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Photography and the Recession – Guest Post
From a ‘Louisiana Photographer’ who has asked to remain nameless. Please, anyone who wants to guest post, feel free to contact me.
Recession-Yes . . . More photographers starting out than ever before-Yes . . . More women in the industry than ever before-Yes . . . More newcomers to the industry charging less to make their mark in the industry-Sure . . . Does this impact the industry-YES.
In my humble opinion the value of what we do as wedding photographers and the products we produce are being devalued. I believe the average consumer does not know, understand, or greatly appreciate what goes into getting the shot. It is my belief that the average consumer thinks that a picture should cost far less than what a pro charges. I am also to believe that most consumers see images that look so similar to all the others that most photographers do not stand out, but rather we all end up looking a lot alike. Think further with me in the fact that if we all look so much alike and person “A” charges $1,500 and person “B” charges $3,000 to photograph a wedding, then there would be great cause for a client to choose person “A” to shoot their wedding. Seems pretty simple right? Not so fast. You see person “B” just might be legit in what he or she is charging for their services and in the end be a better choinc. Some things a bride may or may not consider when choosing a photographer:
Style?
Quality?
Cost?
Is the photographer full time?
Is the photographer older or younger?
Do they work in a studio/office or at home?
Do they have an assistance or an office staff?
How long have they been in business?
How were they educated in photography?
Are they married and or have children?
Are the male or female?
All of these factors make a difference one way or another in a photographer’s pricing. These same factors may or may not matter to the bride. In the end the brides will voice her opinion by whom she chooses to photograph her wedding. In many cases it will be based on price over quality and craftsmanship.
I see many things changing and shaping our industry. As wedding photographers, we will all have to adjust some how or some way to the changed times and the changing times to come. Change will always happen. Change may be good and change may be bad. Is it good that there are so many new photographers entering into the industry? Maybe if you are a bride. Brides now have more choices and at cheaper price points. Maybe not if you are a veteran photographer from the days of film whom after years of service has built his or her business in such a way that they are full time, they have a staff and a studio, and pay taxes.
I personally have seen my bookings at a level that is down in volume from 3 years before; however, almost all of my clients book at the same price point as they did in the same 3 years past. So I so not think everything that we are seeing is an effect of recession.
You’re such a talented young professional, Matt. You asked excellent questions. We all don’t have the answers, though. However, you do have a few. You just didn’t realize it. With your work of study in graphic design you have an advantage over many of today’s photographers. A technological headstart, so to speak.
You can take your photos or those of others (hint, hint) and enhance them to the many needs of today’s digital industry. And, you can make a living at it.
In addition to the photojournalism or more artsy photo styles, some brides just want their event documented (while she is being made pretty). The new graphic work, however, must withstand the test of time. Will the photo survive through the years? The test of time? Or, at the 50th wedding anniversary will the guests say . . . . “hummmm, that photogapher must have been going through a phase (or trend)? She must not have had any other photos to use for her display.”
So, Matt, keep wondering about those questions, keep shooting and keep creating.
tm