I would like to get some honest thoughts and critiques on the wedding work I've done so far. I would also like to have your thoughts on what you would think would be a fair price to ask for my services....
I am asking you this partly because I would like (or hope?) to think that I am working for too low price right now. My current prices start with 495,- Euro ($ 642) for a 4 hour shoot, delivered fully edited digital files on disc or USB stick, up to 995,- Euro ($ 1292) for a full day shoot (also delivered digital). Now I realize that The Netherlands is not the USA or GB even (i.m.o. you could call Dutch people stingy if it comes to paying for services like photography, especially in the part of of The Netherlands where I live) and I do not have to live from the money I earn doing this, but still... I would like to attract more clients in a "higher class" instead of the "budget client", which are very satisfied though. But would you recon my work is good enough?
I ask this especially on this forum because I'd like to think that some of the best wedding photographers hang around here and I really look up to some of you
Based on the wedding work on your blog, you could stand to increase your prices, at minimum, 30-50% right now. I'd lean more toward the 50% now, and 100% in a year, or after another handful of weddings.
ouch, you think my website looks outdated right? But what is it that I should change then, is it the menu buttons on top, is it the menu structure of the portfolio or the way the photo's are displayed? Or is it just all bad? I really don't know and up until now I was reasonably satisfied with the layout right now The only thing I was not happy with so far is that I don't have a decent logo/ branding....
@ Robin Uagani; I think I see what you mean but are you talking about one set in particular or just in general?
Mark_EL wrote:
First of all, thanks for the responses so far
ouch, you think my website looks outdated right? But what is it that I should change then, is it the menu buttons on top, is it the menu structure of the portfolio or the way the photo's are displayed? Or is it just all bad? I really don't know and up until now I was reasonably satisfied with the layout right now The only thing I was not happy with so far is that I don't have a decent logo/ branding....
@ Robin Uagani; I think I see what you mean but are you talking about one set in particular or just in general?...Show more →
Hi Mark,
The photos certainly seem better to me than the rest of your presentation so I think you'd be right to focus on your website. Don't get hung up on a logo. No wedding photographer needs a logo, we will never be recognised by it alone, it's just something to support the overall aesthetic of our brand. Your website (other than the images) is the single most important aspect of your brand. Your website will make an impression before your clients even take notice of your images/logo/about-me etc.
Hi Mark, I know it's hard to find a decent pricing strategy here in the Netherlands.
The pool of middle class clients is so large here, which makes it easier to cater to those clients when you're starting your business. How many weddings have you done at the moment? Based on the photos I see
on your website, I would say raise your prices by 25%. In the mean time improve your website and increase your prices by another 25-50% next year.
The way you deliver your product and the way you present yourself are very important when it comes to running a business and increase your prices.
So far I have done about 14 weddings in total, as first and only photographer. Unfortunately though most of them chose the cheaper packages, which are basically shoots between 4 and 6 hours max. And although I am happy with every wedding assignment, I would really like to reach more clients who are willing to spend just a bit more so that they will choose a higher grade package.
Mark - as others have said... reduce your site images to the BEST you have. As for pricing, I would (& I have) increase prices 10% pr. year until you start noticing a drop in bookings. If you increase prices substantially, you will do great for a short time (2 yrs), but will do fewer weddings and have less word of mouth driving business to your door. Just let your business grow. It will take some time... I like your work. Ed K. ps. your site loads very slowly...
Right, I made an attempt to give my website a new look. I also tried to reduce the amount of pictures in the blog and I raised my prices with roughly 25% for now....
It looks much better now.
I would improve the logo a bit, it looks a bit outdated as well.
I don't like the font of the menu and I would remove the "ander werk" from the menu. I don't think it's relevant to wedding clients.
You do photography as a side job? I think that your price is right for a part timer. It's better to do less weddings, but for more money per wedding. This way you will still have some time to enjoy your family and your holidays.
Thx for the replies! I am really happy with my new website design and I hope it will have a positive influence on my photography business.
I think I will leave the logo for now, at least until I come up with a very good alternative And I thought about getting rid of the "ander werk" link (link to my other photography work) but then I do believe that my other work also shows my photographic skills, so for now I decided to keep the link. What I will do though is give my other website the same new design as my wedding photography website.
The only thing I was not happy with so far is that I don't have a decent logo/ branding....
And I thought about getting rid of the "ander werk" link (link to my other photography work) but then I do believe that my other work also shows my photographic skills, so for now I decided to keep the link. What I will do though is give my other website the same new design as my wedding photography website.