Alpharetta Photographer Marchet Butler shares her tips on how to get professional portraits without breaking the bank.
Custom photography can be expensive. After all, you are asking someone to create one-of-a-kind art for you (just you!) that won’t be sold or displayed in anyone else’s home. And while you might really love to hire a photographer for their full asking price, your wallet may say otherwise despite careful budgeting.
Here are my tips on getting a price break on custom professional photography.
Volunteer to Model. You don’t have to be a professional model to do this! Photographers need subjects to shoot when they are building their portfolios, adding new product lines, or teaching a photography class. If you model, compensation may include complimentary products or images in addition to the session. I did this recently with my son and we had a fabulous time. I got several cute pictures, but the experience itself was the best part. What a great memory!
If you are interested in modeling and live in Georgia, contact the Georgia Professional Photographers Association and ask if there are any photography events in your area that need models. Also you can try colleges and universities that have photography education programs. Finally, if you admire a local photographer, shoot them a message and see if they are open to the idea. Even if they say no, they might be able to point you to another photographer who needs models.
Offer a trade. If you have a product, a service, or a skill that is similar in value, offer to trade. This is especially helpful if you know a photographer in person. Here’s how I would approach it:
“Dear [photographer name], I really admire your photography and especially love how you capture portraits of families. I would love to have portraits taken of my me and my kids. However, your pricing is beyond my budget right now. I was wondering if you were willing to do a full or partial trade for accounting services. I am a part-time accountant for several small businesses and would love to offer you my expertise in exchange for your services.” (Seriously, though. If there is an awesome accountant or bookkeeper out there who would like to do a partial trade for photography, contact me. I am looking for a new accountant and bookkeeper.)
Consider a Payment Plan. Many photographers offer payment plans. You won’t necessarily get a price break, but you will have time to pay for the items out of your monthly budget.
Give Referrals. Photography businesses rely heavily on referrals to generate new clients, and many are willing to reward you if you send people to them. Ask your photographer if they have a referral program. Many times, you can earn free sessions or free products just by bragging about your favorite photographer!
Ask for Recommendations. If you have a photographer you admire, but you can’t afford them, ask if they can recommend someone else who would be a better fit for your price range.
Expect a trade-off. As with any bargain, be aware that you are going to be trading something in order to get a deal: convenience, quality, experience, service, reliability, etc. If you are okay with that, then go for it. BUT if you have a special, once-in-a-lifetime occasion you need to have photographed, like a wedding, photos for a high school senior or for extended family, don’t risk it. Spend the money and hire someone you know you can trust to take care of you. A good place to start is the Professional Photographers of America’s Find-a-Photographer listings.
Learn for yourself! This is my final recommendation because I want to invite you to a free 30-minute photography class I have coming up next week at a my church’s women’s night out. During my presentation, I’ll be talking about how to the most common mistakes amateurs make when taking pictures. Here are the details:
Free Photography Class by Marchet Butler
Friday, October 3, 2014
6:30 – 7:00 p.m. sharp!
Roswell LDS Church Meetinghouse
500 Norcross St, Roswell, GA 30075
(no need to bring a camera)
This class is part of our annual women’s night out activity called “Friday Night Frenzy.” Did I say it was free? There will be classes about makeup and gardening following my presentation as well as crafts, dinner, and lots of fun gals to hang out with and talk to. Please come! Bring a craft to work on if you want to stay. (And drop me a line that you are coming. I’ll save a seat for you!)
About Marchet:
Marchet (Mar-shay) Butler is the owner of Butler Family Photography, a portrait photography business serving Alpharetta, Milton, Cumming, Roswell, and surrounding areas. Marchet specializes in one-of-a-kind family portraiture for the home and custom, current headshots for business professionals. You can learn more about Marchet and view her portfolio at: http://butlerfamilyphotography.smugmug.com/
Leandrea is a married mom of two girls, ages 13 and 12, living in Atlanta, GA. She is passionate about helping people save money one coupon at a time. Read more
Great idea. I’ve done the “trade” before with a friend who is a photographer. Also, offering to model not just for photographers but for etsy, or any botique or business. They need people to model clothes, and you could offer to do that if they would give you copies of the photos and pay for group shots of you also wearing what you want. If they are already paying for a photographer for their shots it wouldn’t cost more (or much more) for them to do more shots of you without their products.