First Business Meeting

[o hey tyler]

I'm not saying that there's no room for business in the equation. But what I am saying is that you have a very basic understanding of photography, composition, lighting, and exposure.

Lots of people, especially ones with business degrees and a passion for photography think that they can get by with crappy photos that are processed to death. I feel like you have the same impression. Especially from what I've seen of your photography so far.

Do what you want. It'll probably end in a lawsuit.

 

[Robin Usagani]

I just dont get why you are sharing all of this info? You gave this info like you are somebody we know. I really have no idea what is the point of this thread.

 

[etnad0]

I just dont get why you are sharing all of this info? You gave this info like you are somebody we know. I really have no idea what is the point of this thread.

Then why are you reading or responding when I gave the reason in the very first post... just because I wanted to and for the noobs that think it's as easy as just getting money, equipment, and opening doors. It's also an update to a previous post I made several days ago asking a question. Comprehension is an awesome thing to have.

 

[etnad0]

I'm not saying that there's no room for business in the equation. But what I am saying is that you have a very basic understanding of photography, composition, lighting, and exposure.

Yep, you are VERY correct. However, my basic is more than the average person. I'm basically going to be a point and click guy now because he will be setting up the studio because photography is something he's invested a lot more time, energy, and money learning than I have. Don't get me wrong, I love it, but he's just way more advanced at it. I have enough knowledge to be a button clicker and learn as I go.

Lots of people, especially ones with business degrees and a passion for photography think that they can get by with crappy photos that are processed to death. I feel like you have the same impression. Especially from what I've seen of your photography so far.

Do what you want. It'll probably end in a lawsuit.

What you've seen is point and shoot and some play around with toys while admittedly learning the controls on a new camera that I got on the 1st of this month. I haven't even had it 3 weeks, but by the time February rolls around I'll be good enough to push buttons in a studio like a mindless drone lol. I'm not worried about a law suit since even the best businesses have them. I expect negativity from jealous people that likely don't have the resources to do what I do. Again, I'll address your comprehension skills. There is a 3rd partner involved that went to school for photography and he is a PROFESSIONAL RETOUCHER and he will be handling the editing of ALL photos. Let me break it down in preschool terms.

1) One person has the photo and lighting knowledge.
2) One person has the editing knowledge.
3) One person (me) has the business knowledge and the money.

It's not a one man show even though you seem to think it is 100% based on what I know about photography. I know enough to bring in people that know more than me. Again, back to McDonalds. There is a reason that there is a cashier, a cook, and janitor. It takes them all to make sure the business functions. I'll let the photographer do what he does, the editor do what he does, and they let me run the business side of it.

 

[cgipson1]

Flea markets.... booze, horny men and bimbo's.... pre-fab studio.. and a business "expert"? good luck... lol! That is real ambition! No doubt you will sell "ART" photos also?

 

[etnad0]

Flea markets.... booze, horny men and bimbo's.... pre-fab studio.. and a business "expert"? good luck... lol! That is real ambition! No doubt you will sell "ART" photos also?

Pure genius... and yes people do sell art there. Live bands perform there. It's basically an ongoing concert on the weekends. Being smart in business isn't about what setting you choose, it's about being successful in the setting you choose. I could set up in a high class part of town, but why pay more money for less traffic? Makes no sense at all whatsoever. You set up in an untapped market where people already are.

My other business was in a place similar to this, selling corny hip hop jewelry and shoes. Long story short, $800 - $2,500 per day depending on the season and we were open 6 days/week. Rent was $500/month. Summer and Christmas were the busiest times of year. A family member on the other hand was "above" that according to her. She also said we shouldn't open up shop in that kind of neighborhood. Long story short on that, she went out of business in less than 6 months in her high rent, high class area of town, and well we made money doing it until we decided to switch to the publishing business. We've made far more money in publishing which basically runs on autopilot.

If this business doesn't work in the long run, ask me if I'm going to be upset. LOL. It's just money and I'll have another royalty check to blow on something else the month after. The fact is, if I don't try I don't know if it fails or succeeds. What I do know is that I won't regret trying, but I will regret not trying.

 

[camz]

I'll have to agree with the OP that business is the majority that builds a photography business. Any business for that matter. There's two problem statements being addressed here. One party is talking about good photography, and the other party(the OP and some) is talking about good business. Ideally it would go hand in hand as most successful businesses have good product...but not all. Look at McDonald's like the OP mentioned...that stuff is empty junk. But they're not in the food industry and their target market is not to make people healthier. Their target market is towards the uneducated about health and to grow in the real estate market. They maybe devils to some eyes, but the bottom line and profit margins are up the roof.

Good photography is good photography. Business is business.

Op, you pull of a few minute session and transform it to a $1000 dollar product...that's hell of a profit margin. I don't know too many people who can do that. That's where I'm scratching my head.

 

[Robin Usagani]

What I do know is that I won't regret trying, but I will regret not trying.

Die rich or die trying. - Fifty cent.

