Proofing for Team/Group photos?

[ddphotography]

I have a cheer group to shoot this week and the sponsor just email and said the moms are insisting on seeing proofs before they order their pictures... I don't do proofs in this instances, that why my prices are lower than my regular print prices... so what do I do, raise the package prices to my regular print prices and give them their proofs to see? Or do I just say "no thanks" and go about my week? I know I am not going to upload, edit, proof and gallery the pics for these 8 girls, just because their mom's don't trust my judgement to pic the best photo for their daughters...

[Daniel W.]

Well, you're in a pickle. Raising prices isn't bueno if they'be already seen the prices. That seems like it'd just cause more ill-will.

To want to see a picture before paying for it isn't completely ridiculous. I like to see things before I buy them, even if it's a brand or vendor I've used before and know well. On their part, yes they should trust you but on your part, it's not unheard of to provide proofs. Mom's want to make sure their kid doesn't look ridiculous, which is completely normal.

Your easiest option (in my own experience with both large and small groups) is to either offer an online solution or go to a team meeting where all the parents will be there. Online isn't a big issue for me, I use Backprint to let them see online, and I'll up-rate the online price to compensate for Backprint's commission. That way, they come to me (or I go to them) in person to sell, which is much more personable and an op for promo-ing. If I go to a team meeting, I'll usually have a sample printed huge (above 20" on the short side), which usually ends up being given to the coach as a gift at the end of the night.

And if that seems like too much trouble, just do a 640x480 with lightly watermarked all over "proof do not print" sent to whoever is in charge, she can forward that email to folks that want to see it.

As always, this is my limited experience, in my market. Your results, business practices, and attitude may vary. It may be just 8 kids, but I go for the gusto whether its 8 or 80. I did a little setup for 6 little dancers this year, and went the extra step in the form of designs, samples, and customer support. In, return 3 have booked for family sessions, 2 had older siblings that booked a senior session, and I've already got a date in my calendar to come back next year.

[KdLaneJr]

Originally Posted by ddphotography

I have a cheer group to shoot this week and the sponsor just email and said the moms are insisting on seeing proofs before they order their pictures... I don't do proofs in this instances, that why my prices are lower than my regular print prices... so what do I do, raise the package prices to my regular print prices and give them their proofs to see? Or do I just say "no thanks" and go about my week? I know I am not going to upload, edit, proof and gallery the pics for these 8 girls, just because their mom's don't trust my judgement to pic the best photo for their daughters...

I'd do both things you've mentioned, tell them what the price will be with proofs involved and if they balk, then tell them no thanks.

While I like to be accomodating, I don't take on clients that try to run my business.

[ddphotography]

I think I may have come up with a possible solution, actually two,
1) since they haven't seen my prices as of yet, up my prices to cover my already low session fee collectively among all 8 girls( it would amount to a $4 increase) and select the best two, run them through batch processing. Then upload to Sams with both on a 4x6 and then go pick them up and present them to the parents on Friday.

2)do the same as above and watermark the heck out of them, put them on a CD and give it to the sponsor, and not go the meeting...

I am leaning more towards option one, because if I can be there to sell them the goodies, buttons, keychains, etc... it will up my sales...
What does this sound like to you?
Kenny your last comment is exactly what my first thought was when I read the email... I don't need the business of these 8 girls( although they will all be seniors someday) if they are going to manipulate my business policies...
I think the mom's just really wanna be in control here...and thats fine, but they will pay for it!

[w9ctm]

Deb,
I would go with option #1, but make sure you watermark the heck out of them still. Too many people will take an otherwise unusable print and copy the heck out of them, just to save a dollar or two...

[khatley]

I would not give them a choice but I do high volume, I just tell them there is a 100% satisfaction guarantee and they can turn the prints in for a refund or reshoot. For 8 it wouldn't be too big a deal but probably not worth your time. Tell them you have minimum orders with your lab and they have to order at the same time. Make sure you have a hard deadline with a very short window so you don't deal with separate small orders.

[ddphotography]

thanks Ken, actually I did the shoot on Thursday morning... ran the best 3 or 4 through batch processing and uploaded to my proofing site that afternoon, they had till the next afternoon till five to get their choice to me... and THEY DID!! I had all the orders by that evening!! I know that was very unusual, but like you said for 8 it wasn't a big deal, but for 30 it would be a nightmare!! I have one to reshoot tommorow because her eyes were closed, I am working on the print order right now... It worked out well this time, but I won't be doing it again!!