"Are you available for a wedding and reception on 7/7/07? If so, what kind of pricing/packages do you have? Ideally, we would like unlimited coverage, unlimited locaions, and all pictures high res on a CD. A highly recommended photographer quoted us all that plus 200 4x6 prints for $600.
"Thanks!"
QUOTE(AshleyB @ December 29 2006, 12:05 AM) [snapback]36983[/snapback]
"Are you available for a wedding and reception on 7/7/07? If so, what kind of pricing/packages do you have? Ideally, we would like unlimited coverage, unlimited locaions, and all pictures high res on a CD. A highly recommended photographer quoted us all that plus 200 4x6 prints for $600.
"Thanks!"
"Thanks!"
Your reply...
"Hire him."
oh..man..dan...u have my dying laughing lol!
I would respond to them "RUN!" lol..
I would respond to them "RUN!" lol..
HAHAHAHA! I will laugh with you. 
A couple of weeks ago I had a bride contact me with a request for my pricing. I explained that I DO offer a digital CD of all images, full day coverage, online viewing/ordering, etc etc for $XXXX. She emailed me back and said, "that all sounds like exactally what we're looking for, but we were hoping to pay $xxx (exactly HALF of what my quote was). Is that possible?"
I kindly replied that I thought it would be good for her to check Craigslist or call the local community college.
WoW.
A couple of weeks ago I had a bride contact me with a request for my pricing. I explained that I DO offer a digital CD of all images, full day coverage, online viewing/ordering, etc etc for $XXXX. She emailed me back and said, "that all sounds like exactally what we're looking for, but we were hoping to pay $xxx (exactly HALF of what my quote was). Is that possible?"
I kindly replied that I thought it would be good for her to check Craigslist or call the local community college.
WoW.
QUOTE(StacyC @ December 29 2006, 12:13 AM) [snapback]36990[/snapback]
HAHAHAHA! I will laugh with you.
A couple of weeks ago I had a bride contact me with a request for my pricing. I explained that I DO offer a digital CD of all images, full day coverage, online viewing/ordering, etc etc for $XXXX. She emailed me back and said, "that all sounds like exactally what we're looking for, but we were hoping to pay $xxx (exactly HALF of what my quote was). Is that possible?"
A couple of weeks ago I had a bride contact me with a request for my pricing. I explained that I DO offer a digital CD of all images, full day coverage, online viewing/ordering, etc etc for $XXXX. She emailed me back and said, "that all sounds like exactally what we're looking for, but we were hoping to pay $xxx (exactly HALF of what my quote was). Is that possible?"
Your reply...
"No...but thanks for asking."
QUOTE(Tim Co. @ December 29 2006, 12:13 AM) [snapback]36989[/snapback]
oh..man..dan...u have my dying laughing lol!
I would respond to them "RUN!" lol..
I would respond to them "RUN!" lol..
I was only half kidding Tim...
Yeah, Dan, I agree.
I think we just somehow have to remember that although WE know that's rediculous, people in the normal world (lots of em) don't have a clue when it comes to wedding photog pricing.
I think we just somehow have to remember that although WE know that's rediculous, people in the normal world (lots of em) don't have a clue when it comes to wedding photog pricing.
QUOTE(StacyC @ December 28 2006, 10:17 PM) [snapback]36992[/snapback]
Yeah, Dan, I agree.
I think we just somehow have to remember that although WE know that's rediculous, people in the normal world (lots of em) don't have a clue when it comes to wedding photog pricing.
I think we just somehow have to remember that although WE know that's rediculous, people in the normal world (lots of em) don't have a clue when it comes to wedding photog pricing.
this reminds me of a graphic design thread a few days back.. same thing different paradigm.. Don't blame your customers for their ignorance.. also don't be offended at their offers, it isn't an insult, don't you try to get the best price at anything you get??? I know i do
This litterally made me just about spit out coffee when I read it from laughing. Thanks everyone. Wow though.... I would have no idea how to respond to an email like that!
