Are my prices too high?

[superdewa]

Originally Posted by laurenfitz

Gosh, I never said I thought they were cheapskates. I just think they don't understand how much work goes into editing each photo. I honestly believe that people assume the photos come right out of the camera that way and they don't realize there is time and labor involved in getting those 50+ images ready for print.

I totally respect if someone cannot afford my services. It's rough times we're living in and no one wants to spend more than they have.

Sorry -- you are right you never said this, and I meant to say that in my post. There were others responding that were implying this.

[dakwegmo]

Originally Posted by laurenfitz

He already does know the price, though. I gave him the price list. He wants a different price just for him.

If that's the case, then just refer him back to the price list. If he doesn't like it he can go with one of the inferior photographers.

Originally Posted by laurenfitz

Thanks, Eric. You are too kind to me. Seriously, though I am not Target and you are thinking what I'm thinking...I'm going to do a big favor to this family, they'll tell their friends "hey, this photographer will come down on her prices if you ask her to," then its all down hill from there.

That's how it works. People think that if they make enough noise the person will get frustrated and just give in.

Stick to your structure, in the long run you'll have less of these people because they know what to expect from you. Trust me, i've seen it happen time and time again. It may take a while but people will get the hint that your prices are NOT negotiable no matter how hard they try.

~Eric

[valleygirl]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

That's how it works. People think that if they make enough noise the person will get frustrated and just give in.

Stick to your structure, in the long run you'll have less of these people because they know what to expect from you. Trust me, i've seen it happen time and time again. It may take a while but people will get the hint that your prices are NOT negotiable no matter how hard they try.

~Eric

Ahhh...thank you. I needed to hear that. Honestly.



When I got married it was back in the days of film (no such thing as digital SLRs.) The idea of a photographer giving away the film negatives to a bride and groom, let alone anyone, was unheard of. Somehow, because the technology is now digital, people are more inclined to expect a photographer to give away the digital negatives. You wouldn't hand over your film negatives to a customer without a price (if at all), so why should it be any different with digital? Just something to think about.

[superdewa]

Just want to add that your portraits are gorgeous and inspiring.

[valleygirl]

Originally Posted by superdewa

Just want to add that your portraits are gorgeous and inspiring.

Wow, thanks! That's so sweet.

[DanSir]

hey,

i kind of know what you are going through, and yes i agree if you are a professional you should be paid as one.

personally for me; i dont offer CDs with high resolution prints. i offer photo albums with the choice of having one of clients favourite photos (from the sessoin) enlarged. the CD thing, i do complimentary to everything and only give them 20-30 websized pictures (all those pictues are generally under 250KB). my price range from 100 dollars - 350 dollars (generally).


Danny

[valleygirl]

Originally Posted by DanSir

hey,

i kind of know what you are going through, and yes i agree if you are a professional you should be paid as one.

personally for me; i dont offer CDs with high resolution prints. i offer photo albums with the choice of having one of clients favourite photos (from the sessoin) enlarged. the CD thing, i do complimentary to everything and only give them 20-30 websized pictures (all those pictues are generally under 250KB). my price range from 100 dollars - 350 dollars (generally).


Danny

Thanks, Danny.

I wrote her back and basically told her, "Them's my prices and I'm stickin' to them." I suggested that if she can get a session and the CD for less than what I am asking, then she should go for it. I'm not desperate. But with this economy, who knows what I may think in a month.

[lputman]

Good for you Lauren!

[valleygirl]

Guess who wrote me back today and wants to schedule portraits and wants to go ahead and pay what I am asking? LOL!

Seriously, though...I really don't want to work with them. They are going to be trouble. How do I get out of it?