Suggestions on how to put together different Senior packages?

Posted on April 24, 2007
Filed Under Questions from Visitors, The Basics | Leave a Comment

Hello,

I am a photography student who is trying to get my business organized. I will be putting together packages for seniors. Do you have any suggestions on how to put together different packages and what would be popular? I like your site it was very helpful but I did not see anything to pertained to this area.

Thanks
Corrine

Thanks Corrine for sending us your question! I asked Brian Hrdlicka from Wn albums & frames to help answer this question. Here is Brian’s answer:

That a very good question and one that many photographers struggle with even after years of experience .The good thing is you realize the opportunity for offering packages to your clients, some professionals do not see the advantage and unfortunately minimize their income potential.

First of all, I would ask if you have defined your strategy for marketing yourself and your services. By that I mean, what price point do you see yourself charging for your services and what type of images do you take? Stunning art-like photography with exceptional posing and lighting techniques can command high dollars, whereas a photo journalistic approach may have a limited appeal and result in less return.

Packages for these two approaches or styles, if you will, can vary and so will your profit. That is where the importance of packages and strong packaging support come in. Keep this in mind: You sell what you show your clients, so prepare your packages before you show them to your clients. Seniors for instance should be offered an array of products from wallets (in a presentation box) to hand out to friends and family to a brag book for mom and dad, multiple poses presented in a 4×6 or 5×7 self-adhesive Superior Mount Album from TAP make a great item to offer as part of a package combination.Also consider a framed photo or two as part of your package. Look at it this way, an 8 x 10 print can sell anywhere from $20.00 up. Now take that $20.00 print and mount it in a nice desk frame or easel mount and now your sale is much higher and your photograph ready to be displayed.

So your basic senior package may consist of the following, usually printed in multiples of 8:

24 to 32 wallet prints packaged in a nice wallet box with a coordinating wallet album
A folio with multiple poses or themes
Eight or more 5×7 prints - several packaged in a professional folder with your studio name imprinted and two framed for wall or desk display. The remainder should be packaged neatly in a box with tissue and a ribbon
A selection of 8×10 prints, handled the same as the 5×7’s

Try this too, their favorite pose is enlarged to a wall portrait size print, framed and positioned for display on an easel when they come into your studio. Remember our saying; you sell what you show…

If you add this package to a fun make-up and clothing consultation before the sitting, conduct a super model photo shoot atmosphere throughout their session, you can command much higher pricing depending on the market you serve, how you approach it and your area.

I really do hope this helps. Please keep in mind one thing. Simply provide a CD of pictures and you’ll likely receive very little in return. By making a complete professional presentation, you not only gain in profit, but you will also impress your clients and they will be more likely spread the word about your services. What you get from your efforts depends largely on how much you put into your efforts.