With the 2014 approaching, I am amazed at how far I have come. I went from begging for business, to being sought after. None of this just fell into my lap however. I have worked HARD for the past 3 years. Constantly striving to give you the best experience you can ask for. I have gained a reputation for being an awesome photographer. That is a huge accomplishment and I am forever grateful, but sadly, in my upwards climb of my business, my family has taken a back seat. I have missed ballet recitals and talent shows, family vacations and movie nights. My amazing husband comes in the door after he's worked 12 hours, kisses me good bye and takes on the responsibility of cooking dinner, giving baths and tucking our children in to bed. In the summer season, my sessions do not begin until 7 pm and I end up not home until they are fast asleep. Mornings would be our time to spend together, but it's also my time to email and edit before I begin the next session. I need to be here for my family more. With that, there are ways I have thought of to improve my situation for the new year. Increasing my pricing, is just one of them. Many feel that I charge a lot as it is, but I hope to enlighten you a bit and would love if after you read this, you understand that it takes a lot of work.
Yes, it is a job, and I did pick it.. but I need to find the balance between being a Mother and a business owner :)
Yes, it is a job, and I did pick it.. but I need to find the balance between being a Mother and a business owner :)
Ok, so here we go !!
So, you're looking for a photographer and are interested in my services !! YAY!
Perhaps you found me on my website ( $165 down and $15/month )
Or maybe you found me on a Sponsored FB add ( $20 per day )
A past satisfied client could have referred you ! * priceless *
Either way, you came to me and I will be HONORED to be your photographer !
Before we begin our session, we'll email back and forth on my MAC computer ( $2000)
Sometimes though, we'll chat on the biz phone ( $100/mo)
We'll discuss where you'd like to do your session-
Outdoors? My favorite ! But, I'll need gas to get to you ($$)
If we do it in my studio ( $900/mo rent/util/ins)
There we'll use backdrops ( $75 + each)
Backdrop stands ( $100)
Studio lights ( $1500)
other various equipment ($$)
Maybe we're photographing your precious new addition! Hmm, we need cute bows ($$) blankets ($$) bowls ($$) hats ($$) - I encourage you to check out Etsy- this stuff is not CHEAP !
Once we have the perfect setting, I'll grab my camera ($1500) from my bag ($120). I'll switch up lenses here and there. My favorite is my 70-200 2.8 mm ($1500) I also have my macro ($600) and my trusty 50 mm ($200) Sometimes, I need to use my Nikon SB910 flash ($500) All this equipment is much like a car, and does not last forever. It needs check ups ($$) and becomes outdated fast. My dream camera right now costs $8000- that's as much as a used car !!
After our session, I'll go home and spend hours editing your photos to be the best they can be. I have purchased over $200 in actions alone this year and then there are all those fun templates for your announcements and cards ($$)
When I'm all done editing, I'll back up your files to my two external hard drives ($120 each) I want to be sure I have them if ever you need them in the future :)
I'll then upload them to my printing site ($100/mo) and you'll spend on average $200 of which I'll receive around $100 of after the cost of the prints comes out.
Sometimes, you order the CD. No prob, but those pretty little cases take $$. Usually, I end up mailing these CD's to clients because it is more convenient for them. I'll use my gas and time to go to the post office up to 3 times a week- they know me by my name now and know exactly what's in every package :) Yearly reports say I spent over $400 at the post office in 2013 !
Well now our sessions complete, and you're prints are in their frames and hopefully you're admiring them every time you pass them in the hall. I hope you'll call me in the future and I will be happy to do this all over again!
I know you work hard everyday too, and I know we all make sacrifices to support our families. After you receive your paycheck though, the boss does not take back money for the computer you use, the office rent you sit in. He even pays you for maternity leave and Holidays- I started back to work when my son was 5 days old because there were bills to be paid and Momma does not get paid when Momma does not work <3
I believe now in myself and know that what I do is an investment. You will have these memories that I capture forever. If you think about it, your flat screen TV's and all the nights out to dinner you have in year are way more than I'm charging and those just don't compare to what I do.
I truly hope that after reading this you realize I do not go home after our session and toss all your money in the air, spread it on my bed and roll in it and go and spend it on fancy cars.
I am a Mom to 3 children, driving a mini van and investing in a home.
I am trying to successfully run a small business in a small town :)
I am trying to successfully run a small business in a small town :)
Thank you all !
Much <3
Vanessa
