Event on-site printing

[caymiss]

I will be shooting an event next month. It is a church dinner and dance evening for couples that are "celebrating" anything - birth, engagement, birthday, anniversary, etc. Basically an excuse to get all gussied up and go out with your partner.

The planner has requested that I do onsite printing. I am shopping printers now and looking at something in the Canon Pro9000 or Epson 1900 range. I expect to print 5x7 or 8x10, but want a larger format for other work. Any suggestions out there based on experience with onsite printing at events?

I personally prefer Matte or Luster finishes, but seems like all the printer manufacturers brag most about glossy quality as if that is what the market wants most.

Can anyone comment on which prints would sell best at this type of setting? I thought about offering a choice of papers, but am concerned about managing many orders for images on different papers. My son and his girlfriend will be helping me - thank goodness!

[HoRnYTuRbO]

these type of gigs require 2 ppl min. while you're shooting you'll need someone to go through the pics to touch them up, crop and print.
As for printers the epson picturemate does pretty well for a 4x6 dye printer, with 5x7 and 8x10 u will spend some extra time trimming ... things to consider...

[caymiss]

Thank goodness I have manpower. My son's girlfriend will download cards, crop, print and my son will take orders, deliver to tables and other legwork.

I have the little epson 4x6 printer, but this event really calls for bigger prints. Not sure whether glossy or Matte would be the best to offer. I will have precut papers either way.

And have to make up my mind about a printer - that is a tough one.

[FeXL]

Can vouch for Epson R800 (4 years) & R1800 (2 years). The colour is a bit better with the 1800 so we've all but stopped using the 800. Thousands of prints between the 2 (location sports/event photography), few issues. Would expect the same from the 1900.

We don't print 5x7 unless it's 2 on a sheet. We use Epson Premium Luster for 8x10's, Epson Premium Glossy for 11x14's. Considering trying the 11x17 Premium Luster for the new sports season. We prefer the Luster (a very subjective topic), just can't get it from Epson in 11x14 sheets. We use Epson ink.

For printer settings (in PS) we print Best Photo and in Colour Management->Mode->Adobe RGB.

If your editor is quick, she should be able to get out an 8x10 in less than 5 minutes.

Good luck.

[Box Brownie]

Just a thought re printers. I am sure others who know best will chime in but for "events" I think dye sub printers rule for speed and 'finish' quality and print for print are likely to be cheaper than running inkjet printers! But as I remark others who know better/best will correct my amateur statement.

Sorry forgot to say the above is simply from my reading of the market as I have no experience to offer :D (yet??? )

[Dermit]

I've done this before and speed is important. I use a kodak dye-sub 4x6 printer for this type of work and then offer larger prints to people if they want them but print them later and get them delivered to them a day or two later, after the event. (I keep blank order forms on hand for this...as well as business cards that get put in the same envelop as the 4x6 prints). This does two things... it keeps your speed up by only doing 4x6 at the event (the small printer is much more portable too) and it also instills in them that a larger print takes more time/attention which equates to justifying asking more money. If you make it look too easy it becomes hard to justify charging what you should be charging, assuming you are looking to make a fair amount for your service/efforts.

[caymiss]

Dermit, those are good points. I was stressing about delivering larger prints quickly. I can see where people would see it as too quick and easy which might equate to an expectation of cheap.

I have to ponder this a bit more . . . .

[HoRnYTuRbO]

i've run into problems with my printers over heating from printing to much, i use 2 kodak 1400 dye-sub printer

[FeXL]

While I agree with what Dermit said to a point, it's not all about churning out stacks of 4x6's. Large images will sell themselves. Frequently, at the start of an event, we will just pick out a very good set of images, print it out on 11x14 paper, find the parent and just give it to them (it's also an advertising write-off). Then we watch the 11x14 orders stack up as the proud parents sell for us.

If all the client sees is a 4x6, that's all they're going to buy.

