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I graduated high school in 1980 - we did senior photos. A few casual location shots, and a couple of formal shots in studio with musical instruments, etc. The families bought little bifolds with 2 or 3 photos, and extra prints for relatives.
This past year, my daughter graduated high school and I was amazed at the senior photo industry. First off, I was not real big on spending $400 to $800 on photos when it was my biggest source of hobby fun, so I talked her into letting me shoot the first cut. She was pleased with the results and ended up doing what all of her friends were doing - posting many of them on Facebook. Then, they all comment on each others photos and ask, "Who took your pictures " and scramble to go get their own "cool" pictures taken. If I had the inkling, even my very amateur approach could have landed me about 10 shoots last year from her network of friends.
So, this year (maybe one year late!) I decided to dedicate more time to learning the ins and outs of senior photos and am marketing myself primarily through word of mouth to high school kids. I have a lot of exposure by shoting the HS softball team the last 3 years, as well as being the marching band video (with lots of stills!) making guy. I just completed my first paid gig and have two more potential clients in the wings.
From what I have read - the key is to get shots that make the mom AND the kid happy. She will buy, and they will post on Facebook. Also, the kids love having stacks of wallets to hand out at graduation parties in the spring - but by then, they have all had them taken of course.
From there, referrals should start coming in (at least I hope so!). My goal is rather modest - shoot maybe 10 to 12 this year, and earn enough money to pay off a couple of studio lights I just purchased as well as upgrade my camera to a 5D. (I've got the glass, just need a more reliable camera body...)
Anyway, I just wanted to chime in to mention that the kids do a LOT of your marketing for you from what I have seen. My son is a sophomore so I am building momentum towards his senior year since I know tons of those kids.
Edited on Aug 31, 2008 at 01:02 PM
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