We have done several location shoots around the city, and wanted to do something extra special. After looking at a LOT of properties (B&B's, Hotels, etc.), we decided on one of the tops in our area.

We reserved the presidential suite, worked with several of the best salons in the area, and put together (what we thought was) an affordable package. Champagne & strawberries, wines & cheeses, custom products on display, special salon pricing - the works!

Several people have responded, but no one is actually making appointments. It is driving us mad, wondering why.

Now, our only marketing so far has been through MySpace (I know, I know) & one local message board. Our own budget is really limited these days, and that is what most respondents are saying too. HOW /WHERE can we get more affluent clients, without spending a fortune?

The event is the 26th-28th of this month, and we only need 2 paying clients to cover our costs... please help???

thx from an OSP newb


PS - here is the photo we're using from the ad:

Take out the middle photo and the word boudouir... Boudouir sessions are private. Your making it look like a public forum modeling session. When i get the calls to do boudouir They are a little nervous about it. They seem to be embarrased. We try to make them feel comfortable.

If they want to do the boudouir then fine but if you just advertise modeling or fine art session I think youll get more response.





also I would cancel this session and shoot for end of october or November and push the Christmas thing.

You need to have more bookings to make this work for this September

it doens't sound like you have done a bunch of advertising so you won't be losing to much.

Yes, a lot of people will prefer private boudoir but I have seen many instances where a boudoir marathon will work.. but as long as they each get their private time. Like.. "We have five 1 hour slots open" kind of thing. I think what you NEED is someone with a lot of friends who will spread the word..

Well if you shoot weddings- just make a blog post about it (or put it on your site)! Your future and/or current brides will see it, want to do it, will want to bring a friend (or two). And viola, you're booked, no advertising at all.

we're definitely getting enough interest... but those persons are saying budget is a major concern (we're only charging $450, and include per person discounts for sharing their two hour sessions with friends)

just looking to creatively re-distribute the costs, or 'better' places to market the idea... thanks everyone, for the answers given, and those yet to come

Billy



(feel free to PM, if you prefer)

Going off of what you said, it seems a little counter-productive to be targeting an "affluent" market while offering an "affordable" package in a ritzy establishment.

Plus MySpace hardly seems like the right demographic for people that have money to spare. It is fine to have that in your marketing mix, but if that is your sole form of advertising then it isn't going to help you reach your goals.

What I would do is put together a more professional looking promo (w/o the middle photo) with a smaller font then target those salons as well as any fashion boutiques you might have in the area. If your goal is to get affluent customers then I think all of your branding and business should reflect your commitment to providing a high-end product.

Hey Billy.... Melody and I recently shot a boudoir marathon in Chattanooga. We emailed past and current brides as well as friends. We shot 17 sessions in 2 days. Killer turnout.

The key is to connect with your customer during the other sessions. Build a trust THEN market this kind of thing to them. Blasting it to strangers on myspace is not going to get you the clients you want.

yeppity doo dah. she's got it right! my space = budget. (motel 6?) (not that i have anything against motel 6)

and i would take out that middle picture - next time, have a fire going!

I'm guessing that your more affluent clients aren't looking for photographers through MySpace. Just a guess. I might be wrong.

Need to make sure that you are presenting a consistent message. You are getting feedback already that people getting your message on MySpace don't have $450 to spend. That means either your pricing is out of line or that you are sending your message to the wrong crowd. You can't keep both the same and expect spectacular results.


Eric

thanks everyone, for the advice - you've been a huge help

Billy

YEah, Jess & I had a blast with our sessions - but wow, was it hard work...

A few things that might help...

1. After lengthy discussion and checking some laws - Jess & I decided it would be VERY poor judgement to bring wine, as we'd planned, because of liquor/consumption/etc... laws. As a business, we would have needed a liquor license to do so. AND we would have needed to check ID's to insure clients were of age - and in all reality we would need to photo-copy them to cover our butts. AND we'd be responsible for them if they were to get in to an accident. Therefore - we determined that bringing or offering any kind of alcohol would be a bad, bad idea.

2. Advertising on Myspace, to strangers, for intimate sessions isn't going to work. You need to contact people who already know and trust you, are comfortable with you, and are interested in this type of session.

3. You're a man. Not to be sexist... but I don't see how men can possibly do this type of work on a high end level. I am sure that there are some who manage to accomplish it - but, women with boyfriends and husbands aren't likely to get naked in front of a man. (How would you feel about your wife posing semi-nude for another man?) A LOT of my boudoir clients will tell me that the first thing their significant others say (after they pick their jaws up off the floor) is "Who took these?" and they're always relieved that a female did them. Women are typically more comfortable semi-nude around other women, especially those who don't have perfect figures. I would find it difficult, if I were a man, to make sure I never crossed the line with posing, comments, etc... I always make sure to reassure my clients that they look fantastic, compliment them on their features, etc... and I can see how a man saying those things could totally be twisted in to "He was hitting on me".

4. Does the Chattanoogan know what you're doing? If not, make sure they're okay with it. Otherwise there's a real good chance of being evicted mid-session

5. You've given next to no details in your ad - no price, no length of session, nothing except the date and the place.

6. You aren't showing any boudoir type photos on the ad, there are none in your portfolio, it just looks like you've never done them before - and $450 is a steep session fee forsomeone who's just building a portfolio.

Good luck!

Excellent advice Melody. Thank you.

DITTO!

terrific amount of info you've provided - THANK YOU (all)

my wife & I work together, especially if the customer requests it BUT thank you for pointing out the issues - exactly what we need to hear

I am confused about one point, though: why might the Chattanoogan Hotel evict us mid-session? the room would be paid for ('leased', essentially). I'm not at all arguing... more like asking for clarification.

Eh, why do you think? Is it legal to evict you? dunno, but do you really want to have that arguement in front of a client or better yet, get booted out with a whole bunch of clients booked.

Thank you for the quick response, and we always have permissions secured in advance. Maybe I should have asked if anyone has ever had issues / problems with an establishment.

Come to think of it...

When my wife & I were newlyweds (barely 18), a hotel refused to rent a room to us because we were 'too young to be married, and probably needed to attend Church'. Sad how judgmental some folk can be.

I could be wrong, but I thought that renting a hotel room meant you can do what you please. Housekeeping doesn't ask rockstars if they're snorting coke off a hooker's ass in there. I understand not serving alcohol, but I just can't see a hotel kicking you out of a room you paid for because you're using it in a way they aren't happy with. I guess it all depends on what you signed when you checked in.