As far as printing later, we also run a studio. What we like about location printing is that we don't have to worry about any post shoot work. We wind everything up at the end of the event and it's done. No interference with what's happening in the studio next day or next week. No delivery costs or time, either.

One more thing. (With respect to all the dye sub users out there...) I'd take a long, hard look at the image quality of the various dye subs out there and get a test print done on them and on the R1900. Dye subs have a speed and cost advantage. However, you can charge more for a good looking inkjet print and more than make up for that buck you save.

Last thing (I promise). Take a good photo. Make sure the post processing is done well. Create a good looking print. You will have no problem selling a quality product at a fair price whether you took 5 minutes or 5 hours to create it.

[tim]

I've only photographed one event, there were two of us, and we were taking orders on the day, with prints being mailed out later. The problem we found was we were shooting tethered, you can't shoot and view on the same PC. I suspect if you're shooting on cards you'll need a few, so you can shoot, give the card to someone, and they can download, view, and print. You'll probably need two or three computers, people take time to decide what they want, with one or two things will back up and people will be put off having their photo taken. You could solve that partly by taking the photos and saying "come back in 30 minutes", but a lot won't and you'll lose sales. Two assistants isn't enough IMHO. Try three, each with a PC, plus someone to take money, and someone to help you out.

[eyelookok2blindgurls]

I use a pro9500 or i9950 when I print on location , but I always take a laptop to download on and never direct print , if your looking at a pro 9000 you may as well spend a little extra for a 9500

[Dermit]

I shoot and print on the same laptop with an assistant printing while I shoot. The 4x6 dye-sub for me is ideal for the on-site event type shooting I do. I imagine most are doing this for sports. What I use it for is for shooting in the lobby of a theater for ballet performances. So before the show, during intermission and after the show we have a dancer in costume in the lobby and the kids can get their picture taken with them. So we print out on the spot while they wait. The problem is they can't wait long unless they are getting them done after the show, but most people just want to leave after the show. So speed is very critical here. We shoot half a dozen shots per sitting, my assistant picks the best one, crops if needed, and prints. From shoot to print is about 5 minutes. This fact alone sells a lot of images and is already at the limit of the amount of time people are willing to wait in that situation.

[caymiss]

Thanks so much for everyones input. I am really excited and nervous about this. It can result in some terrific contacts for the future also.

I am also really lucky because the DJ has a projector and the organizer requested that he display the images in a slide show during the dinner/dance for all to see. I talked to the DJ and he is good with that. I just have to burn DVDs at several points during the evening for him.

I have access to 2 computers, so that will have to do. Still pondering which printer and what to offer onsite. I tend to think people are in "buy now" mode at these types of events.

[TeeJay]

How are you expecting people to pay for the prints - not all will have cash - do you have access to credit card facilities?

Also, at what point are you taking these photo's, and against what sort of backdrop?

I personally wouldn't bother with larger prints "on-site" (but maybe thats just my preference) - I use a Mitsubishi 9x6 (or on rare occasions 6x4/7x5) - and supply in a "strut mount".

I shoot wireless, using the WFT-E1 (if I'm using my 1DMkIIN, or the E2 if it's my 1Ds). Image prep is done on a laptop using Picasa (! it's free and its pretty good at what it does) and previewing is done on a second laptop networked to the first. So assistant views the images as they arrive (a few seconds after they are taken) selects the best of that couple (or group or whatever), crops, adjusts and saves the selected ones to the "Viewing" folder, that is then picked up by some software that I've purpose written, running on a second laptop, that allows people to view these images and order from there - which then puts them into a "print queue" ready for my assistant to print, insert and stuff into a bag!!

Sounds more complicated than it really is.

TJ

[amfoto1]

Hi,

First of all, for an event like this I'd not take a wide format printer unless really, really necessary. However, there might be some advantages to it (see below).

Limit your options to two or three sizes and strictly either gloss (most people's preference) or semi-gloss paper (a compromise).

