recession

[mariusz]

are you affected by the recession, down or up?

[PMCphotography]

My business has actually gone up since the recession has hit hard. I haven't changed pricing, but I have added a few more things to my packages.

[tim]

Down. In the recession it seems the lower priced photographers are getting more work, the higher priced less. I'm mid priced.

[PMCphotography]

I will add that more people are choosing lower cost packages, though. Sometimes they even are interested in hiring by the hour for just the ceremony and part of the reception.

[jpnettie]

We are in the GTA as well. Our prices have gone up since last year and we are in a different market now and surprisingly we are booking as much as we did before. We still get inquiries where people want only a few hours of coverage but we aren't doing that anymore as it was always the case where they actually needed extra time and we weren't charging for it! Just stick to your prices and try to provide the best images and services to your customers.

[lil_miss]

Seems the same if not busier for us and thats after putting prices up too .. people are just booking further out instead so they can save up the money etc...

[PMCphotography]

Seems the same if not busier for us and thats after putting prices up too .. people are just booking further out instead so they can save up the money etc...

I've actually noticed that too. People are booking me up to 18 months in advance, and requeting to be able to make payments...which is fine to me.

[tim]

That's odd, it could be earning them interest, and all payments are non-refundable in my contract.

[Peacefield]

My business is up, though I'm modestly priced: ~$1500 in nothern NJ for just the DVD and on-line gallery. I assume some who would typically look to higher priced photographers are coming my way. What I find, though, are couples are doing other things to save. More typically, scheduling their wedding for a Friday night or Sunday when catering, etc., can be a little less costly.

[tim]

Looking at my bookings again they're actually pretty good, and i'm still getting bookings for Jan/Feb/March.

[lil_miss]

Peacefield : Yes we've also have quite a few Friday weddings coming up early next year, as venues here are often cheaper too in the 'offpeak'

[PMCphotography]

That's odd, it could be earning them interest, and all payments are non-refundable in my contract.

In my contract, i charge a non-refundable retainer- 50% upfront. Any other payments are technically refundable, except when the final payment isn't received 14 days prior to the event, then all payments are non-refundable(except in a few rare instances, like serious illness, etc.) But cancelling the wedding or changing their mind is not a refundable instance.

That works for me, insures that i will still be paid if they flake out, and lets them make periodic payments if they choose to do it that way.

I think some people just want to reserve the date as soon as they know when it is, and are not confident in their ability to save money themselves. Like I said, as long as my full fee that i quoted them is paid by the date, I'm not fussed how they pay it.