Florida Wedding Photography | Simply Fabulous | St. Augustine Wedding Photographer | Jen Shannon Photography
Tonight I came across something that I’ve decided to not ignore. So many times I’ve heard people say things to me like, “I would take the photos but I don’t have as nice of a camera as you” or “I should have been a photographer because you make a lot of money” or “Why do...
Hi Joseph,
Well, that’s why we charge so much for the disc of images. If you charge what you’d typically expect to get from print sales for the disc of images, then you don’t really even need to worry about it. And to be honest, I got a disc of images with my wedding because I didn’t need a bunch of prints laying around with me not having anything to do with them, so I understand the needs of today’s bride in that regard, but I’d also have to say I disagree with you on there not being any professional wedding photographers left some day. The statistics show in an average year nearly 30% of those who start a photography business make the decision not to pursue it. Within two years that number climbs to 50% and within three years it starts to level out at like 75%. (so only 25% of the new folks will make it). There will always be a market for professional photographers, but if your client base is primarily brides who can’t afford you, then you have to look for your brides. They don’t always come to you. And I understand that not every bride can afford to pay for a professional. When I was getting married back in 2006, my entire budget for the wedding was $5,000 and my photography budget was only $800. My photographer was my best friend’s sister, who is a professional, but I was the second or third wedding she shot, so back then I got what I paid for. I still love my photos. Are they as good as her work now? No, but I still love them. So, I guess what I’m saying is that you have to find your ideal bride and if Uncle Bob’s are steeling your business, then you need to find another market.
Ah yes and one very important reason that we need to charge so much is because, all those family members, relatives and guests at your wedding with those EVIL LITTLE POINT AND SHOOTS that take the on-line orders and profits out of our pockets that we work so hard for on YOUR WEDDING DAY. Some day there won’t be any more professional wedding photographers left and all you brides will be stuck doing your own photo’s or let uncle Harry and aunt Martha do them for you. Yes Jen as you can tell I too have been at this game for 20 years and it’s never been as bad as this. I too am looking for a way out of weddings and still be able to do photography for all the things that you said in your article, way too much time involved for very little return. If you’d like to talk call me 708.271.7869. Thanks.
YES!!!! Thank you so much! this is just a great post!
One of the great things about working a full time job in addition to running my photo business is that any money that I bring in from my photo business gets put right back into the business. I don’t pay bills with it, I don’t depend on it in my monthly budget, and if I...
no comments
If you’ve been on Facebook for any length of time, you’ve probably seen this thing called “25 things” where people give 25 facts about themselves. So I’ve decided to do something similar but do 25 Random Things about photography. Here goes. 1. I shoot with a Nikon D80. 2. I love my new Shootsac! Jessica...
no comments
3 comments