The Next Big Thing

First off, let me say thank you to those who commented on my last post, and I’m sorry that I did not respond by e-mail to each of you. The comments were helpful…of course the doctor did not bother to mention that asthma could have triggers and not show up with normal running around activity. Still, I don’t think asthma is what she has, but if she gets sick like that again I will be taking her to a specialist. The reason I still don’t think it is asthma is because when she had pneumonia in December, the doctor gave her this breathing treatment with drugs in it after thinking it was asthma, and no difference was made. All that happened was my daughter got all hyped up and wigged out from it, and I got mad because it was not made clear to me that she was being given drugs. I won’t rule it out, however, thanks to your comments.

I’ve been adjusting to my new busier schedule of babysitting now three days a week, and extra hours being added pretty much every week. The extra money is really helping take the edge off, just as I had hoped. Even though I am tired, I very much enjoy having somewhere to go a few days a week to get out of the house. It is helping me budget my time better and enjoy my time at home more.

Last weekend I was hired by the lovely Liana to take photos at her gorgeous daughter’s baptism ceremony. I was a nervous wreck inside, but strutted around like I knew what I was doing. I got so worked up about it afterwards that I was convinced the photos sucked and I’d have to give her the money back, but after taking some deep breaths and creating a slide show of the best images I edited, I realized they were pretty good. I showed them to the mom I baby-sit for and my husband to get a general reaction and felt a lot better. The best is that Liana and her husband Mason are pleased, and she boosted my ego ten-fold with the comments she made! I went out this past Saturday to take some more photos because I never got the baby in her full-gowned glory…she was being held during the ceremony and then she fell asleep before the reception and didn’t wake up until after I left. Damn, but that kid is gorgeous. I think it is probably impossible to take a bad photo of her!

Biggest compliment of all was that she wants to recommend me to others, and someone through her who wants family photos in April just contacted me! I’m on my way, so now I have to get off my ass and set up the Typepad site that is just for commissioned photography (Cecily has been bugging me, and she’s right). Question for you all out there: should I list pricing or not? Most people seem not to do it, and as a consumer it always bothers me. I don’t want to have to contact someone only to find out they are nowhere near my price range, you know? But there must be some reason for not listing pricing that I’m not thinking about. I’m guessing it is because one’s prices are outrageously high, which mine are not (yet. Heh). So I’d like to hear your opinion on the matter.

In other photography-related things, I’ve been feeling much more of a struggle with my 365 this second year, but I’m pushing on. I think it is a combination of things making me feel frustrated: I’m busier, for one thing; I am putting far more pressure on myself to come up with something “amazing”; doing this every day, it is impossible to always be “amazing” and this leaves me feeling depressed about it. I think I am also reacting to what we in recovery call “self-centered fear.” I am getting my work seen more and it is well past time to take things to the next level. That means submitting my art to galleries, online publications, and applying for grants. Why does this terrify me? How crazy do I sound when I say that becoming successful with it scares me just as much as failing at it? ☺

Nothing changes if nothing changes. And nothing scares an alcoholic/addict more than change, good or bad. But it is time for things to change, and time for me to stop dragging my feet. One little submission at a time, I think I can do this. My mother gave me an application for a statewide competition and the deadline is March 1st. I’m selecting my work for it and will mail my CD and application tomorrow. Then I will worry about what comes next.

Comments

[Chrissy]

If it were me I would want to see the pricing on the site. I really don't like it when I need to call to see if I can afford something. Usually I just wont call and will go somewhere else.

[Noelle]

Change is scary, even good change... I'm with you on that. But I mainly commented to tell you that I think your photographs are beautiful. You are very talented.

[Heather]

Holding a good thought for you!
I am like you, I hate to call someone to find out that their fees are more than I can afford. You could perhaps say something like " Sitting fees start at $XX and are by appointment." To give people an idea of your fees. Maybe have it under a FAQ or Contact information.
This is the site of my local photographer, but he doesn't focus on art and gallery type work, he does mostly portraits.
http://knoxstudio.net/
Good luck!

