Band Shoot/School Events: Pricing/Suggestions

[Cajungaltx]

My daughter attends a small private school in West Houston. They have a regular photographer who shoots their different sports teams etc.

One of the kids on the dance crew showed me his photos from his track photo...

There' a metal building in the background - like a storage shed... with dirt around the building....and then there is this really buff kid, with his hands on his waist....in a very VERY feminine pose.

The photographer required ALL of the track team to do that pose....he shot ALL of the team in front of that building...

He told one of the kids, who asked about a photo with his metals (the kid is going to college on a track scholarship) .....that it'd cause to much reflection off of them....and screw up the photo, and he couldn't do it.

The band/drumline needs their photos taken, and one of the teachers told the band director to contact me about doing them.... cause they aren't happy with photographer #1.

I got a call last night, told them that I'd get them some information on pricing, etc. I was NOT looking to take my business this direction... but...the exposure is really good.

My concern is this - my photos are going to be better than photographer #1... they'll be better than his with me barely trying honestly...that's how bad the photos that I just saw from him sucked...which leads me to move to the admin of the school asking me to do the team photos, etc.

For those of you who do school team stuff - is it something you enjoy? Does it bring a decent profit, compared to portraits (if you do those)?

My assumption is that you don't charge to 'do' the shoot - you make money on the kids ordering the prints....which by the way.... they require you to do without ever SEEING the photos....

I currently order from Miller's, so I'm comfortable with being able to handle the needs for these types of shoots....just not sure I 'want' to do these kinds of shoots.

Does that make sense?

[CaptainTom]

Donna, it makes sense.
First thing I'd recommend is to find out if PHOTOG #1 has a contract with the school. If he does, you may be prohibited from freelancing. If he doesn't, see if you can get a contract that prohibits HIM ..

[Cajungaltx]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

Donna, it makes sense.
First thing I'd recommend is to find out if PHOTOG #1 has a contract with the school. If he does, you may be prohibited from freelancing. If he doesn't, see if you can get a contract that prohibits HIM ..

Thanks Tom. I don't think he does - I know another photographer who has been TRYING to get this school's team business, etc. for a while (his daughter also attends) and he does alot of their other events - like dances, etc...

But I'll make sure, to be safe. ;-)

[texkam]

cause they aren't happy with photographer #1

You are in a good position because of this. It's nice to feel wanted and respected. Play the confidence card and price yourself accordingly. A lot of private schools and their parents have money. How they perceive you is important.

just not sure I 'want' to do these kinds of shoots

Just be honest. See if you can do an initial shoot to see if it is something appealing. That way if you try it and hate it they'll understand and you'll know instead of always wondering. You might find it fun. The Band Director may give you a lot of creative freedom. See what they're after. Give them your ideas. They could end up being like... "Wow, we found this really good photographer to do our shots. She's normally does more creative shoots. We're so lucky to have found her."

Good luck.

[Duane Hickman]

Its good exposure for you Donna, and can help build your business, and these types of sessions don't occur often enough to interfer with your day to day operation...but its good exposure...think seniors and family portraits ....go ahead and do it...if you don't like it you can always defer next time..

[ggeen]

Hello Donna. I'm not a pro just a rank amateur. ;) so I will not give you any pro advice. I do, however, photograph events like Scarborough Faire, youth soccer games, charity events, etc. I think with your talent that doing something like this for the youngsters would be very fulfilling. I find that when you present a youngster with a good photograph of themselves, they are much more appreciative than adults. Especially if you include a low res. version they can use on facebook or myspace. Kids love to share.

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by Cajungaltx

My daughter attends a small private school in West Houston....... The band/drumline needs their photos taken.......I got a call last night, told them that I'd get them some information on pricing, etc......

My concern is this - my photos are going to be better than photographer #1... they'll be better than his with me barely trying honestly...that's how bad the photos that I just saw from him sucked...which leads me to move to the admin of the school asking me to do the team photos, etc.

For those of you who do school team stuff - is it something you enjoy? Does it bring a decent profit, compared to portraits (if you do those)?

My assumption is that you don't charge to 'do' the shoot - you make money on the kids ordering the prints....which by the way.... they require you to do without ever SEEING the photos....

I currently order from Miller's, so I'm comfortable with being able to handle the needs for these types of shoots....just not sure I 'want' to do these kinds of shoots.

Does that make sense?

It makes good sense. You don't want to do something you don't like.

I assume that you like kids this age so that is a plus. The work itself is not hard, but you need to have the right equipment and know how to use it. I think you probably have that covered.

I would suggest that you get the current team shooters prices and if they are not ridiculously low then match them for the band shoot. Then if you like the work go for all the teams next year and adjust your prices each year.

There is decent profit in team photography especially if you offer a lot of additional products like buttons, cut-outs, and magazine covers. I did my kids private school for about fifteen years, but Lifetouch paid better commissions than I was willing to pay.

[Cajungaltx]

I thought I'd give you guys an update. I spoke with the school photographer (he's the year book guy, journalism teacher, etc) and he let me know that said photographer gets a 'stipend' against his child's school tuition, and makes whatever he wants off the prints. Supposedly it's not 'much'....lol... I can see why.

I think this guy is not wanting to do the job anymore....I just saw the class pictures... and omg.... the class is standing on risers, against a wall - and about 2 inches from the top of the photo, you see the 2nd floor of the area he has them in....all the legs of all the chairs, etc.

It's awful.

[toverman]

Originally Posted by Cajungaltx

I think this guy is not wanting to do the job anymore....I just saw the class pictures... and omg.... the class is standing on risers, against a wall - and about 2 inches from the top of the photo, you see the 2nd floor of the area he has them in....all the legs of all the chairs, etc.

It's awful.

That's an assumption (though it may be correct). He may just not be very good at photographing people like this. Good advice here. The school year is almost over; you might test the waters with the band photos and then put together a proposal/contract for next year.