Help Attracting apparently the wrong kind of people

[Breezy]

How do you go about attracting the kind of people that you "want"?
Seriously? I am coming up with the ones who are out to screw me over
Seriously last year I had great clients. This year is half and half
Any suggestions?

[Ahh!]

"Raise your prices" and have clear contracts seems to be a comon thread among the pros. I dunno if it works, but its out there as advice.

Sorry to hear about the bad year so far.

[Breezy]

Thanks Peter
My prices are pretty competative for the area.
I guess I don't budge no matter what.
Do you have any advise for a contract?
I have a pretty good contract for weddings and never needed one for anything else until now.
Would love any and all info you can share.

[Ahh!]

No concrete stuff, since I haven't been burned every which way yet. And I don't know how you have been burned.

But one stick of advice I heard recently was to sit down in advance (quote list for sitting fees on the phone, but offer a discount if they pre-consult), then when in studio, have them edit the pictures after each scene, DELETING what they wont consider as part of their package afterwards. The up front talk is to be frank with the Photographer during the shoot, and for the photog during the shoot, be non-defensive. This sounds good and I will run with it for a while and see how this pans out.

I sat thru 4 hours to get this much from a guy who grosses $2M a year. Try it at your own risk. BTW: he's averaging between 800 and 1200 per senior package in Ohio of all places.

[Breezy]

Thanks very much Peter I will copy and paste this.
The I have had the most trouble with is a military (future) spouse and out of state. I guess because I did budge in the beginning is the problem now. But I do think we have the issue worked out. No will I get the rest of the order (she wants more but needs these for the invitations) I don't know and I won't hold my breathe lol.
Thanks again and I will definately become more firm and take in what you said.
Thanks again.

[HotHolly]

Also, be willing to tell people no. You dont have to give them stuff just b/c they ask. We noticed (for most people) if you give them an inch, they take a mile and then whine about it. Be firm. :o)

[Breezy]

Thanks Holly.
that is pretty much how this particular session went.
Thanks again to you both.

[CobyPhoto]

Originally Posted by phorn45

I sat thru 4 hours to get this much from a guy who grosses $2M a year. Try it at your own risk. BTW: he's averaging between 800 and 1200 per senior package in Ohio of all places.

Larry Peters has been featured on TV as the most sought after Senior photographer out there! It is all about marketing marketing and more marketing.

CJ

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by Breezy

Thanks Holly.
that is pretty much how this particular session went.
Thanks again to you both.

There are always people that are like that. It usually becomes more apparent when you cave and give them something - then they want more. You may not necessarily be attracting them. Or you may. Stick to your stuff. No exceptions usually works best - and that spreads and works in your favor. WOM is really important in this biz.

[Breezy]

Thanks Holly
I sure hope that the WOM works better for me in VA.

[LoungeLizard]

I had posted about the valuable resources (including a free weekly newsletter) John Mireles publishes. Check it out at http://www.photographerstoolkit.com/

[Breezy]

Thanks Jesus