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Hypothetically speakingâ¦
Why not talk a little more and explain your intentions in a sentence or two. Seems you could say... I do this for a living but sometimes I run across someone I'd really like to photograph. You can learn more about me at w.whatever.calm. If your interested, I'd be happy to give you a few images in return for your time. -or- I'm a full time photographer, would you please take my card, check out my work, and keep me in mind if you need a photographer? Otherwise there's not much difference than leaving the card on the counter. Apr 24 09 03:58 am Link Ron Casas Photography wrote: Well the way I look at it is, If I give them a substantial discount or not charge them at all, then I am contracting them as a marketing agent for me....even for short term.... Apr 24 09 04:10 am Link if they're not modelling anyway, and it's likely that they're not, then they're not going to be interested in doing anything that doesn't result in them getting paid. I do this a lot, and I pay. If you offer anything else, or are silly enough to assume that they will pay you for something they didn't want (or else they would have sought out a photographer) then you must expect refusals. Apr 24 09 04:17 am Link Marketing 101....customer referrals are worth 10X anything you can say about yourself. BobbyG getting the gals to talk amongst themselves is the ultimate personal referral service. If he went up to 10 gals, it would be "self-interest"...i.e.."I want your money." When the one gal tells her friends about how great the shots are and how cool you were to work with, its a customer talking to other potential customers. BTW, most good senior shooters do something similar, offer a deep discounted package for a few select students and get them a referral fee or additional images for their efforts to recruit other high school seniors. Apr 24 09 05:23 am Link glenn my name today wrote: I know that word of mouth advertising is the best from of advertising that is a fact. Apr 24 09 06:02 am Link I know your area well since i spend a few weeks a year there. Bottom line is you can't make money from pretty college kids. Dancers, strippers, whatever you want to call them...they need and will pay for images for their handouts and ads. Pretty girls just won't do it. Apr 24 09 07:09 am Link There is an old marketing approach for photographers called the " Be my Guest" sitting. Most portrait photographers charge a "sitting fee" and then "print prices" Unlike a commercial "shooting fee" which encompasses all the "costs" of a shoot like studio rental, model and MUA and stylist fees, expendables, equipment rental, assistants, etc., the "sitting fee" is normally a nominal amount designed to qualify the customer and encourage them to show up. Some will make them more like "shoot fee's", by having higher ones for when you go on location, but that really is just an extension of the confirming they will show up. The "be my guest" approach was to waive the sitting fee so they could see what they would look like at no risk. They were then allowed to buy as many or as few of the images that they liked. Typically, you explained that you wanted to update some studio samples and felt they would fit the bill. Unfortunately many studios began to apply high pressure tactics to sell the prints and that has left a bad taste in many former customers' mouths. The OP didn't provide enough detail for me to make a determination. I think to assume anything would be misguided. Business cards have been called mini billboards for a reason. Print them up and hand them out. Since he had interaction with the girl (placed an order) he had an opportunity to try for a customer contact. Just passing them out to everyone is like sticking them on parked cars. Not the right image to project. Since we don't know the conversation that occurred, I don't think we could determine whether or not the "offer" was for work, pay or free. I would have said I would love to photograph you some time, or if you are in need of photographic services, I hope you will give me a call, depending on the message I wanted to convey. KG Apr 24 09 11:44 am Link I would assume that you are offering to shoot for free unless you write down your rates on the card. Apr 24 09 04:37 pm Link I would think you were going to pay me or do it for free (aka try to seduce me). Although I always hear people saying, 'you should model' I never have anyone say, 'I'm a photographer'. Come on approach me. Apr 24 09 06:43 pm Link If I'm handing out cards, I'd make it more like "If you're ever interested in being photographed call or go to my website and take a look at my packages". Now, if I were to see someone that I feel would be a great model, I'd make it more personal. That's when I don't expect them to pay. Apr 24 09 06:49 pm Link Why don't you just say whether you're soliciting paid work or offering a free shoot? It seems like it would save a lot of guessing. Apr 24 09 07:44 pm Link Im approached by "internet models" models all the time asking me to pay them.. "Hey Big Boy, You Looking For A Date?" Is the impression I get when they do that!! Apr 25 09 05:33 am Link Compromise - If she calls, tell her the shooting session and an 8x10 are free. Of course, you will do a good shoot and she will end up wanting to buy more. Apr 25 09 06:51 am Link |
