a question on an idea ...

[rhoffart]

I had an idea … not that I would ever do this … but I was wondering if anyone tried this before. Ok, I kinda have to draw this out. You set up a portable studio at a park or other spot where there is some traffic, maybe a craft fair … anywhere …

You take a few shots (free session) … direct them to a site where they can buy the photo. Like the Cruise Photographers, cartoon artist, etc.

Ok, I’m not looking for why this is soooo wrong (because I could bash the idea also) … I was just wondering if anyone tried this? I have never seen this before.

This question came to me the other day when my wife and I were on top of Enchanted Rock … and a couple had seen my camera and asked if I would take their picture with their point & shoot. I think they were on their honeymoon ... so I was thinking ...

[Teddington]

If you were on top of Enchanted Rock, it was probably just the blood pounding in your head!!

Seriously, never done it, you'd have licensing problems with the state park and unless you could print on the spot I'm not sure how much interest you'd find. I'd be surprised if many people would come to a website later to buy. Maybe I'm wrong . . .

[CaptainTom]

Many times I've taken a candid photo and approached the subject and told them that I have a fantastic photo of them, their dog, etc. and given them my card and said that if the email me I'll send them the image.
Never had anyone email me....
I doubt people would think to look you up after the fact and buy an image unless you could get them to fork over some money up front...

[rhoffart]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

I doubt people would think to look you up after the fact and buy an image unless you could get them to fork over some money up front...

Hmmm ... ok let's say "Fisita Texas" ... why would someone want the photo taken by some kid with camera when they entered the park? But, you see a lot of people buying these photos ...

Ok I have been thinnking too much ... let's say your local Harley shop has an event and you had a booth set up ... now would that work?

[brad]

Originally Posted by rhoffart

Hmmm ... ok let's say "Fisita Texas" ... why would someone want the photo taken by some kid with camera when they entered the park? But, you see a lot of people buying these photo ...

Hey! I used to.....



nevermind... forget I said anything...

would never want to admit that I did that once upon a time

[CaptainTom]

There are several entities that rent out photo booths, so I think that the interest must be there. The key would be to find the right location and figure out how to get them the images.

[bondarnes]

The Harley shop idea might work if you can print on site, but don't expect to make more than pocket change. The companies that understand all the elements that have to fall into place to make this work already have franchises at places like Fiesta Texas and Six Flags. If they could make it work at Enchanted Rock they would already be there. But they wouldn't hire a real photographer, but someone like you saw at Fiesta Texas.

[CaptainTom]

but someone like you saw at Fiesta Texas.

Like...?..?..?. oops, never mind

[rhoffart]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

The Harley shop idea might work if you can print on site, but don't expect to make more than pocket change. The companies that understand all the elements that have to fall into place to make this work already have franchises at places like Fiesta Texas and Six Flags. If they could make it work at Enchanted Rock they would already be there. But they wouldn't hire a real photographer, but someone like you saw at Fiesta Texas.

Ok. I'll buy that ... I know this can't be an original idea …

I even tried a few google searches “craft show photographer” “photography trailer” “mobile photographer” etc. … did not find anything

[billseye]

I thought about doing this when my son was playing little league and highschool baseball. If I got a pretty good shot of one of the kids, I would have it printed and take it to the parents at the next game, freeby of course. Sometimes they would slip me a few bucks. I figured if I set up a table with a printer and spit out a 4x6, then I might could sell them a better quality enlargment and maybe get a future family or senior session out of it. Never got around to trying it.
Well my son graduated, got married, now I follow my grandbaby around with my camera. More freebies. ;^}

[rhoffart]

I found a pet photographer that seems to set up at animal clinics (look at the calendar) - http://www.pawprintzmobile.com/

Here is a viewing trailer for motor sports - http://www.caliphotography.com/about_boxtruck.shtml

[babybluetx23]

Shey told me people at a lot of the car shows used to do that and people WOULD actually pay for the photos! heheh They would print on site. often times they have a trailer set up kind of like a concession stand where they would show the photos on a screen and print onsite if you want them. I guess when it came to events like some of the custom car shows I never saw an issue with that, but then again i always thought they were affilliated with the car shows and had a booth set up or some kind of an arrangment with the car club throwing the show.

[billseye]

Went to Mall of America in Minneapolis a couple of years ago. They had a keosk with 4 college age guys and gals. 2 pnt and shoots, each tethered to a computer and printer. One guy would snap you or your kid and your picture would pop on the computer where you could see it as you walked toward them. If you so much as slowed down to look, they already had the image (low quality B&W) printing in about 3 sizes. The good looking sales girl was slapping your picture in a clear sided mug, a key chain and a picture frame so fast it made me dizzzy watching them. People were peeling out $30 to $45 for this stuff left and right. I stood off to the side for awhile and watched. They didn't spend more than a couple of minutes per sale. If the customer didn't buy the novelty, they took it apart and put another photo in it. The only waste was cheap very thin glossy paper and some black ink.

[carrbowl]

Disney World has this down to a science. A friend went at the end of the year. They take your photo when you enter and give you a card. Every time you have your photo taken, they use your card to take note (somehow) of who you are. At the end of your visit, you have all these photos where you/your kids have your photos from all over the park. You can buy the photos individually, buy the photos on a cd, or buy a book and use your own photos and/the parks photos. The friend did the book with her photos and the parks photos. She is not a photographer and I couldn't really tell the difference between the parks photos and hers. But the book was very nice. Extremely easy to put together software wise and only $70. I was surprised at the quality and quantity of pages and the entire book for $70.

Long story...it would be nice to have something like that for parties...

[CaptainTom]

Saw this concept at the Bridal Show.