2012 - Are you throwing in the towel?

[rexbobcat]

I find that several people in my area think that they are the s***, and price themselves accordingly, but in reality they're fairly inexperienced and have horrible personalities.

And that is why they fail.

At least in my area.

Unless you are OMG AMAZING, nobody wants to deal with an asshole.

 

[camz]

Well we're not throwing in the towel either but I foresee a change. This year, a lot of our inquiries are asking for images on a disc more than any year I've seen(The last 11 years I've been doing portraits). It sure has changed. As far as single big print sales, they are down. Good thing is, album sales have remained steady and closing clients also remained. We might increase prices for 2013 based on that, but I'm still not quite sure on the tactic for our market.

You have a good product Chris, just increase that client base by developing strong relationships and treating the VIPs(the one's who paid full price) like Gods . Shoot I'd pay for your services.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

I'm throwing in the towel and doing things right in 20212, tax #, business license, insurance.

 

[Kolander]

Name me one other legitimate profession in which someone with no talent, no education, no experience, and no abilities can legally call themselves a "Professional".

Socialist politician in the South of Europe

 

[unpopular]

^^ The entire US legislature.

 

[bigtwinky]

Sure, means 18 hours and no social life, but do-able.

Psh. Our late night Facebook chats about paint fumes and the definition of art is all the social life you need.

DUH! :lmao:

hahaa.. true that. Social life my ass... facebook is godly.

Man, I feel like I'm chatting with you in a crowded room, with a bunch of people yelling at each other about something I'm not paying attention to right now.

 

[iresq]

Name me one other legitimate profession in which someone with no talent, no education, no experience, and no abilities can legally call themselves a "Professional".

While I'm not a paid photographer, I do run a similar business - mobile DJ service. We have been facing the same dilemma for a while. What did I do to compete? I raised my prices. I am making more now and working less. I don't market through the places were the bottom feeders dwell (FB, Craigslist, etc. I don't even do bridal shows anymore).

 

[Robin Usagani]

I wouldnt call FB bottom feeder though. More like a free newsletter service to update your clients what is going on with your professional life and pictures you take.

Name me one other legitimate profession in which someone with no talent, no education, no experience, and no abilities can legally call themselves a "Professional".

While I'm not a paid photographer, I do run a similar business - mobile DJ service. We have been facing the same dilemma for a while. What did I do to compete? I raised my prices. I am making more now and working less. I don't market through the places were the bottom feeders dwell (FB, Craigslist, etc. I don't even do bridal shows anymore).

 

[gsgary]

I'll let you into a secret, the next big thing is film photography only weddings lots of people in the UK are going for it

 

[rexbobcat]

I'll let you into a secret, the next big thing is film photography only weddings lots of people in the UK are going for it

This kind of relates, but my sig. other's sister had a wedding where she hired the main photog, and then she gave every single guest small disposable cameras so they could take photos of whatever they wanted. And then she asked for the film and sent the photos to all of the guests after the wedding. It was pretty creative in my opinion.

 

[cmartin2]

This sounds like normal business to me. I think that a lot of talented people in every profession lose out to less talent because they don't have the business acumen. This is especially true with small businesses (like professional photographers). Don't get angry because someone with less talent is selling their product for cheaper. In fact I challenge you the other way... name a non-government regulated product that doesn't have to compete with cheaper alternatives. And yes, those cheaper alternatives are usually lesser quality, but that doesn't mean they don't have their place in the market too.

 

[HughGuessWho]

Name me one other legitimate profession in which someone with no talent, no education, no experience, and no abilities can legally call themselves a "Professional".

Politics

 

[Mo.]

Prostitution.

LOL!