Letters from You
Our Man in the South West, Mike Roberts-Butler,
has sent his latest report from his base in Poole
in Dorset. It seems that business is going well
- we are very pleased for him, and would like to
hear from more of you about your successes (and
failures!).
Despite the air of economic gloom, I am finding
this year particularly exciting.
Having saved considerably on out goings, since
re locating my High Street studio into my garage,
Wedding business remains consistent, and although
studio work has declined, I am still better off
without that millstone.
This seasons bookings show a dramatic increase
in mid week weddings, Friday being the new Saturday,
with bookings June through to September showing
two on Fridays and the customary busy Saturdays.
My pricing structure offers Special deals for
small midweek ceremonies, some only having four
or six people.
This week has been a classic example. Monday required
a discreet coverage of floral tributes at a local
Crematorium, providing relatives with an album
as a lasting memory of the brighter side of the
day.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were limited coverage
Weddings at two local Register Offices, and Saturday,
two full coverage at the regular price.
Interestingly, a chat with a local videographer
I spotted "lurking" at one mid week register
Office service, revealed that he was touting for "unbooked" business,
a method widely used in "the good old days" by
stills photographers.
He had suffered a serious decline as a result
of the cheap point and shoot cameras most people
own now.
A problem we all have noticed, although I believe
the "stills" guy does most of the choreography,
and guiding of the couple through the proceedings,
whereas the video is capturing the movements we
instigate!
I am convinced, that quite soon customers will
once more fully appreciate the pleasures of showing
off their Professional photographic wedding memories
in a beautifully presented album, after viewing
a friend’s Wedding on a pile of photo's processed
at the local grocers for the price of a box of
tea bags !
Now a moan that many of us must have. We've all
heard of the "hard sell", but "the
hard buy" ?
Whatever pricing structure being used, a growing
number of potential customers try to "negotiate" a
better quote, some becoming very disgruntled when
unsuccessful.
They readily accept prices given for Churches
or "must have" exclusive venues, cars,
dressmakers and caterers etc, so why do they feel
the Professional providing lasting important memories
of their day, including all the above " 60
minute" wonder items, should be bartered for
?
I blame that Dominic bloke on TV. |
