We often get emails and phone calls from other photographers with random questions, so we’ve decided to start dedicating one or two posts a month to try and answer different questions and share information that will hopefully benefit others. When we first started in photography, it was the generous giving of advice from other more experienced photographers that allowed us to get better and to be successful and this is a kindness that we will never forget.
This first post is brought on because it’s a topic that we get questions on a lot and lately it has been a huge topic in some photography forums that we’re a part of…. the scary topic of PRICE! How in the world do you put a price on your time, your energy, your soul, and your art that you are giving to your clients??
When I think of pricing, it brings two stories to mind… The first one is about Picasso.
Pablo Picasso was sketching in the park when a bold woman approached him. “It’s you — Picasso, the great artist! Oh, you must sketch my portrait! I insist.”
So Picasso agreed to sketch her. After studying her for a moment, he used a single pencil stroke to create her portrait. He handed the women his work of art. “It’s perfect!” she gushed. “You managed to capture my essence with one stroke, in one moment. Thank you! How much do I owe you?” “Five thousand dollars,” the artist replied.
“B-b-but, what?” the woman sputtered. “How could you want so much money for this picture? It only took you a second to draw it!”
To which Picasso responded, “Madame, it took me my entire life.”
– Story from: http://EzineArticles.com/295911
Moral of the story, is that we do pour our heart and soul into our photography so when a client asks, “what do I get for that price?”, you of course can’t really respond as Picasso did… Well you could, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, it’s your job to make sure the client understands how important the wedding photographs are. So often, a bride gets caught up in the beauty of the flowers and the dress and everything else that goes into planning a wedding and forgets that once it’s all over, it’s the photographs that remain and nothing else. I understand why this happens… the photographs are in the future… she can’t hold or see them. Therefore, it’s our job to explain this to her and be sure she is making an educated decision when it comes to choosing the perfect photographer for the most important day of her life. With every client we meet with, we stress that they find the perfect photographer for them, whether that be us or someone else. Our bride, needs to feel emotion in her heart when she looks at our images and she must enjoy being around us. If that comes together, then we are the perfect photographer for her and she is the perfect client for us.
Second story has to do with one of our favorite photographers and mentors based out of Beverly Hills, CA. His shooting fee for a wedding begins around $15K. One day a bride called him and said she found his website online and loved his work and wanted to come by to meet him. Once she arrived at his studio, he walked down to greet her and he found her standing in the middle of his gallery crying. He asked her what was wrong and she responded with how much she loved his work, but after walking into his studio she realized that he was very expensive and there was no way she could afford him. He asked, “what is your budget for photography?” and she said “only $1500”. To this, He smiled and said, “well that’s exactly how much I am”.
Moral of the story is that it’s not always about price. Much more importantly, it’s about finding the perfect client for you. Ideally that perfect client is one who is completely in love with us and our work. Whether you’re a $1000, $5000, or $15000, it is imperative that you find that perfect client. We’ve even toyed with the idea of putting a spot on our contact us form that asks the question, “how excited are you to have Sposa Bella photograph your wedding?” because that is truly what we want to know from our clients. That is what drives us to be better for them… the client that loves us and in turn, allows us to love them.
For more in depth and detailed information and some one on one time, please be sure to check out our BE BETTER Workshop Series. We’d love to get to know you and work together to BE BETTER.
Much love,
Craig & Lindsey
7 Comments
Well said! Love it!!
So very well said! I’ve toyed with the same idea for my contact form and know of other photographers who have it. I want my clients to be a good fit for us and vice versa 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I would spend every single dime, if not double, to have you capture our day b/c I still tear up looking at our pictures. Hands down our best vendor ever!
ooh Misty!! You are too kind. Thank you from the bottom of our heart! More importantly than being a client, you are one of our favorite people. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of yours and Jason’s lives!
I love both stories — thank you especially for sharing the one from Beverly Hills. That speaks volumes. It’s not always about price — yes, we have to make a living and it’s important to know the numbers and charge what is needed but at the end of the day when the bride is a perfect fit for you but just can’t afford you, it’s time to take a second look at the situation. Thank you both for all the time and effort you put forth into mentoring other photographers and making this a better industry for all of us!
Great stuff Craig!
Well said!