acellis Loc: Charleston, SC

Hi all,
A business question for those that shoot professionally. What do you include in your family portrait packages to your clients? Interested in shaking up my current offerings. Would be interested in how you organize your packages as well. THANKS

Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA

Not really sure what you are asking, so this what I do:

I meet with the person who contacts me to arrange the shoot. At this meeting (usually at a local coffee shop) I get a "feel for what the client wants".

Do they want a studio shoot? A location shoot? Are they wanting a "Traditional Family Portrait"? I discus clothing, clothing colors, backdrops, how many people are to be in the shot etc...etc. I take along my portfolio. I discus the different types of lighting, and let her (or him) see some of my work with different lighting set ups. This meeting "Breaks the Ice", so to speak, as well as gives the potential client a chance to get to know me on a more casual basis.

I discuss my fees, and see what they expect. Most of my family portrait shoots are really designed by the client. In other words, I make that person feel like they are my "Quarterback" in this engagement. I also make it clear that I am the coach as well, so I do not loose control of the shoot.

Mostly, at this meeting they sign my contract, pay a deposit, arrange the date, and tell me what they want in the line of prints. (Sizes, quantity etc.)

As far as my fees are concerned, I charge a flat rate plus a location fee, an assistant fee, (if I have to use one) print fees.

This meeting pretty much puts the ice on the deal for both the client and myself, so we are all reading off of the same sheet of music and I have never had any problems. I also make it clear to them that I keep the disc, and any additional prints they may require in the future are through me or my assistant.

I don't know if that answers your question or not. But that is the way I handle almost all of my services.
Thanks, Boone. :thumbup:

acellis Loc: Charleston, SC

HI Boone! Thanks for the great answer. To further refine my question.... what do you give the clients? Do you have packages with different options? do you drive the 1/1's to purchase prints? Do you offer framing, do you give digital files, gift bags, do you deliver your prints in fancy folders, any gifts to couples, etc.

Bill Houghton Loc: New York area

You never mentioned who pays for the coffee. LOL

Just had to add that.

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

Go to the web sites of the best photographers in your area. Print out their price lists and packages . . . copy them and add 10% to the prices, and become the most respected photographer in your area.

Don't try to compete with the Walmart and Sears Studios . . . you'll lose that game and get a terrible reputation.

acellis Loc: Charleston, SC

I have done some espionage. Didn't think about the 10%+ idea. I find that they don't put much out there because others do research on what their packages include. Good idea though.... THANKS!

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

If they don't have it on-line . . . have a friend go to their studio and inquire about some family portraits. They will come home with a price list. It can even be done on the phone with a request for an emailed price list.
You might as well get all the goodies . . . they are going to do it to you.
Knowing your competition is part of being in business.

Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA

No I do not give gift bags...I do not print any images...no I do not give up the digital files...no fancy folders. I simply email the client the proofs ( in low resolution / water marked) my email includes a simple order form for their prints. The form basically list the print sizes, print cost, paper styles. When I get the order form returned to me (via email) I send them an invoice via email back confirming their order. When I receive their deposit for the order I order the prints through my account with either mpix.com or AdoramaPic.com or another of the online labs.

When I receive the prints I put them in my (personalized / studio name/logo) envelopes, contact the client for the pick up or mailing arrangements and make the delivery. Project concluded. Hope that helps. Thanks, Boone. 8-)

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

. . . you can also just drop into a studio yourself, introduce yourself and discuss with them their prices and packages. Tell them you are concerned about undercutting their prices. If it was me I'd be happy to discuss it with another photographer. Not all photographers are dorks. :-)