You'll mostly sell your smallest size print. It's human nature, people buy whatever is cheapest. So, if your smallest is $9 4x6s, that's mostly what they'll buy. If the smallest we offer it's $11 5x7s, that's what they'll buy.

Consider this when you decide what sizes to offer.

You'll likely need 8x10 too, but will sell fewer of these. Still, we sell enough at $20-22 apiece to make it worthwhile to keep offering them at our events. (Might easily be different at other events... one like you describe maybe everyone will only buy 5x7s.)

If you choose to offer multiple sizes, it can really help to have samples framed up to show people. Use a sample image that gives them a clear idea just how wimpy a 4x6 is, compared to a 5x7, and how nice and big an 8x10 is.

I got simply, inexpensive "folder/mats" to slip prints into, as well as envelopes that those in turn fit into. This just gives a more finished product. My name, phone and URL are added to the back of the folder/mats.

Every image of mine that goes out has my name on the front, in one or the other of the lower corner as a sort of signature. Just my name, not a copyright (C) or anything like that. I add it with Photoshop using a semi-transparent watermarking technique, but it's small so that it's not obnoxious and doesn't obscure the image in any way. I feel this is important because many inkjet papers can't be printed with a copyright notice on the back.

A pigment based inkjet will give you more permanent prints than dye based, so long as it's used with the right paper. But, pigment printers are less available in smaller sizes. So, if this is a concern, you might have to go with a 13" wide printer after all.

A dye sublimation printer is ideal, but expensive to purchase initially. They offer faster printing, better print stability than dye based inkjet and some other advantages. They are also more durable for high volume use, and consumables are more easily controlled. But, they are quite pricey! I wonder if anyone rents dye sub printers?

We do onsite printing at events throughout the year, and haven't had any problem not taking credit cards. We accept cash and checks. We do have to collect sales tax and have a local tax ID (But we also sell online, where they can use credit cards.)

[Raivyn]

How are you expecting people to pay for the prints - not all will have cash - do you have access to credit card facilities?

Also, at what point are you taking these photo's, and against what sort of backdrop?

I personally wouldn't bother with larger prints "on-site" (but maybe thats just my preference) - I use a Mitsubishi 9x6 (or on rare occasions 6x4/7x5) - and supply in a "strut mount".

I shoot wireless, using the WFT-E1 (if I'm using my 1DMkIIN, or the E2 if it's my 1Ds). Image prep is done on a laptop using Picasa (! it's free and its pretty good at what it does) and previewing is done on a second laptop networked to the first. So assistant views the images as they arrive (a few seconds after they are taken) selects the best of that couple (or group or whatever), crops, adjusts and saves the selected ones to the "Viewing" folder, that is then picked up by some software that I've purpose written, running on a second laptop, that allows people to view these images and order from there - which then puts them into a "print queue" ready for my assistant to print, insert and stuff into a bag!!

Sounds more complicated than it really is.

TJ

TJ: I love your set up! I was just asked to photograph an event, but turned it down because they requested onsite printing, and I'm not equipped to do that. Your set up would make things alot easier.

How do you guys charge for these types of events? Do you only make $$ off of print sales, or does the event pay you a fee, or both? When I was approached to do the event, I couldn't imagine the pay structure, and given the equipment I would need, I wasn't sure it would be profitable for me.

[TeeJay]

Generally, a 9x6 print in a strut mount will sell for around £10 ($20) Dye-sub printers are not cheap by any means, but one or two good (or three at the most) events will pay for the printer!

Also, few event organisers will pay you to be there. Sometimes, depending on the event, they agree to include a print for each couple attending, so that can be built into the cost. If it's a "charity" event, then I will give a donation (of an agreed %) back to the charity.

On some occasions I charge a (relatively) small attendance fee, but "refund" this if sales hit an agreed level. It really all depends on the "numbers" (and therefore potential sales) of the event in question.