 

[etnad0]

I'll have to agree with the OP that business is the majority that builds a photography business. Any business for that matter. There's two problem statements being addressed here. One party is talking about good photography, and the other party(the OP and some) is talking about good business. Ideally it would go hand in hand as most successful businesses have good product...but not all. Look at McDonald's like the OP mentioned...that stuff is empty junk. But they're not in the food industry and their target market is not to make people healthier. Their target market is towards the uneducated about health and to grow in the real estate market. They maybe devils to some eyes, but the bottom line and profit margins are up the roof.

Good photography is good photography. Business is business.

Op, you pull of a few minute session and transform it to a $1000 dollar product...that's hell of a profit margin. I don't know too many people who can do that. That's where I'm scratching my head.

You're exactly right. I'm going into business with a good photographer and him having failed at his business now realizes that it's about good business, not just good photos. People don't seem to get that point. As you stated good business and good photography should go hand in hand.

Maybe I misunderstood you about the $1,000 product or you misunderstood me. What we are going to do is provide a level of customer service that makes someone feel like they are buying a $1,000 product, even if they are only spending $10. How do we pull that off?

1) Beautiful, nicely dressed women that cater to Spanish and English speaking customers. (Cost To Us: Hourly Employee)
2) Restaurant type menus that look classy. (Cost To Us: 1 Time Printing)
3) Bottled water or Sparkling Cider served in a wine glass while they wait (Cider Cost To Us: $6 per 10 customers. Water Cost To Us: $5 per 20 customers).
4) Jazz or other soft music playing low to set atmosphere. (Cost To Us: Nothing)

The employees will pretty much see them through the entire process from walk in, ordering, photos if they can't speak English, and finally proofing. We are still working out the kinks, but that's how we plan to offer a high level of service to make a good impression and make people feel like they are spending a boat load of cash.

The basic digital package will be 3 poses and delivered on CD. Add $2.00 if they want us to email them the pics in addition. $2.00 per extra CD. $2.00 per extra pose. $2.00 to add custom text on the photo. We have several more upsell options as well. They may come in for a $10 picture, but the atmosphere is aimed at getting them to spend $20+ before they leave.

 

[etnad0]

What I do know is that I won't regret trying, but I will regret not trying.

Die rich or die trying. - Fifty cent.

I think that's the wrong quote. LOL

Get Rich or Die Trying...

 

[tirediron]

...Mostly because you don't understand business. McDonald's isn't focused on making a better burger. They focus on promoting mediocre burgers and making them look good. You seem to think that focusing on making the best the burger (photo) is the most important thing and it's not. ...

Really? Then why are you in this business Mr. Burns? I feel sorry for people like you who think that providing a mediocre product is acceptable as long as you get your money.

 

[etnad0]

...Mostly because you don't understand business. McDonald's isn't focused on making a better burger. They focus on promoting mediocre burgers and making them look good. You seem to think that focusing on making the best the burger (photo) is the most important thing and it's not. ...

Really? Then why are you in this business Mr. Burns? I feel sorry for people like you who think that providing a mediocre product is acceptable as long as you get your money.

I feel sorry for people like you that ASSUME you know how a product is going to turn out before the first picture is ever taken. I feel sorry for people like you that only spew hate and negativity anytime someone wants to run a business their own way. I feel sorry for people like you because you'll likely end up working for someone like me. LOL.

Furthermore, I'm not taking wedding pics or professional model head shots. We are shooting people that want to give pics to friends and family without spending hundreds of dollars to do so. You feel free to cater to the high end markets and we'll cater to the poor and middle class. Once I make my money I'll hire you for $20/hour to give me business advice so I'll know exactly WHAT NOT TO DO with my business. LOL.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Interesting thread

 

[camz]

...Mostly because you don't understand business. McDonald's isn't focused on making a better burger. They focus on promoting mediocre burgers and making them look good. You seem to think that focusing on making the best the burger (photo) is the most important thing and it's not. ...

Really? Then why are you in this business Mr. Burns? I feel sorry for people like you who think that providing a mediocre product is acceptable as long as you get your money.

Tirediron, I think his product is more related to customer service then photography from how I see it. The photography part maybe impartial to the experience of it, but its what brings the customer's in the door, and they come out with pictures feeling like a million bucks.

Op, I see what this is. It's like a night club/dance club where their product is sex and alcohol. It's not dancing. The dancing is the incentive, but the motive is something else. My question is if you're making them feel like a thousand bucks, why charge so little. Why not charge them a thousand bucks worth? I'm assuming your going for volume?

Edit: Missed your comment about target market. Ignore my last question there.

 

[o hey tyler]

...Mostly because you don't understand business. McDonald's isn't focused on making a better burger. They focus on promoting mediocre burgers and making them look good. You seem to think that focusing on making the best the burger (photo) is the most important thing and it's not. ...

Really? Then why are you in this business Mr. Burns? I feel sorry for people like you who think that providing a mediocre product is acceptable as long as you get your money.

I feel sorry for people like you that ASSUME you know how a product is going to turn out before the first picture is ever taken.

Well, your portfolio speaks for itself IMO IMHO TBQH.

Where Professional Models Meet Model Photographers - ModelMayhem