Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

jchooper12 · **Prom Photos -** 04-25-2007, 12:53 PM

I have been asked to shoot some Prom Photos this weekend for 10 couples. Was wanting some advice on how much to charge for something like this. I was thinking $100-$150 sitting fee (on-location) then for packages, that is where I really need help. Should I offer 2 packages, 3 packages??? What kind of prices for them? Also, I am going to be shooting most likely outdoors using my sb800 for fill. The location is a really nice house and he has a very large backyard, should I try to just blur the backgrounds or use vegetation as a filler? Thanks for any help.

photogenicimages · 04-25-2007, 02:04 PM

This is just what I would do- charge them $20 per couple, thats a $200 profit for you and a la cart printing prices. Depending on where you print (whcc is my preferred) you can offer 4X6, 5X7 and 8X10's for a decent price and still make a small profit. If you can, use a longer lens, and zoom into them, that should reduce your depth of field and take care of the background blur you need. HTH!

boxofrocks · 02:28 PM

I don't know the demographics of your market, but that sitting fee sounds high for prom pics. They'll probably expect a deal with 10 couples.

When I do a full setup at school functions (cheerleader banquets, homecoming, etc), my largest package costs under 50 bucks. And that's with 2 monolights and a backdrop.

Of course, the volume on those is much higher.

You may want to consider working out a flat rate for all of the couples, and see if you can get them to pay you with one check. Figure out what you need to make, and divide by 10, and let them know they're getting a volune discount.

jchooper12 · **hmmm -** 04-25-2007, 09:50 PM

Thanks for the replies!!!

boxofrocks · 04-25-2007, 10:25 PM

Let us know how it works out! Good luck, and have fun.

jchooper12 · **He accepted!!! -** 04-26-2007, 04:05 PM

So I submitted my packages and Sitting Fee to the Dad, I told him I would shoot for $100 then I am offering 3 packages, $30, $60 and $100 packages, plus I will sell individual shots for 4x6-$5, 5x7-$8 and 8X10-$10

He accepted and so I shoot this Sat. He lives in a very nice part of Plano Tx (let me stress, VERY nice part) so when I get there I will find a good place to shoot the couples, depending on weather, I will probably shoot outdoors. I will be looking for a background that I can blur easily.

boxofrocks · 04-26-2007, 04:34 PM

Awesome!

Don't try to get too shallow a DOF, or your sharpness will suffer. I wouldn't shoot it bigger than f/4 if you can help it.

jchooper12 · **Dof -** 04-26-2007, 06:10 PM

That is very true, I am tring to figure out the best way to shoot so I can crop at 8x10, 5x7 and 4x6 without losing any details. I am shooting with my D200 and a 17-55 and 70-200. For the full body shots, I know it will be hard to get a shallow DOF so I need to pick a location that will look nice even if not blurred. I wish my camera just cropped 8x10, that way when I shoot I know exactly what I am getting, does anyone else have this issue?

jchooper12 · **uhhhhhh -** 04-27-2007, 09:57 AM

I just found out that not only do they want couple photos but there are some parents that want to be in the shots also, hmmmm, does this mean more sales!!!!!! Ok, so this is my first time shooting pre-prom photos like this so I am nervous as He!!. I know I should not be, I just want everyone to have fun, I just hope I can pose people correctly. Any pointers would be great. I have shot a couple of weddings so I am treating it like that to some point.

LadyShutterBug · 04-27-2007, 09:10 PM

just remember to shoot the ladies from a slight angle... not so much straight-on, as it's more flattering that way. most of their dresses will have 2 seams that run down the front of the dress, dividing the front into three sections... like one that kind of runs down the middle of each breast. line up along that seam for an offset angle on the girl and it will accentuate curves in a good way. i know that was not explained terribly clearly...lol.. but hopefully you can figure it out.

if the girls are heavier or chubby-faced, try and have them seated and shoot from above to minimize the double-chin effect.

also, having the guy seated and the girl standing next to him will make her appear taller and thinner. well, most of the time. it depends on the people, i suppose.

good luck! you'll do fine.

jchooper12 · **Thanks for the tips!!! -** 04-28-2007, 10:03 AM

I just got a call this morning and they now want me to show up 30min later than planned but all the couples still have to leave at 6:15. I am getting there at 4:45. I am wondering how I am going to shoot 8 couples, individual shots, shots with parents and then group shots in 1 hours time. I don't think people will show up until around 5:15. Any suggestions on how to handle this. I was thinking, make sure I get the couple shots, and at least the individuals or should I shoot for couples and parents, couples and groups???

Casper · 04-28-2007, 10:40 AM

Keep us posted and show some photos, good luck.

Steve

jchooper12 · **Ok, it is all done. -** 04-28-2007, 09:04 PM

Now I just have to edit, crop and clone a electrical plug (knew it was there).

Let me know what you think.

Will post more later.

Casper · 04-29-2007, 01:52 PM

The poor girl's date in the first photo... is a little wooden (but colorful!).

I like the second one, it looks like they had a good time.

Steve