yeah I had someone call and say they wanted everything for $875.00
QUOTE(kawter @ December 28 2006, 10:20 PM) [snapback]36994[/snapback]
this reminds me of a graphic design thread a few days back.. same thing different paradigm.. Don't blame your customers for their ignorance.. also don't be offended at their offers, it isn't an insult, don't you try to get the best price at anything you get??? I know i do
yeah i understand people dont nessisarily value photography in the same way we do, I just sent her my price list - I doubt I'll hear from her again
I do know the photographer shes talking about.. the girls on theknot.com go nuts for him... I guess they appreciate a 'good deal'
Okay I have to admit something.... I'm actually taking a wedding for a hundred bucks an hour in February. WHY JASEN?!?!?!?! Becuase my wife and I are going to stay for a few days in the bay area (where the wedding is at) and they are an older couple who just need about three hours of coverage. It pays my gas money anyway and I get to hang out with all my bay area friends. It's a win/win situation. Probably the last time I ever do it though.
and I get to hang out with all my bay area friends. It's a win/win situation. Probably the last time I ever do it though.
Are you serious??? I thought the offer I got for $1000 on that day was bad.
if someone was sending me somewhere cool then maybe I'd do it but....
yes, i remember 5 years ago when I was just getting into photography my uncle's daughter was getting married and I thought $5,000 for a wedding was ridiculous of course I never would have expected someone to shoot for $875.00 either.
Most people don't know and they think its one day why is it so expensive
yes, i remember 5 years ago when I was just getting into photography my uncle's daughter was getting married and I thought $5,000 for a wedding was ridiculous of course I never would have expected someone to shoot for $875.00 either.
Most people don't know and they think its one day why is it so expensive
QUOTE(Jasen @ December 28 2006, 10:55 PM) [snapback]37024[/snapback]
Okay I have to admit something.... I'm actually taking a wedding for a hundred bucks an hour in February. WHY JASEN?!?!?!?! Becuase my wife and I are going to stay for a few days in the bay area (where the wedding is at) and they are an older couple who just need about three hours of coverage. It pays my gas money anyway and I get to hang out with all my bay area friends. It's a win/win situation. Probably the last time I ever do it though.
and I get to hang out with all my bay area friends. It's a win/win situation. Probably the last time I ever do it though.nice song on your website
QUOTE(kawter @ December 29 2006, 12:06 AM) [snapback]37055[/snapback]
nice song on your website
LOL.... you know I love your work man
I get it ALL the time! I get inquiries all the time that say "I LOVE your work and I really want you to photograph our wedding" but they want it for like next to nothing. It all comes back to how they're manufacturing DSLR's for amateurs and cost next to nothing so anybody picks one up and decides to make some money and brings down the market for the rest of us.
At least....the rest of us NOT in the high end market yet. 
I've been working with another local "high end" photographer and she had a groom that tried to talk her down and she literally told him to hire that other photographer that gave you that quote. He was so shocked! He stayed with her though!
I don't know, I think Kawter's on to something. I bought a truck a couple of months ago and in my personal life, I didn't find the nicest truck I could find, look at the sticker, and cut a check for it because that's what it was worth. I searched and haggled and searched some more. I got into tense debates on what the truck was worth and walked out of several places. So I think it's right to try and still keep this in perspective. Photographer's provide a service in a retail industry. No matter how great of an artist you think you are, the bulk of the people looking for you are trying to find the best balance of quality versus cost. I could even be wrong on that in the fact that the bulk may cheat a little more on the cost side like I do.
I'm no expert. I've only done one wedding at a ridiculously low price. To be honest, if I'm blessed to do others, I would already raise my rate. The post processing time alone was worth what the bride and groom paid for the wedding. I've lived and learned.
Misty, I don't want to disrespect you and I'm definitely not looking for a fight but I wanted to point something out about your post.
"It all comes back to how they're manufacturing DSLR's for amateurs and cost next to nothing so anybody picks one up and decides to make some money and brings down the market for the rest of us."
I understand the thought behind this in one way but not in another. I didn't get the global memo that said that I shouldn't take up photography because the market was saturated. I understand it's tough because you're right, even all the uncle bob's have a digital rebel or a d50(which are both amazing camera's in their own right). But how do you discern the difference between a guy like me who wants to do this but might suck or let's say, a guy like me, who might actually somewhere in there, have great talent and be a good photographer. I just think it's a real harsh generalization.
