moptopper52

How often does Aunt Sally get Uncle Joe to get dressed up except for a wedding? I often set up a backdrop off to the side at wedding receptions to do "Family Portraits" when I had "down time" during reception/meal/dance time. I usually did individual, couple, and small family portraits. These images were uploaded to the online bridal album under "Family Portraits". My portraits gave me extra revenue for the same time, and even occaisionally were the last portrait taken and used in obituaries. I provided these images at no charge as a service when requested.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

And?

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

The conclusion??

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Sounds like a reasonable business decision to me.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Excellent methodology for building perceived worth and "good will" within your market moptopper52...
btw, I provide a bridal portrait after every bridal makeup trial I do... Yes I'm a bridal makeup artist...
Find it highly effective in closing clients... far more effective than investing in online advertising or ponying up for a premium account on Wedding Wire....

Here is an example...
Not only did I manage to book this client but as a result of her portrait was also booked as a second shooter for the event...
A little good will goes a long ways...

Thank you so much for sharing your commercial endeavors here moptopper52...
It's absolutely great to see other commercial shooters posting on UHH :)

(Download)

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

So? What is your point?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Very good idea.

donrosshill Loc: Delaware & Florida

I did weddings for several years and did something similar. Rollie on a Tripod, Fixed background, 2 strobe lights. It did add extra income and helped to increase my local reputation.
One of the reasons for doing this is because of an earlier experience.
I got a call from a family that did not have any photos of their deceased grandfather. I went to the funeral parlor and did a portrait of him for the family. (Not fun).
Keep building on your skills and being innovative.
Don

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"One of the reasons for doing this is because of an earlier experience.
I got a call from a family that did not have any photos of their deceased grandfather. I went to the funeral parlor and did a portrait of him for the family. (Not fun). Keep building on your skills and being innovative."

Don totally understand where you are coming from...

I assist a commercial shooter in my market who is a volunteer photographer for "Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep" and he encourages all portrait photographers to consider applying. This organization provides (pro bono) the gift of remembrance for parents suffering the loss of a baby...

https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

I have colleagues who work in the neonatal ward of hospitals and trust me their job can at times be extremely emotionally changing...
"Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" can be an effective countermeasure to mitigate some of the emotional trauma which they must endure...

As my workload permits I am now considering becoming available for this altruistic service...

btw, I've noticed at least one other UHH commercial photographer who is a member of this organization...
This is far more than building "good will" in your market... this is about giving back to the "Family of Man"
Without the dedication of individuals such as yourself Don precious memories may slip quietly away...
To all, please remember the vast worth of portraiture... And urge you to embrace altruism as a guiding light...

Thank you for sharing Don...
I wish you well on your journey...

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Despite the answers that are interesting this is still a half baked topic that has not introduced anything.

My 'And?' still stand.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

And you should know about half baked topics for sure.

donrosshill Loc: Delaware & Florida

Quote="I am not an artist. I am a voyeur and a witness".
AND?

Rongnongno Loc: FL

What is not clear about that beside your foggy interpretation?

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Don in my humble estimation (and experience) it is simply not wise to feed a troll...
Lacking an audience (i.e. ignored) they will eventually go way seeking others to harass in order to glean the attention they disparately crave...

Hope this makes sense...
Again I wish you well on your journey...
It's always good to find another commercial photographer on UHH

Rongnongno Loc: FL

So, why are you entering this idiotic exchange?

The thread introduction goes no where and the rest - as stated - has some value but added to what?