[Kim]

Coming from someone in Marketing, leave it off. My question to you would be, "you called to find out, right?". You didn't just say "no" to that website, product, or supplies. You called to find out. It might have bothered you, but won't it bother you more, that you are losing business based on your rate and you'd never know.

I would do a trail run. Don't put any prices, see what you get. If you get calls and they don't seem interested asked them "why? What bothers you? Is it my prices or something else?" If you aren't getting any phone calls and no sales, then switch it up. Put prices down.

Sorry if I'm confusing. Email me if you need any help.

[heatherg]

I PERSONALY deal with sites that have a listing price. It tells me right off the bat if i can afford it or not and i dont have to take the extra 5-10 minutes to call and get pricing or leave a message and wait on a return call. When i am "internet searching/shopping" it usually means i am after ALL the information at once so i can make a decision.

At least if the price it on the site, when people call they will be serious versus being shellshocked one way or the other, AND if its on the site they've had a chance to think about it once they've called you versus talking to you and feeling on the "spot" to go further with thier interest, or again..... another follow up call after they've thought about the pricing...again making it a longer than need-be process.

As you can tell, i much prefer the prices and mostly wont deal with sites (ie real estate listings) that dont have the price. Besides, if your less expensive than other photographers......post your prices so people will be pleasently surprised. Just do it all in a tactful way, or maybe add a link to pricing so its not slapping you in the face when your on the website. It can be done tactfully.......

Me and my opinions are going back into hiding.......

[Veevs]

I'm a dressmaker. I found I got four times as many enquiries once I listed my very reasonable prices on my website. Obviously, I recommend giving a sample price list!

[Coral]

I agree, price upfront is important!

If I see a car I like for sale with on a 4 sale phone: **** - I won't bother, why am I to possibly spend money on just asking the price?

[Regina]

*delurking* When I was shopping around for wedding photographers, it was very helpful to have the price listed on the webpage. I found that most photographers (at least here in the Midwest) do list at least several package options, and then the price for prints ordered a la carte.

[Heather S]

Defintely list pricing. Especially if your pricing is competitive. I do alot of internet shopping/googling after business hours and it is a pain to take notes and go back to it. I want the info NOW.

[mcc]

I don't think I'd bother calling if there were no prices. I'd just assume I couldn't afford it and look for someplace that would list prices in my range.

Just honest feedback.

P.S. If I had a little more than no money at all, I'd buy your book or some prints. I think you are very talented and wish you posted more. (selfishly, of course - as a lot of this entry talks about how busy you are)

:)

[Jenn]

I never contact anyone without price listings. I would be too embarrassed if I had to say, "Whoa.. can't afford that!" after going to the trouble of emailing/calling them.

Your photography is incredible. There is no way you could fail. Even your so-called "less than amazing" shots are better than average, by a mile.

[Catherine]

Adding my voice to the choir: I will never take my business to someone who will not tell me their prices upfront. It's not worth my time to go through the sales pitch only to find out they are way above what I want to pay. That is manipulative, forcing someone to call for information and sit through a spiel just to get a very reasonable question answered. Just MHO, of course.

Regardless, I think it's all very exciting! :)

[Liana]

I've been talking you up like crazy, my dear!! Your work is phenomenal! And yes, it is possible to take a bad picture of my dear daughter. Need I mention the Sears passport picture again? :)

[beingbebe]

Hey Stinky, good going! We're coming to get y'all Sat!

[Heather]

HI,
one of my dear, but far away friends, has been gradually building her own photography business over the years. Her website has gown a lot lately too, but I thought taking a look at that might give you some ideas...also, she has been known to apprentice other ladies, and I have a feeling, htough I haven't talked to her in in months ( we're military wives" that if you had questios about how to set things like that up, she would be more than hapy to answer.
alimocabeedesigns.com

[Michelle]

I am more likely to contact someone who lists pricing - even if it's only sample or "starting" - just because I'd have a better idea. If I'm searching on the internet its because I want all the info right there at hand. That's a lot of what pushed me to our wedding photographer - I knew what I was getting into right away.