are you a writer???

[danchez]

OK, I have the gift of gab, but when it comes to writing, my skills head down hill... Well, except for when I'm rhymin!!

OK, sorry about that.... back on point. I want to add an informational page to my website that's directed to high school seniors. I have several ideas I want incorporated into this info page, I just need help writing it. So, I am here again asking for help. So, who's got the gift of writing and is willing to help out???

[S-Man]

I don't consider myself a writer, but once I get going I can put out some mediocre material :)
What kind of help are you looking for?

Write out what you want to say, then try to think of a more eloquent way to put it. But since it's directed at seniors, maybe a more casual approach would be good. Just be sure to leave out the "Yo!'s" and "Rad's" and "Hip" references

I've noticed the more I read the easier it is to write.

[danchez]

I'm not wanting to try and be hip or anything. I want to attack how this large studio does business. Kids are in and out in a certain time frame depending on the "package" they buy. They only shoot on backgrounds. The school is forcing them to have their cap and gown images done with this studio. I want a fight the power type theme, but without going over the top. I want the seniors to know they can choose to have their images done elsewhere, preferably with me. Let them know they aren't just cattle being ushered in and out of a photo shoot. But when it comes to creative writing, I suck!!! I don't know where a paragraph should end so I just keep writing and writing and writing. My one catch of this whole deal is. No session fee if they show me a receipt from this studio for their cap & gown image. I want them to know that they don't need to sacrifice quality when it comes to their images....

[S-Man]

That sounds like a great start. Like I said, I'm no writer so FWIW:
As you were describing the factory line studio, I thought of sheep on a conveyor belt being sheared and pushed aside, looking like every other sheep out there.
A quick catchy question came to mind: "Are you a sheep, or a Wolf?"
Not sure how it would come across, but I think it would be kinda cool. I've seen some senior sites that have a splash page come up first that flashes words like "Unique" "Individuality" "YOU" across the screen before it opens up to the site.
You could go on to briefly explain what you did here. Don't make it too long because people don't like to read a long post and will quickly move on.


Nobody makes a wolf look like every other sheep in the pen. Be unique. Be yourself.
For a limited time, bring in your receipt from the factory line studio, and your photo session is on the house. You can choose to be different from everyone else.
(some restrictions apply)

Maybe something along those lines?

[PhotoByLeal]

Dan, if your on facebook there a lady called " GhostRighter Shauna " she writes..I think she charges $100
ask her to be your friend!

[danchez]

Originally Posted by PhotoByLeal

Dan, if your on facebook there a lady called " GhostRighter Shauna " she writes..I think she charges $100
ask her to be your friend!

checking it out now, thanks!!!

[PhotoByLeal]

Originally Posted by danchez

checking it out now, thanks!!!

I think I might hire her too as well, maybe we can get hit her up for a 2 for deal!

[w9ctm]

Dan,
I'm no fancy writer, but I'll be glad to help you anyway I can. Especially since we've discussed this school system in detail. I would love to see you break into that area. Call me sometime......

[BenE]

Originally Posted by danchez

I'm not wanting to try and be hip or anything. I want to attack how this large studio does business. Kids are in and out in a certain time frame depending on the "package" they buy. They only shoot on backgrounds. The school is forcing them to have their cap and gown images done with this studio. I want a fight the power type theme, but without going over the top. I want the seniors to know they can choose to have their images done elsewhere, preferably with me. Let them know they aren't just cattle being ushered in and out of a photo shoot. But when it comes to creative writing, I suck!!! I don't know where a paragraph should end so I just keep writing and writing and writing. My one catch of this whole deal is. No session fee if they show me a receipt from this studio for their cap & gown image. I want them to know that they don't need to sacrifice quality when it comes to their images....

This is the second post I have seen about the contract photographer.

Please accept this suggestion in the spirit given.

I would not mention the other company at all, nor would I have them bring a receipt. Just mention your own positives.

An example, (and I wold probably not word it exactly like this):

Negative..... Seniors of 2011, bring in your receipt from XYX Studio and I will give you a free session.

