wedding photography in a recession
Although none of us can predict the future, is beginning to appear that 2009 will be the hardest year recent economic history of most industries. The wedding industry, more specifically, the industry of wedding photography is no different. In fact, some might argue that our industry has been particularly affected by bad economic times. From the point of view of my job, I think that our industry has been affected by two problems. The economy has undoubtedly been a major factor in the slowdown in our industry, but I think we have reached a high point in the flooding the market with the "start" photographer. These two reasons together in my opinion, be to create an environment really difficult market in the next year.
We could sit here and talk about the reasons which caused the economy to tank, pointing finger at the greedy lenders and irresponsible borrowers in the housing market, but that does not help us understand how we keep our doors open this year. What is necessary to have a firm grip on, is that our industry and services and products we offer to our clients are really loved luxury and luxuries as we all know come first out of the window glass when hard times come.
I myself have had many brides ask for my services this year. Without But get them to sign contracts is like pulling teeth. Photographers from around the country is experiencing a bottleneck of customers who request information, but have difficulty letting go of retention rates, even for fear of what the economy will do next. We as Americans are afraid of what the future holds economic, and are in a "wait and see" mode with regard to feel comfortable in spending our expendable cash. The problem is that a "wait and see" is the antithesis of what an economy that depends on the transfer of money to grease the wheels of commerce, needs. However, if this is not a crisis large enough to overcome his study, I think we're also seeing another major obstacle to the success of a photography studio professional. The massive influx of aspiring photographer in the industry for the digital revolution.
We are indeed the head of duration on digital revolution in which every third person you meet is an aspiring photographer. I need not tell you why we see so many photographers start-up there we look. The digital revolution has created an environment in which the average person can create a portfolio of acceptable images that can then be placed in a website free template. Truth be told, the camera took these photos while upstart photographer simply pointed the camera in the right direction. Then display this website full of images that your digital camera was the daughter of a coworker of his friend, who is struggling financially during these hard times. She tells her that this is a door opened for her to save some money, and she accepts the offer, the photographer has to shoot their wedding for next-to-nothing, or sometimes nothing at all to build a portfolio of wedding photos. The quality of these images is disappointingly predictable. Neither the photographer nor the would-be bride really realize that photography is a blend of art and science, requiring years of training and experience to do well.
On average, receive emails for 3-4 months of aspiring photographers who are being introduced and offer their services for free to gain experience. Often e-mails I receive from these aspiring photographers do not even addressed to me. I can only assume they're copying and pasting the body of these emails multiple emails and just sending them in the hope that a photographer will be established under his wing and show them the ropes. But less and less established photographers are willing to show their potential competition of any kind of attention these days. They worry more and more about your own business and profitability in '09, and increasingly less about being good people who are not paying for their services.
We're starting to see reductions prices in studios around the country. What I find strange though, is that we also hear screams of the photographers that these price reductions are "terrible for industry "and that we are" betraying our colleagues "and" Unity "and" stand firm "and a mode,. I can not for life to understand why we as photographers think our luxury industry is immune to base price cuts in tough economic times. We do not realize the price tags for everything we see is reduced? Why should our services be different? If one considers the possibility that this is the background of an economic cycle, and bubbles are fixed costs during these cycles, you can see how a realistic scenario to find yourself to be the one without a chair when the music stops if you have not adjusted their prices to an affordable amount. You might be preparing Prepare to be known as the most expensive photographer in town. I do not mean to be sarcastic but I hope you have the portfolio quality and rich customer base to support that reputation. Are your customers from last year still able to pay this year? If not, a slice of humble reality might taste if it brings a bit of work.
About the Author
Brad Walters is an international destination wedding photographer based in Colorado Springs and Denver. His portfolio can be found at http://www.bradwaltersphoto.com/
Ines e Rodrigo