Get this straight

[PowerPix]

Note from Darren (dPS editor) - it has come to our attention that this post is based upon one from BrianX.com. Brian has allowed us to have it remain on dPS with a link back to his original post.

Your Boyfriend (girlfriend, mom, dad, aunt, uncle etc.) with his $400 camera is NOT a professional!!

First of all, a professional photographer is not your relative (or friend) grabbing a point-and-shoot camera on the fly. If you want that, simply ask your boyfriend, best friend’s cousin, or grandmother to take your photos and you’re all set. But expect crap.

Second, a photographer’s time and experience are valuable. You’re not simply going to someone’s place of business and asking him/her to “just take a few pictures.” It does not work that way. Even if you only need one shot, it will take time to find the best angle, prepare the lighting, PP, and possibly choose the correct outfit for that one memorable photo. A photographer will give you advice on what to wear, make-up, and so on. They have done this before and guide you as needed. That’s why professional photos look professional and the photos you took using your aunt’s camera with your closet full of clothes, computer desk, wall, bed, and shag carpet in the background of a poorly lit photo will not look all that great (even if you call it "artistic").

Third, I assure you that professional photography equipment costs a lot more than your best friend’s camera. A high quality camera, specialized lenses, memory cards, digital software, tripods, umbrellas and lighting, and colorful background are professional-grade and are quite expensive. You benefit from the latest professional technology being used in the photographs, and used properly at that.

Next, the time it takes to produce your one headshot is more than the actual sitting session. It involves setting up the equipment in advance, blocking off time for the photo shoot itself, uploading the photos and going through them after the shoot, digital touch-ups to the photos chosen for printing, burning the photos onto CDs, bringing them to the photo lab, returning to the photo lab the next day to pick them up and then waiting for you to pick up your prints or mailing them to you. You may have lots of time on your hands but you should always be aware that photographers are busy running a business.

I think most would agree that that is a lot of work for a small fee, hence the great value you get from working with professional photographers. Moreover, I assure you that one of the biggest pet peeves of all photographers is people who do not show up for the photos and are too inconsiderate to call and let the photographer know that they cannot make it. Photographers don’t get paid in those circumstances (unless a small booking deposit was requested) but still took time to set up the shoot and possibly turned someone else down during that period of time because it was pre-booked.

Finally, a professional photographer does this for a living. If it were that simple, many photographers would not count on gigs to be their livelihood. Again, this is not your father lending you his camera to take a few photos. Photographers take pictures for a living and you must understand that when making inquiries about pricing. We price for what our knowledge and resources (which you don't have) is worth.

The Cost of Photography Service

Whether you’re a model or actor in need of fresh portraits and portfolio shots, a couple looking for a professional wedding photographer, an event coordinator with a big production coming, there is always one question on your mind: How much?

Can you put a price on lifelong wedding night memories? I’d have to say no (unless you get divorced but that’s a whole other story!). The price of the photos and video might be several thousand dollars but the value is much more since you will get more benefit out of the photos than the paper the photos are printed on will cost.

Let me re-iterate the price versus value issue. The cost of a bottle of water is typically about $1 and its value to you is a dollar because that is what it is worth to you to quench your thirst. If you are walking through the desert, you may be willing to pay a lot more for that bottle of water because its value is now much higher than the cost. How does this relate to photography? Spending a few extra dollars for a photographer who takes an outstanding photo and gets you the acting role of a lifetime is worth more to you than the measly cost of the gig.

You should purchase photography services (and anything else you buy) based on value not price. That thinking can change your life, I assure you. But first, you have to think.....

[private]

I agree with everything you sd. Also know that the economy is also tough for the consumer, so price does matter - especially when many folks are struggling to feed their kids and buy them gifts at Christmas. And no one wants to be in that boat, soeveryone being more frugal with their money (even thoe ones who have it).

Photographers, including myself must adjust the way you market. What worked yesterday will NOT work today.

[eNZee]

Originally Posted by PowerPix

You should purchase photography services (and anything else you buy) based on value not price. That thinking can change your life, I assure you. But first, you have to think.....

i totally and wholeheartedly agree with that statement

[PowerPix]

Originally Posted by private

I agree with everything you sd. Also know that the economy is also tough for the consumer, so price does matter - especially when many folks are struggling to feed their kids and buy them gifts at Christmas. And no one wants to be in that boat, soeveryone being more frugal with their money (even thoe ones who have it).

Photographers, including myself must adjust the way you market. What worked yesterday will NOT work today.

I understand your point, Private, and I agree with it. You can still adjust to the market but the clients still have the "value" understanding no matter what "price" you are charging.

Originally Posted by private

I agree with everything you sd. Also know that the economy is also tough for the consumer, so price does matter - especially when many folks are struggling to feed their kids and buy them gifts at Christmas. And no one wants to be in that boat, soeveryone being more frugal with their money (even thoe ones who have it).

Photographers, including myself must adjust the way you market. What worked yesterday will NOT work today.

It's actually a great time for us semi-pros (aka weekend warriors). The lack of funds means people are looking for cheap alternatives, without a steep decrease in quality. Customers are using referals more, and asking for digital copies to save money.

I've actually done a lot of shoots in the last couple months (3 weddings, hockey games, Diwali festival, newspaper stuff, maternity/baby), all for little or no money. Great experience and portfolio builder. Money would be nice but isn't important...I just do it for fun. I'm probably going to slowly transition into making money, but only enough to support my hobby

I'm still confused by the resistance of pros to give out digital images. You'd be amazed at how much business you can get from Facebook...

[private]

I love FB, I do get some business from there, Its also an age thing as well. Most of my clients are in their 40's - If I could get an "in"with the 20 something crowd, I would LOVE it. although, if I get too busy my hubby will not like it one bit!

[nokiN]

Originally Posted by private

I agree with everything you sd. Also know that the economy is also tough for the consumer, so price does matter - especially when many folks are struggling to feed their kids and buy them gifts at Christmas. And no one wants to be in that boat, soeveryone being more frugal with their money (even thoe ones who have it).

Photographers, including myself must adjust the way you market. What worked yesterday will NOT work today.

Very true. So, the way to go is up-market yourself not down-market yourself.

[PowerPix]

Originally Posted by private

I love FB, I do get some business from there, Its also an age thing as well. Most of my clients are in their 40's - If I could get an "in"with the 20 something crowd!

The majority is Gen X and Gen Y, but you do have more and more older adults getting into all the social networking sites. Mainly, parents are wanting to keep up with what their kids are doing online. So they use FB as a way to keep an eye on their kids and in the process get hooked and start meeting other parents. I can't count how many times I have heard that scenario. The beauty of something like FB is you can connect with millions of people, instantly!

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by PowerPix

Your Boyfriend (girlfriend, mom, dad, aunt, uncle etc.) with his $400 camera is NOT a professional!!

Except, when, you know, they ARE. Admittedly, most pros dont use the entry-level camera bodies, but that doesn't mean they couldn't.

[PowerPix]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Except, when, you know, they ARE. Admittedly, most pros dont use the entry-level camera bodies, but that doesn't mean they couldn't.

Osmo, I'm a little worried.....would you like for me to explain more in detail???