I know a couple of guys there who start at 5k and shoot 40-50 weddings a year all over the world, including in Canada. The issue is your brand recognition.
so from what it sounds like... you might be over thinking things a bit much. just get them in the door and have your 90% work for you.
offer incentives that has actual monetary worth for the client that doesn't equate to actual expenses. offer another hour during an e-session/wedding. something... make them see that you're worth it without letting it cost you an arm and a leg.
don't let, "you're too expensive" stop what could be a nice booking.
Jon-Mark wrote:
People should hire me because the quality of my photography is better than my competitors, and because I'm fun to be around and make them laugh, which makes people comfortable and also makes for great photos.
That's what everyone says, which makes all of this a given. So throw it out. Now why should someone hire you.
I have no idea. I think one of my strengths is being able to create great images in almost any circumstance, being a creative problem solver. My guess is that you think I should disconnect my photography ( or the quality of it ) from my brand value? Well... I have two first names! How many togs can say that?
Sorry man, it's something I've thought long and hard about before, I just don't know.
I tell them no worries, and best of luck in planning their wedding
Sounds like you are the one closing the door ? Why?
Just about every friend I have had has gone "above budget" once they really got down to the details. If you think there is a chance, why not invite them to talk and look at your stuff anyways. If you really are 100% over their budget, it is unlikely they will take you up on the offer. If they do, it means they are at least somewhat interested.
*not a pro photographer, take comments with a heaping grain of salt
I have no idea. I think one of my strengths is being able to create great images in almost any circumstance, being a creative problem solver. My guess is that you think I should disconnect my photography ( or the quality of it ) from my brand value? Well... I have two first names! How many togs can say that?
Sorry man, it's something I've thought long and hard about before, I just don't know.
I don't think you should disconnect photography from the brand, but I do think that "good photography" or "ability to deal well with circumstances" is a given in hiring a professional, not a differentiating point.
In other words what problem are you the perfect solution for?
TRReichman wrote:
That's what everyone says, which makes all of this a given. So throw it out. Now why should someone hire you.
- trr
The "I'm a better photographer than XXX" only works to a standard and once you've reached that it becomes petty. At a certain point it's no longer "I'm a better photographer than XXXX" But that your style is more or less appealing. Kanye West, Tim McGraw, Ozzie Osbourne, they're all successful at music, but their styles are all catered to a different audience. Maybe your market doesn't like your style. I mean, there are still people out there that think selective color is amazing.
I find it hard to believe that a major metropolitan area like Vancouver doesn't have people that value photography and are willing to spend a pretty penny to get it.
JM
I know the boat you are in... pretty much the same thing in Midwest Ohio. We are now above the average cost of 99% of the photographers in our area. I am not claiming to have many answers but here is what has worked for us.
Networking (other togs, vendors, planners, etc.)
SEO Stuffs -- the linkbuilding that we did to raise our ranking got us 90% of our bookings this year. Straight cold calls off google sometimes no meetings at all.
Better Web Page
The desire to travel -- 40% of our weddings this year were out of town (further than 250 miles) away from where we live. I am not quite sure how we keep booking clients that want us to travel but it is happening more and more.
Beyond that the questions you are seeking answers to are ones I ask myself everyday as well.
Some people can set themselves apart, hit a niche market, and flourish... while others book all over the place and wonder what the hell is going on.
I think it is a giant combo of a ton of things. I know you well enough to say you are doing things right. I would just urge you to go after the exact type of people you want to be shooting and make your brand so desirable to them that they cannot resist. Having just been in Victoria I can tell you that even though Victoria is fairly large in terms of an actual market you are kind of limited. Perhaps branch out and work the mainland a little bit. Vancouver is amazing and so is Whistler etc. Those types of places might have more of the people that you are looking for.
Or else you can just pick up a job working in the Oil industry like Patrick and become independently wealthy.... Seriously I cannot name one Canadian I know that has a crappy job. For real
? Why?