order healthy amounts of prints on the whole...

Perhaps you could offer the online ordering as an add-on, so they could send the link to friends and family?

Congrats!

Yes, in person sales make all the difference in the world. For me it was the difference between $400-ish in online average to upwards of $1000 for in person.

[Izzy]

A major congratulations are in order.

In my past I always did the 4x6 proofs for portrait clients.

in art I have tried selling digitally and had it not work at all. Once I produced a tangible piece the sales are starting to get in motion.

As far as I can see putting a tangible print in a persons hand will help you and them in the long run to get what they want. I am certain that doing this will increase your end sale. And possibly the return reprint.

[OsmosisStudios]

In-person proofing is the way to go. It takes more time, but it's well worth it.

[fofazoju]

Thanks everyone!

It definitely is a BIG confidence booster. The kicker - I was using a new 50 mm 1.4 lens and was unaware of the NARROW focus field when shot at widest aperture. Of course, I had it wide open the whole time, got home, checked and SO many were blurry (or the focus was on the blanket or something). I felt like a failure. My first client and they are blurry! I was going to give them to her for free and admit that I sucked.

But as I started editing and narrowing down the good ones from the bad, I thought, "wow, there are some stunning images here!". It's funny how critical of ourselves we can be. I just felt like since I failed at getting ALL the shots, and couldn't choose between ALL of them then I didn't deliver and thus, she shouldn't pay. SO to have them LOVE every single one of them AND get the largest package, well, it sure made me realize I am way too hard on myself. I guess I was still lacking confidence but, after Friday I think that is slowly dissipating.

Hmmm Niresangwa, that is a VERY good point. I do have an online gallery I can put up. I know the grandmas would like one. Perhaps I will put it up and send her the link. I already know they are going to get 11x14s later. I made it very clear that I, and the images are not going anywhere and they can always come back and get enlargements whenever they want. I also have a referral program - for every client they send me that books, they get $25 to use in credit. We will see how that works. Thanks for the tip!!

Sidenote/rant. Literally, the day before I visited with this client, I had talked to a friend of mine who told me that a friend of hers had posted on her facebook wall saying, "HEy, bring fofazoju out for a playdate and tell her to bring her camera!" - meaning "hey can I get some free shots of my child playing?" My friend quickly replied "yeah she is awesome, you should hire her!". We both were annoyed. I think there is a misconception that, "hey, you have a camera, just come take some shots if you aren't using it that day!" People don't get how much time money and energy we put into it and I can't STAND people who want something for nothing. It was SO refreshing to deal with people who loved and RESPECTED the time I put into their portraits -and who saw the value in it. They were a dream first client - now if all of them could be like that

Thanks for listening and for your thoughts everyone

[Jim Poor]

Oh, I just wanted to add that I don't use physical proofs even in my in person sessions. I use a large monitor (soon to be projector).

[SusanH1970]

Congrats! I also do 4x6 paper proofs and do in person ordering sessions.

[slugger]

I am the worst salesperson on the planet. I would do every portrait session and wedding for free if my husband would let me....because I'm just that kind of person.
My first client I had, had the same reaction. Her baby was 6 months old, and we met with the 4x6 proofs - she also cried. It was sooo humbling. After that, she started sorting which ones she wanted to order and which ones she wasn't sure of. Okay- at this point I started pannicking -- my biggest problem is that I feel guilty taking people's money - I don't want them having buyers regret and being resentful towards me - so what did I do?? - I told her she didn't have to decide right now, she could take the proofs with her and think about it, and then let me know. What happened? She ordered 2 16x20 canvas gallery wraps, and that's it. Great order for me - but it could have been double that at least.
So, I ended up getting the online gallery for the same idea that Steve mentioned - so that I don't have to deal with people face to face. I haven't had many large orders since doing this.