- Joined
- Jul 8, 2005
- Messages
- 45,747
- Reaction score
- 14,806
- Location
- Victoria, BC
- Website
- www.johnsphotography.ca
- Can others edit my Photos
- Photos OK to edit
As most of you know I've been working on my Veteran's Portrait Project for a number of years now and have created many portraits for local Veterans. The premise is simple: Any serving or retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces who sits for me will receive a free portrait session and a complimentary 8x10 print of their choice from that session. During these sessions I do absolutely NO selling. I don't suggest or recommend additional prints or offer discounts etc. Typically, about a third of clients ask if they can purchase additional prints. I tell them that they certainly can, and give them prices for standard sizes.
Once they receive their print, at least half immediately place an additional order; usually not a large one, typically <$100, and about half of those place a second order usually 2-3 months later for at least $100 - $150. As well, close to a third of those who don't order immediately call me within six weeks to place an order in the $100 - $150 range.
While that in and of itself is not a huge amount of money it does make a venture that is done with the intent of saying, "Thank-you" a profitable one. What is better however is that in a number of cases, this has led to large jobs, including business portraits for CEOs, large events, and weddings.
The moral of the story is: Don't be afraid to shoot for free, BUT always make sure that it's clear why you are shooting for free. If people think you're doing it for the heck of it, you will quickly become 'that guy who does free portraits (or events, or whatever)' and getting paid work will be very difficult. If on the other hand you have a cause and purpose to your free work, and you let the clients come to you with the paid work, it can be very profitable indeed!
Once they receive their print, at least half immediately place an additional order; usually not a large one, typically <$100, and about half of those place a second order usually 2-3 months later for at least $100 - $150. As well, close to a third of those who don't order immediately call me within six weeks to place an order in the $100 - $150 range.
While that in and of itself is not a huge amount of money it does make a venture that is done with the intent of saying, "Thank-you" a profitable one. What is better however is that in a number of cases, this has led to large jobs, including business portraits for CEOs, large events, and weddings.
The moral of the story is: Don't be afraid to shoot for free, BUT always make sure that it's clear why you are shooting for free. If people think you're doing it for the heck of it, you will quickly become 'that guy who does free portraits (or events, or whatever)' and getting paid work will be very difficult. If on the other hand you have a cause and purpose to your free work, and you let the clients come to you with the paid work, it can be very profitable indeed!