How Do I Make Cash off of This?

[bhurdle]

I got my arm twisted by a friend of mine to shoot a few shots of her daughter and a couple of her friends getting ready for prom. It has turned into 60 seniors who are getting ready at one house, taking a bus to the prom and then going to some campground or something to spend the night. So, I'm now taking photos of 60 kids.

I hear that the parents are kinda well off. What's the best way to minimize my after shoot work (get order, order prints, mail prints x 60) and maximize my revenue (now or future, repeat customers)? I'm not used to this type of business model where you shoot one event and get paid from many different clients. Oh, I'm not charging my friend to show up and I don't think it's possible to charge a flat fee. The gig is tomorrow night.

Thanks,
BHurdle

BTW, I use Instaproofs for my order fulfillment/commerce but I print the photos locally at Precision.

[dracula02]

Create a sign in sheet where you can get parents info, then e-mail / call them afterwards with the info on where to view / purchase them if they want.

[toverman]

Tommy's suggestion is good. I wouldn't expect to make much in this case. What I've found is that it's not the income that matters, it's a client's value of photography. These people could be rolling in cash but not give a rat's pooper about photography. On the other hand, maybe they do. Either way, go in with low expectations for making dough and maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Redneck]

Open up a smugmug.com pro account. Upload your images, set the pricing and let the parents know where they can order prints, downloads or photo gifts online. Order processing, money collecting, printing and shipping will all be done by smugmug and their photo labs.

[ldelacruz]

Hopefully less than 3 moms will show up with their DSLR's and their smug mug accounts!

[bhurdle]

Originally Posted by ldelacruz

Hopefully less than 3 moms will show up with their DSLR's and their smug mug accounts!

ha. +1

thx guys. I'll definitely get a list of names.