Okay, here we go. I started shooting weddings again after not doing them for about 10-12 years ( I had previously done them for 15 years or so, and wound up hating them). I now love them, maybe because I limit them to 10-12 a year , or maybe because I am still a tried & true portrait guy. I sold my studios 3 years ago and am now a one man gig by appt., that’s when I started doing weddings again. Did 4 that 1st year, 12 the 2nd and 9 last year. Have 6 for this year so far.
Here’s where I am asking for help…what and how do you successful wedding folks sell? I basically offer a coverage for $x ( all paid up front ), which includes an unlimited time coverage, and one of 3 basic packages, one w/just a bridal book, one w/ parent albums, and a whopper w/coffee table books, dvd’s etc. (Good, better, best) After the client hires me I send them a thank you w/a Gift Cert. for a portrait session & an 8x10 that they can use for an engagement port or that they can pass along to friend or family member that wants a port. After the wedding I post images on collages.net in about 2 days or so, then deliver 3x5 proofs in two albums about a week later. I ( or we, when I bring a 2nd shooter) shoot 1000-2000 images and try to edit it down to about 600 images or a bit less. Then I wait for the client to get back to me with their selections for the album(s) and reprints. It all works okay, but I am looking for a better way……a better and more profitable workflow and marketing plan…some fresh ideas.. I kind of feel like I’m in dinosaur land in my approach.
Thanks in advance for any and all help.
bl

stop giving paper proofs. I do online proofing only and they can use their "print credit" for 4x6s or buy their CD and print them at a one hour lab.

It cuts down on your expenses and makes them available to OTHER family/guests and allows them to place orders as well.

I won't refer the company I use bc I don't plan on staying. Try collages.net or something of that sort.

I agree skip the actual printing of proofs, saves time and money, plus you can save your efforts for editing the ones ordered.

Heather

what do you guys feel is the best "process" that works for you?
shoot the event ( obviously ) then ...paper proof?...online proof?....or both? post a teaser slideshow online 1st?.......Have some sort of "formal" presentation?...at your place?.....or thiers?...how about if the client is from out of town, and you'll never see then again?....predesign album?.......or wait for them to call with pose selections (from some type of proof)?
thanks again
bl

Hi Bruce,
For our local clients we have them over to our studio for a slideshow presentation set to music. It's about 130 toned photos that we think are the "best of" from the day, that best tell the story of the day. We have a big screen and projector, and it's just a really beautiful, dramatic way for them to see their photos for the first time. Plus we get to see them tear up, and laugh, all these great reactions. It's really amazing to see your clients reacting to your photos, in your presence. It's instant feedback. Then we send them home with a copy of the slideshow on DVD. As for the entire collection of photos, we do online proofing.

Erin - what slideshow program do you use to give it to them on DVD?

I've been shooting weddings for 18 years and have tried many options. The best one that works for me is a high creation fee plus an album design retainer to be credited toward their custom album design. My average client "over designs" their album and adds $2000-$5000 more on the back end. They do so though with a big smile because they are an integral part of the design process and they are getting exactly what they want.

For my creation fee I include unlimited time and images, online proofing, an engagement shoot (usually adds $200-300 more revenue) as well as a set of 4x6 proofs in a display box. I also include their original digital files.

Most of my clients believe in my artistic vision (they hired me) and let me select their images for their album story. They are then free to modify at will.

I have only one "package" as explained above. If you stick with different packages I would suggest creating four versions. The lowest is too limiting for most weddings and make the most expensive way over the top and very expensive. People tend to buy the middle options so create the two packages in the middle to be the ones that you really want to feature.

I create slideshows using FotoMagico on the Mac. The program creates web shows as well as high resolution DVD shows. I do not sell these but often place one on my site and give one as a surprise to my best clients. I also use them as anniversary gifts.

Rick

We use Apple iDVD currently. But we're beta-testing a couple of new programs right now.