Photo Sizes

[carrbowl]

So there is lots of talk about prices....so lets talk about sizes. I'm rethinking some things for the new year and have realized there is no thought process to the sizes I have or don't have. What is your thought process for choosing the sizes you choose or don't choose? Just trying to get some different kinds of thinking here....

[bondarnes]

When I shot film I used a Hasselblad, which gave me 5X5 originals (proofs). They look bigger than a 4X5 and really blow a 3.5X5 out of the water. I really enjoy the square format, but was always careful to compose so that we could trim to a 4X5. My price list shows a 5X4, but if the client requests a 4X6 I am glad to print that size. But since WalMart and places like that print 4X6, I will not put that size on my price list to differentiate my work from the amateur shooter. That is also why I list it as a 5X4 and not a 4X5.

I am revising my price list to say that $XX.00 is the price of a desk portrait ten inches or smaller. A credenza portrait is fourteen inches and wall portraits are twenty inches, twenty-four inches, thirty inches, thirty-six inches, forty inches, fifty inches, and sixty inches.

[MicWayWal]

My discussion on this subject is directed toward the sizes you can produce for customers. I think customers fall into two groups which will effect what sizes you will be able to produce.

- For the average normal client: I think you are limited by the traditional sizes; 11x14, 10x13, 8x10, 5x7, 4x6, wallets. This is because that is what they can afford to purchase and frame.

- For the advanced or carriage trade client: they are open to different and unique sizes and can afford the higher prices odd sizes require. They also can afford to have the work properly framed with custom frames. For this type of client you are limited only by your imagination and creative crops you can conceive for your work.

I have built my business by marketing myself to the carriage trade clients who can afford the higher priced ticket items. I use Photoshop to sell to my clients face to face. So anything beyond 11x14 I am usually suggesting a unique crop to my client. My work is always mounted on at least artboard and sometimes more expensive mountings.
Prices:
For anything smaller than 5x7 I charge the same price. They can print what ever size they want, but they usually print a 5x7.
For prints larger than 11x14 I charge to the next larger size. To determine that I use the traditional sizes; 16x20, 20x24, 24x30, 30x40, 40x60. I have produced every size you can imagine. From 6x20 to 34x54. Making a unique size makes my clients feel special and that is what they are looking for when they hire me.