Hope that helps

TJ

PS. I can't recommend the WFT transmitters highly enough. They look daunting to set up, but save a heck of a lot of messing around ingesting cards. They require FTP to be set up on a PC/laptop - but if you are interested have a look in the FAQ's for my easy-guide to installing an FTP server to use with the WFT-E1/2 transmitters.

[TeeJay]

You can find my .PDF guide here...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=514059

TJ

[TrollJester]

I concur with everything TeeJay says above.
My set up is very similar but I use Mitsubishi CP9500DW to produce mainly 8x6 which is areally nice format & size for a portrait/ couple portrait, the mounts I use are by spicer-hallfield (carnival range) nice quality by the way and packed in the carnival envelope charging £12 ea with discounts for 3 or more. The mount for an 8x6 is 10x8 which fits perfectly into the ubiquitous 10x8 frame, which is a nice selling point.
I use picassa for processing too, and switching to produce a 9x6 is easy when reqd. eg group & full length shots. I'm not keen on doing full length shots 'cos your'e usually working in a tightish space and going wide can lead to some unpleasant distortions due to going too wide. Head & shoulders or 3/4s make more saleable prints IMO.
I Don't use wireless just now, but that'll be the next upgrade. The trick seems to be finding the right gigs, with the right no of potential clients in my exp charity or corporate events with a min 120 guests (preferably couples) are best. It's also about marketing & promotion pre and during the gig - something I could do with some tips on BTW!?!
Also IMHO, I do think you'll end up wih a potential nightmare trying to do it with an inkjet and various papers - one finish is fine and gloss (to someone with a glass or two in them) is like silver paper to a magpie. At the end of the day you're not aiming to produce 'high-art', just a good quality well captured moment that's a reminder of the event. Speed of turnaround is more important than anything, so you better have all the bases covered - and be capable of dealing with any problems calmly & smoothly.
If you want to offer options, upload your (edited) pix to the web later but don't tell anyone at the gig about this until they're leaving. eg hand out flyers once you've packed up for the night.
And don't forget to boogie!?!

[caymiss]

WOW, I am just so thrilled with all the wonderful advise and tips everyone is providing me. Indeed my goal is to have a plan that will run smoothly and be able to deliver good quality images for couples to take home.

I will have to do the card swap dance, but I have plenty of cards. I think it will be a minor inconvenience at this point. I may look for another person to enlist as a helper.

I was also thinking about whether to do full length shots or 3/4 or a combination. I may go with only 3/4. This is my first event and KISS (keep it simple stupid) is probably a good rule to follow.

This is so exciting!

[TeeJay]

Trolljester is spot-on with his (or her) comments - I like the reference to magpies! - and marketing is something that I must concentrate more on. Its all too easy to go-with-the-nerves when you start these events - then look back and think "Why didn't I do that...?"
Make sure you have some flyers printed, advertising your services, and insert them into the bag with the photo's.

It's all one big lurning curve.

I tend to stick to 9x6 - as it's the format of the camera I use, saves having to remember to leave some space for cropping.

As for subject size, I tend to stick with head & shoulders and 3/4 shots - especially if its a group of people. Unless you have the advantage of a room to yourself (in which case MOVE somewhere where the action is!) you simply wont have the space to take full length (without wide angle distortion)

I'm not a great fan of offering "3 for the price of 2" - maybe a slight reduction - but just enough to make it tempting. Any more than that and people will simply join together to buy the photo's they want - resulting in me loosing sales.

I tend to tell people that the photo's WILL be on the website, but at standard web prices (i.e. dearer) plus they will have to pay postage.

TJ

[TeeJay]

BTW - Trolljester, you missed out the "Whollop"!

i.e. Flash, Bang, Whollop what a picture......

;-)

TJ

[Edit: Now I'm showing my age!!]

[asysin2leads]

On some occasions I charge a (relatively) small attendance fee, but "refund" this if sales hit an agreed level. It really all depends on the "numbers" (and therefore potential sales) of the event in question.

I like that idea, TeeJay. Thanks.