Proof books and photo albums will grow your senior portrait photography business. During the past few years the high school senior portrait business has been changing again. This time some senior photographers have decided that the way to deal with copyright issues and hundreds of photo proofs is to use some kind of web site or cheap copy machine proof for selling. Several of these studios, much like the photographers from the 80’s who refused to deliver finished quality paper proofs in 8 pose leather folios, are now fighting to remain in business. Other savvy senior portrait photographers have taken the opposite approach, they are going for a super upscale presentation. Large proof books and photo albums full of Kodak Endura Professional photographic paper collage prints. Many of the poses even have photo retouching. Kodak Metallic photo paper dust jacket covers are also being used to enhance the senior portrait proof book. These upscale books don’t come cheap but customers with money and the desire to have the best are calling these photographers for appointments. Just as the 8 pose leather folio made a big hit with top quality and lots of choices in the 80’s, today’s, multi image, photo retouched, proof books with 10 or more 10×10 digital prints and 50-100 images are making the big splash and putting profits in the hands of senior portrait photographers.
Posts Tagged ‘Senior Proof Books’
Proof Books Grow High School Senior Business
Tuesday, June 14th, 2011Meeting The Needs Of The Modern Consumer
Tuesday, May 25th, 2010What are professional photographers actually doing to meet the needs of the modern, younger consumer. Communication is a key strategy. Younger consumers eagerly seek out niches because the Internet simplifies this task for both them and the niche business. Value and newness of product are keys to niche creation. Strikingly, the automobile industry has taken this strategy to heart as evidenced by over 30 new models being introduced in a span of a few years. Simply stated, today consumers of professional photography are expecting something different. They will search until they find it, most probably by using the Internet.
1. The innovative, portrait photographer is constantly developing and implementing their positioning strategy as to how they are being perceived by consumers. Their studio’s image becomes the focal point based on a. products offered, b. pricing strategy and c. promotional strategy.
What is key is the willingness to experiment and quickly refine or change products, pricing and promotional strategy based on consumer feedback. Differences in brides’ and seniors’ expectations from one year to the next are immediately capitalized upon. Most new photographers are very enthusiastic and are willing to niche market.
2. New photographers have studied their traditional competitors with the conclusion that the ‘traditional style’ will continue to be in less demand by portrait active consumers. As a result the traditional market will continue to shrink. They see the traditional photographer having the following problems:
a. slowness in adopting the best merits of new technology, b. eschewing the full spectrum of software in general and c. being too eager to tell the consumer what they need rather than ask what they want.
3. The new photographer is not bashful in showcasing their digital artistic talents and abilities to customize any product to please the consumer. Album designs are totally unique with no two brides receiving the same layout. Similarly, senior proof books for purchase are also unique. Quality products are offered at all price levels. Selling up is easy given that consumers eagerly recognize the merits of digital artistry and the photographer’s willingness to customize the product just for them.
The new photographer is not intimidated by traditional photography. They are eager to create niche products and use the power of the Internet to attract consumers and grow market share by using their digital talents both with camera and software. There is recognition that the portrait market is calling for ‘bolder choices’ with variety that adds spice to the consumer’s photographic experience. Traditionalists need to take notice!