My client rep called me today (she takes care of our bookings and runs the schedule)... we now have absolutely NO available dates for the rest of the year... we're talking for FAMILY shoots, not just wedding stuff. She's officially opened the Spring 2009 calendar and already has a few bookings inked. Isn't that INSANE? I always knew I'd book weddings out that far (or further), but not FAMILY shoots!
My problem now is trying to keep all of this from drowning me.
Jimsokay wrote:
Did someone say "raise your prices"?
I'm already higher for sittings than anyone else in our area. My PRINT prices are low... but I was really trying to make them stay on the affordable end. But you're right, I need to consider working less and making the same amount of money. *sigh*
Congrats, that's awesome. I'd like that very much if I wasn't in school full time. Handling weddings and class is rediculous with the limited number I do now!
Good job! I wish I had your fortunes. Philadelphia is a heavily flooded market, and I think that in order for me to swim with my head above water, I am going to have to move out to the sticks within the next few years...
jmlelii wrote:
Good job! I wish I had your fortunes. Philadelphia is a heavily flooded market, and I think that in order for me to swim with my head above water, I am going to have to move out to the sticks within the next few years...
Actually, it's the flooded, larger cities we get clients from. We live in an impoverished tiny town. We don't get much business from our own area... most of ours comes the larger cities traveling to us. I'd say 75% of our work comes from neighboring Greenville... 30 miles away and booming. The Greenville market is saturated, so I don't really know why we get their business. Not that I'm complaining!
So how many did you book this year? I know you said you were going to stay around 30. We have one contract thus for 09, but most don't start booking around here until June when we have the summer bridal show. That's awesome that you have your calendar filled. We don't advertise for family pictures so we do very little of them. I prefer doing head shots over families.
Oh by the way, I got an email from a bride up your way. She thought we were in Greenville, NC. I told her we would travel and gave her the addtional cost. I haven't heard back from her. I also had a bride sign up for Trash the Wedding Dress. She was moving to Greenville, NC and thought that was where we were location. I have had Companies call about commercial work too thinking we were in your area. So, it's easy for me to see why you get calls from brides in Greenville, NC. Yvette
Without really checking into who you are (which I plan to do now), I think it's safe to say you are a people person and have the human side of the Photography business down pretty well. Having reasonable print prices also will definitely keep them coming. A small price increase will probably not do much to your overall sales volume, but put more in your bank account!
that is awesome. Time to hire a new employee and take on more work.
I am in a similar position. I am at a point where I cant charge my clients more (well I can) but wont because I feel like who the hell would hire a guy for $10,000 meeting in a coffee shop. So we are meeting with a builder tonight to build a new house and the entire basement will be my studio. woohoo.
but hey not to hijack your thread congrats mel. you deserve it.