That's just my thoughts on it. Again, Misty, I mean no disrespect, I just want to show a different point of view.
J
It's also hard to try and make a serious post when you reply and realize it sits next to a picture of yourself in your drawers in the middle of a lake.
J
I'm no expert. I've only done one wedding at a ridiculously low price. To be honest, if I'm blessed to do others, I would already raise my rate. The post processing time alone was worth what the bride and groom paid for the wedding. I've lived and learned.
Misty, I don't want to disrespect you and I'm definitely not looking for a fight but I wanted to point something out about your post.
"It all comes back to how they're manufacturing DSLR's for amateurs and cost next to nothing so anybody picks one up and decides to make some money and brings down the market for the rest of us."
I understand the thought behind this in one way but not in another. I didn't get the global memo that said that I shouldn't take up photography because the market was saturated. I understand it's tough because you're right, even all the uncle bob's have a digital rebel or a d50(which are both amazing camera's in their own right). But how do you discern the difference between a guy like me who wants to do this but might suck or let's say, a guy like me, who might actually somewhere in there, have great talent and be a good photographer. I just think it's a real harsh generalization.
That's just my thoughts on it. Again, Misty, I mean no disrespect, I just want to show a different point of view.
J
It's also hard to try and make a serious post when you reply and realize it sits next to a picture of yourself in your drawers in the middle of a lake.
J
QUOTE(Misty @ December 29 2006, 09:15 AM) [snapback]37119[/snapback]
I've been working with another local "high end" photographer and she had a groom that tried to talk her down and she literally told him to hire that other photographer that gave you that quote. He was so shocked! He stayed with her though!
Good lesson.
I learned when People would say " oh, but I can get XXXX for XX price" I would walk over and hand them my phone on my desk. and politely offer to dial the number so they can buy the product from the competitor. Then, they would say, well, I would rather work with you!....
Bluff called.
When clients tell me they can get a bigger better package from another photographer for a lesser price. I ask them to bring me a confirmed price list and rundown of services from the other photographer. If they can do that and If I can beat the price I will do it. I have never once had a client take me up on the pffer but they have booked at my prices.
I do have to say though that the market where I am at is very low and $2000 for a wedding is high end. I am in the midline price range for my market.
I do have to say though that the market where I am at is very low and $2000 for a wedding is high end. I am in the midline price range for my market.
QUOTE(JakeR @ December 29 2006, 07:38 AM) [snapback]37126[/snapback]
I don't know, I think Kawter's on to something. I bought a truck a couple of months ago and in my personal life, I didn't find the nicest truck I could find, look at the sticker, and cut a check for it because that's what it was worth. I searched and haggled and searched some more. I got into tense debates on what the truck was worth and walked out of several places. So I think it's right to try and still keep this in perspective. Photographer's provide a service in a retail industry. No matter how great of an artist you think you are, the bulk of the people looking for you are trying to find the best balance of quality versus cost. I could even be wrong on that in the fact that the bulk may cheat a little more on the cost side like I do.
I'm no expert. I've only done one wedding at a ridiculously low price. To be honest, if I'm blessed to do others, I would already raise my rate. The post processing time alone was worth what the bride and groom paid for the wedding. I've lived and learned.
Misty, I don't want to disrespect you and I'm definitely not looking for a fight but I wanted to point something out about your post.
"It all comes back to how they're manufacturing DSLR's for amateurs and cost next to nothing so anybody picks one up and decides to make some money and brings down the market for the rest of us."
I understand the thought behind this in one way but not in another. I didn't get the global memo that said that I shouldn't take up photography because the market was saturated. I understand it's tough because you're right, even all the uncle bob's have a digital rebel or a d50(which are both amazing camera's in their own right). But how do you discern the difference between a guy like me who wants to do this but might suck or let's say, a guy like me, who might actually somewhere in there, have great talent and be a good photographer. I just think it's a real harsh generalization.
