advice/pricing on shooting a jr high dance?

[terrtwins]

I've been asked to shoot a junior high dance. I've never known anyone to do this locally so I ask here. I was thinking of only selling 4X6, maybe 5X7, and nothing else. I know kids aren't going to pay $10 for a picture and at the same time I don't want it to be a "waste" of time. Any help?

[bigjon0107]

Are you just going to collect money on-site only? The chances are that a 13 year old is not going to remember to ask mom for picture money when they are all trying to get ready. I would look at doing almost a pre-pay system with sending something back home to the parents...they are the one who really wants the picture anyhow.

Edit: Are you setting up a studio and shooting potraits/date/friend shots, or just shooting the event?

[terrtwins]

From what I understand, they will provide the setup, props, background, etc. for the pictures. I'd have to provide whatever lighting I need and the photos. So, in short, just portrait type photos. I have no idea what stuff like this goes for and whats a good practice for this type of event.

[boxofrocks]

When is this? I have a class coming up in the DFW area (details on the forum soon) that will help prepare you for this. At the least, look at trying to get an order sheet out the week before the dance for them to take home to their parents--they are the ones that will buy from you.

[CobyPhoto]

Very correct...13 year olds never remember ANYTHING unless they want to remember it. Money for photos...not one of those things! LMAO

I do this quite a bit and we have an envelope that we send home prior to the event. Mom can then choose the package she wants and put a check or cash in the envelope and seal it. Kid only has to keep up with one item...not two! (Order form and Check)

We have small pacakges that range from 30.00 to as much as 70.00 plus add ons such as extra wallets, calendars, extra single photos, etc. to choose from as well. We only allow ONE pose in a package. If you start allowing multiple poses, you are asking for total confusion when it comes to ordering and porcessing. Trust me. On the rare occasion that a mom wants more than one pose, she just has to order more than one package, and when you suggest that they usually do.

You are going to be offering a "discounted" price to attract buyers, so keep it really simple. Less work on your end of the deal after the dance is done. (Don't forget to add in the cost of your packaging too!) We usually do a custom white balance, meter light and use very simple lighting to insure no issues and have our crop figured out in the camera, in order to speed the post up as much as possible. We only have to run an action to drop in the graphics and hit print!

Oh, and a week before is perfect on the price list/order form. Too much time and MOM forgets, too little time and the kid doesn't get it to parents.

CJ

And we do take credit cards, but the parent has to come by the booth and run the card, sign the slip at the event. We don't take numbers and run them manually. That costs double on fees and percentages and I simply refuse to pay that. So the mobile CC processor goes with us and we run the cards on location just like at the studio.

[boxofrocks]

All good stuff, Coby.

Better yet, see if you can get an email distribution list of the parents from the school. If they see you're providing a service, and not just spamming, you might get one.

Personally, I'd only give you one chance in ten of getting a list, but it never hurts to ask the school administration.

[terrtwins]

most excellent, this is great info! thank you.

[VisConPhoto]

This is what I do with Jr high kids. We charge $10 for a 5x7 for each kid in the photo. I do not want 10 kids in one photo and only one kid pays. They do not pay they do not get in to the picture. The only exeption I have is couples. Some kids get mad but there kids that is their job.

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by VisConPhoto

This is what I do with Jr high kids. We charge $10 for a 5x7 for each kid in the photo. I do not want 10 kids in one photo and only one kid pays. They do not pay they do not get in to the picture. The only exeption I have is couples. Some kids get mad but there kids that is their job.

EXCELLENT point! I am glad you brought that up. I have them do the same thing...see a group photo (where the kids are buying) come running over and want to get in...what a pain. They have to complete the form and pay before I put them in the photo. 99% of the time, the parents (sponsors of the dance/event) are on your side in this one. It is always a good thing to go introduce yourself to the sponsors and make them aware of your policies etc. Most of the time, they will really appreciate the intro and help you any way possible.

CJ

[terrtwins]

all excellent posts, this will be a first if I accept!