Positive...... Seniors of 2011. We have some great specials just for you. If you book your session from now to ______, we will apply our usual session charge of, $x, to your portrait order. That represents a savings to you of $X. We congratulate all of you seniors, and we believe you deserve...........

Then mention all your benefits, such as clothing changes, backgrounds, outside, etc, without mentioning the other studio.

Maybe add a line such as.... Our "______", backgrounds will look great with whatever casual clothing you choose, and no other studio has them. Remember, when you are photographed by __________(your studio), you have many background choices.
......................................

The reason I am suggesting the "no receipt requirement". There may be some students that did not pay the other studio for a session. Most contract studios have agreed to provide a free yearbook, with no requirement for purchase. If that is the case, some students will feel left out, and you have limited it to only the other studio's paying customers. If you tell them they can come on in, with no receipt, what purpose did it serve in the first place to ask for the receipt.

Another reason is that if you obligate them that way, you are placed in the position of the "downtrodden" competitor.

You are the best, offer quality, have the most variety, give individual attention, and personalized service... all just for seniors at ___________ (your studio).
.............................

I have just sent out information with the information above. They pay a reduced session charge, but I apply it to their order. If you just give away free sessions you might not get an order, or you might spend time on kids that might not even intend to buy, or might purchase only one 5x7.

You have not used the word, "free", but you are giving them all a benefit.

[danchez]

lots of good stuff there Ben, but the one thing I have over this large studio is all they shoot are backdrops. I don't use backdrops for my senior shoots. They have time limits, I do not.

No, I'm not sure if I plan on mentioning the other companies name, but I do plan on mentioning them one way or the other. When you see phone wars on tv, the battle back and forth. Now I am not going as far as politicians do, but a little talk about what they do and don't do, I feel, is a good thing. Adds seperation between us.

Something else you say that has me thinking....."Most contract studios have agreed to provide a free yearbook, with no requirement for purchase." If this is the case, I can definitely use this to my advantage.... but just looking at their website, the yearbook photo is included in their packages....

Now you also say, "The reason I am suggesting the "no receipt requirement". There may be some students that did not pay the other studio for a session." Are you talking about indigent or senior reps? I would imagine indigent..... What would your suggestion be for the indigent? I'm not wanting to sound mean.... well, not even sure where to go with this one...

[rjsmedia69@gmail.com]

How are you going to be advertising? e-mail... flier... etc.
Are you selling to the student or the parent?
Are any of the images you take going to end up in the yearbook?

One of the best ways I found to write an ad is to ask your self questions and the answer them from the point of view of your perspective client.

But above all else stand out and be creative with your ad!

Make a funny video with sheep or cattle in caps standing in line with a cheezy background then show some of your senior work and so on. Post it to Youtube and then send out and e-mail blast with your pitch with a link to it!

I agree with BenE do not bring your comps name into the picture, it's like haning a target on your back.

[danchez]

How are you going to be advertising? still working on that...

Are you selling to the student or the parent? the senior, I want it to be there choice.

Are any of the images you take going to end up in the yearbook? no, the contracted studio is responsible for the yearbook images.

I like your idea about a funny video with sheep and cattle. One of my initial thoughts was to do a sheep following each other theme, just didn't think to make a video for it.

[BenE]

Originally Posted by danchez

==============


Now you also say, "The reason I am suggesting the "no receipt requirement". There may be some students that did not pay the other studio for a session." Are you talking about indigent or senior reps? I would imagine indigent..... What would your suggestion be for the indigent? I'm not wanting to sound mean.... well, not even sure where to go with this one...

I was actually referring to any student that might not have purchased from the other studio. There are always a certain number of students who do not purchase, and the reasons vary. The main thing is that if they have to produce a receipt, you might be limiting yourself.

[danchez]

Originally Posted by BenE

I was actually referring to any student that might not have purchased from the other studio. There are always a certain number of students who do not purchase, and the reasons vary. The main thing is that if they have to produce a receipt, you might be limiting yourself.

gotchya... another item to add to my list of things to figure out... Thanks.