That's just my thoughts on it. Again, Misty, I mean no disrespect, I just want to show a different point of view.
J
It's also hard to try and make a serious post when you reply and realize it sits next to a picture of yourself in your drawers in the middle of a lake.
J
I'm no expert. I've only done one wedding at a ridiculously low price. To be honest, if I'm blessed to do others, I would already raise my rate. The post processing time alone was worth what the bride and groom paid for the wedding. I've lived and learned.
Misty, I don't want to disrespect you and I'm definitely not looking for a fight but I wanted to point something out about your post.
"It all comes back to how they're manufacturing DSLR's for amateurs and cost next to nothing so anybody picks one up and decides to make some money and brings down the market for the rest of us."
I understand the thought behind this in one way but not in another. I didn't get the global memo that said that I shouldn't take up photography because the market was saturated. I understand it's tough because you're right, even all the uncle bob's have a digital rebel or a d50(which are both amazing camera's in their own right). But how do you discern the difference between a guy like me who wants to do this but might suck or let's say, a guy like me, who might actually somewhere in there, have great talent and be a good photographer. I just think it's a real harsh generalization.
That's just my thoughts on it. Again, Misty, I mean no disrespect, I just want to show a different point of view.
J
It's also hard to try and make a serious post when you reply and realize it sits next to a picture of yourself in your drawers in the middle of a lake.
J
No disrespect taken and I mean none to anyone else either.
I don't mean to trash anyone who is trying to get their start in the business who might not afford a higher end DSLR, by any means. I was referring to the people who do it for the money. People who dont value their work (or the market) enough to charge appropriately, but instead undercut the market with extremely low prices just to get business from budget brides. Then the budget brides hop on theknot.com and tell everyone about how they only paid $800 for all this stuff, so its silly for anyone else to pay that much, and they mis-educate brides of the true value of wedding photographers. Does that make sense? I dont know if I'm really communicating my thoughts effectively on this but I dont mean to disrespect any just starting out in the business.
Nah Misty, that makes perfect sense. I see your point and agree wholeheartedly.
J
J
to continue this story... I got a few emails throughout the day yesterday with questions from this bride and answered them to the best of my ability. This morning I got the following email:
Thanks.. your pictures are AMAZING. We really(huge emphasis on really) want to book through you; however $xx00 for the retouched pictures on a CD is quite steep.. it will be hard to justify as others have quoted us $200-300 for a cd of all images retouched.
I did my best to explain to her the value in my prices, and all that I give to my clients - ala Johnny's post from yesterday.
I still don't think she'll book me... the prices she want are just so vastly different from what I charge, but we'll see how it goes.
Thanks.. your pictures are AMAZING. We really(huge emphasis on really) want to book through you; however $xx00 for the retouched pictures on a CD is quite steep.. it will be hard to justify as others have quoted us $200-300 for a cd of all images retouched.
I did my best to explain to her the value in my prices, and all that I give to my clients - ala Johnny's post from yesterday.
I still don't think she'll book me... the prices she want are just so vastly different from what I charge, but we'll see how it goes.
QUOTE(AshleyB @ December 30 2006, 10:53 AM) [snapback]37707[/snapback]
$200-300 for a cd of all images retouched.
What kills me about this is that ANYbody shooting a wedding and burning a disk of "retouched" images for that price quite simply CAN'T know what he's doing. I mean, it's different if you really ARE Uncle Bob, and you're doing it that cheaply as a favor to somebody, or as a gift, but anybody charging $300 to shoot, retouch and burn a wedding is not making any money. Sure brides want to pay that little, but what I don't get is why photographers are willing to work for barely minimum wage. There's a great deal of talent, skill and time spent in researching new products and equipment involved here.
Brides: you get what you pay for. Those "retouched" images are not being retouched by a professional because there is no professional photographer in the world who would do that job for nothing (unless they know you and are giving you a gift). If you value your wedding pictures enough to hire a professional photographer, then expect to pay for professional pictures. If all you want is a bunch of pictures on a CD, then just go out and buy a $400 camera and hand it to somebody in a pew as you walk down the aisle.
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