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Question from Briana: “Digital files or prints?”
Shelby: Prints with low res digital files of printed images
Vallerie: More money to be made from prints
Belinda: both but prefer prints
John: both
Melanie: Both but prefer prints
Corbi: Both
Sarah: When I started out (in 2010) I did digital. I didn’t know it, but I was cheating myself out of ever making any more money than the digital package cost. Just started doing in-person ordering appointments this year (and prints/products/still a few digital options but at a premium) and my sales averages more than tripled. Well worth the work to treat your digital images as your “artwork” or your “paintings.” They are truly your works of art and how you will prosper in this business. Just what I’ve learned so far…
Kristin: In my area in order to compete I have to offer digital with my packages and prints as an option. There is more money to be had with prints but people don’t want to pay for them. I would love to push prints but I’m already charging more than the photoshopographers in my area so business is already hard to come by.
Sondra: I offer both.
Shari: I offer a CD for a price for each image, after a minimum order of prints, but only of the photos that they have ordered prints of…
Christy: Prints. Give them files and they will never get printed and displayed, or will get printed cheaply, AKA horrendously. Do you want people bragging about the awful photos? Or do you want to sell them a proper pro print you can be proud of
Elizabeth: I have to offer digitals because every one in this area gives them. I prefer prints though.
Amarette: How much is everyone charging for a cd and for prints?
Michelle: Prints… any prints they order, they then get high res 4×6 files.
Pam: Does your cd price include your session fee or is that separate?
Kala: I offer a digital file of all prints purchased
Briana: thanks everyone, lots of great advice !
Tara: Digital. Let’s get real, people- most clients are mainly interested in showing their photos online, on fb and blogs, etc. More people will see their photos via fb than prints or on canvas in their homes. How many friends do your clients have on fb who they share photos with? How many of them visit their homes? I did a survey of clients and fans and found digital is the main use (and, to be honest, the main way I use photos as well). I have a session fee and three packages offering digital files, also sell them one by one if needed.
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