Speculative Deal

[laawaaris]

I did one deal recently based somewhat on speculation. I photographed a dinner with a group of local Authors and convinced the charity organization to allow me to take a photograph of each guest after they get their book signed by the author.

I wanted to do this after some success I've had in the past with well-known people. And also to see what would happen in this case.

The sales of the photos did not turn out as I expected so I wanted to share what I learned.

- As I said, the speculation was a failure. Only 2 groups of people bought the photographs and many other groups declined the option of even having a photograph taken. One girl told me it was like "Disney World" - where they have the option of taking a photo with Mickey Mouse or not.

- After talking with several folks, I realized one mistake I made was that I only offered 5x7 prints and 8x10 prints. Folks told me that my sizes were too large and that they like to keep 4x6 prints for scrapbooking and other purposes.

- There was no clear, cut way to communicate to the guests about the photographs. While I had a good vision about the photographs, it would have been much better if the guests had known about the photographs ahead of time rather than at the dinner.

- Unlike high-profile events I have done in the past, this event drew a very "regular" crowd of people. Upper middle class folks who were present to meet some not-so-famous authors. They were still happy to be there, but it was not the same feeling as having your photo taken with a big time celebrity like I have seen in the past.

- I found out that most of the folks getting the books signed had not even read the books by those authors. The 2 that did buy the photos had actually had some connection to the author by reading the book beforehand.

- No backdrop or formal setting. Unlike previous events in the past, there was no backdrop or staged area to take the photograph. Because of this I just had to take a photo quickly before the next person came up to take the photo.


So essentially what I learned is that planning is essential. As I have been doing more and more event photography, I have learned some lessons the hard way.

But I felt a bit like I had to scream at people to get their attention - kind of like a vendor who says "Step Right Up!". In the future, my requirement will be to go in with a more polished and well thought out way to communicate my service to the audience.

I also realize that I did not know my audience well enough. I did not expect to encounter a group of people who just wanted photos for fun and others who had no strong connection with the photograph being taken (they had not even read the book). As other folks who were interested did not even like my product selection, I learned that knowing your audience ahead of time is extremely crucial. It is the only way an event photographer can make the right decisions - firstly deciding even if the deal is worthwhile.

For me, there is no substitute for learning through the experience. But for others, I hope when you read this you will find something worthwhile out of it.

[krodgers]

With my experience I have found it more profitable when getting money up front and agreeing to provide an image to each such as a 5x7. I have posted additional poses of these events and find that most people will not oder more. Lot of empty promises only, But doing such events has gotten me more exposure for doing individual portrait sessions.

[laawaaris]

that is an idea ken!

what type of events have you worked where you can provide an image up front like you mentioned?

[krodgers]

my past events I provided pictures after the event i either mailed them or gave them to leader of the event. I have thought that one of these days might invest in a printer where I can print onsite. But probely will not because these events have pretty much just broke even if that. Other than getting some exposure I dont expect to make any money.

[Ahh!]

I just got this baby for events. About $100, and the paper/cartridge packs are premeasured so you know your costs (and supply needs) up front per pic. Right now, if you buy any P&S @ Ritz/Wolf, there are mail in rebates for your $100.

Its portable, reads cards or USB, can run off battery pack (extra), it has some borders capabilities, limited to 4x6 paper...

The prints are quite nice out of it.


BTW: The prints are from an event I shot, but was too upscale for such a printer. We sold a bunch of 5x7's and 8x10's...almost 100% from what I could tell.

[laawaaris]

thanks for the tip on the printer phorn

i definitely have to change something when i go to my next event ... this event was a total fiasco