Apple iPad with Wedding Package

[Dans_D60]

As much as I dislike Apple not supporting Adobe Flash - I must admit - the iPad is pretty cool. We now offer the iPad pre-loaded with an HD slideshow of client's wedding day or high-school senior photography as an option to any package.

http://www.danpettusphoto.com/ipad2.jpg (http://www.danpettusphoto.com)

You can see a sample HD slide show for the iPad here: http://www.danpettusphoto.com/iPad.mov Remember this is not Adobe Flash and must be viewed with Apple QuickTime. The best browser is obviously Apple Safari with QuickTime built-in.

Dan Pettus
Dan Pettus Photography (http://www.danpettusphoto.com)

[C.Lunn]

Very nice sir. I like the idea.

[Fred Eric Norris]

Great Idea, I see a lot of people hiring you just for this perk!

But I have to mention that as cool as Flash was when it came out, it's become nothing but a nuisance in terms of it's overuse and security exploits.. The next thing to come is HTML 5 and then we can say bye bye to any of these plugin type engines that aren't always supported across all platforms

[daikatana]

Great Idea, I see a lot of people hiring you just for this perk!

But I have to mention that as cool as Flash was when it came out, it's become nothing but a nuisance in terms of it's overuse and security exploits.. The next thing to come is HTML 5 and then we can say bye bye to any of these plugin type engines that aren't always supported across all platforms

Let me guess, your one of Steve Jobs loyal fanboys :rolleyes:

[Dans_D60]

Great Idea, I see a lot of people hiring you just for this perk!

But I have to mention that as cool as Flash was when it came out, it's become nothing but a nuisance in terms of it's overuse and security exploits.. The next thing to come is HTML 5 and then we can say bye bye to any of these plugin type engines that aren't always supported across all platforms

Hi Fred:

I know HTML 5 will offer video and maybe someday the interactive capabilities of Flash. But for the next few years Flash for all its interactive controls and movie controls will still dominate the web. So that leaves the iPad is a particular place. Yes it will show a video. Yest it is very cool for the size and price. But no it will not replace my laptop.

Dan

[SuzyView]

Very nice. I'm not tempted yet. I'll wait until they get the 2nd gen out.

[fmulder21]

Very nice. I'm not tempted yet. I'll wait until they get the 2nd gen out.

So you're going to spend 200 extra bucks for something that it should've come with? :)

[ktmac111581]

Youre going to sell iPads as part of your Wedding Package....theres a way to rake in some bucks! :lol:

[promocop]

great idea! Good promowork and the photo looks great.

[SuzyView]

I don't sell wedding packages, although it sounds like a decent idea. I'm actually not interested in an ipad as it is right now. If the Slate that HP is coming out with is worth anything, I may consider that one as well. I like new stuff, but I don't buy unless I need it. I've wasted a lot of money before, so I don't buy right away.

[Fred Eric Norris]

Let me guess, your one of Steve Jobs loyal fanboys :rolleyes:

no actually not at all, bad assumption.

The only apple products I own are an Iphone and Ipod Nano.

When it comes to computing though, I prefer Windows all the way and I think Windows 7 is by far the best OS Microsoft has ever made. I have a custom built desktop and a Thinkpad...

I just happen to not like Flash

[Fred Eric Norris]

Hi Fred:

I know HTML 5 will offer video and maybe someday the interactive capabilities of Flash. But for the next few years Flash for all its interactive controls and movie controls will still dominate the web. So that leaves the iPad is a particular place. Yes it will show a video. Yest it is very cool for the size and price. But no it will not replace my laptop.

Dan

Yeah for sure it will be a while, I'm just looking toward the future I suppose. I like the Ipad as a device I can have on my coffee table to browse the web, watch videos, catch up on news and store my photographs, I do plan on getting one at some point, I find it would be a great item to have considering I travel a lot for business too and it is much more ergonomical on an airplane than pulling out my Thinkpad..

But I agree with you, it can't replace a laptop, not now at least, but I think tablets are the thing of the future...

[Fred Eric Norris]

Let me guess, your one of Steve Jobs loyal fanboys :rolleyes:

by the way, going around trying to look cool by attempting to peg people as "apple fan boys" is about as trendy as actually being an "apple fanboy"

[collierportraits]

So you're going to spend 200 extra bucks for something that it should've come with? :)

If Apple follows their current modus operandi, the next gen will be more feature laden and actually LESS expensive.

i.e. iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3Gs

And most every later gen of the iPod.

To the OP, GREAT idea! Curious, couple of questions:

1.) Do you offer this "included" with every package, or just your higher packages, or what?
2.) Or is this an "add on"?
3.) How do you handle the ownership of the files on the iPad? Or do you give final images away anyway?

In other words, can't they just hook up the iPad to their computer and print out all the photos they want? Or am I missing something? Essentially, by doing this you're including your 'negatives' or originals or whatever, right? Very interesting, thanks for sharing!

And btw, your work is A-mazing. And amazingly beautiful venue. ;)

[Josh_30]

I'm sure there is some form of photo release included with the digital file package. Same as what many people do for photo CD/DVDs.

[Dans_D60]

If Apple follows their current modus operandi, the next gen will be more feature laden and actually LESS expensive.

i.e. iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3Gs

And most every later gen of the iPod.

To the OP, GREAT idea! Curious, couple of questions:

1.) Do you offer this "included" with every package, or just your higher packages, or what?
2.) Or is this an "add on"?
3.) How do you handle the ownership of the files on the iPad? Or do you give final images away anyway?

In other words, can't they just hook up the iPad to their computer and print out all the photos they want? Or am I missing something? Essentially, by doing this you're including your 'negatives' or originals or whatever, right? Very interesting, thanks for sharing!

And btw, your work is A-mazing. And amazingly beautiful venue. ;)


Dear collierportraits:

Answers:

#1: We offer the iPad on selected packages for weddings and HS Seniors.

#2: Yep. It’s an “add on”. But not the full price of an iPad. A little promotional marketing that I take from my normal margins.

#3: Yes- kind of – all of our customers get limited access to their digital files in the form of a copyright release for limited use. They are not allowed to sell prints for commercial use – in other words – make money on the images. We feel holding on to digital files in hope that someone will buy an extra print or two is just not worth it and a little old fashion. Let them print away and long as it is for friends and family.


(thanks for the comment on our work....appreciated)

Dan

[Red Tie Photography]

Dan, great idea. I made a thread a few weeks ago saying that I wanted to give iPod touches in this same way and people really didn't like the idea. I think giving this out, especially while they are waiting for an album is a great idea. My ipad comes in on Tuesday and I cannot wait.

[viet]

That's a great idea to incorporate the iPad in your business model. I was thinking about using the ipad as a presentation medium for my clients after playing with one from a friend.

Let me guess, your one of Steve Jobs loyal fanboys :rolleyes:

You called people a "fanboy" based on a smart, and technically correct comment? I can "see" that you have no technical knowledge to understand the reason behind Apple's decision.

I hate Apple, and their fanbois, but Job made the right decision. You can not have a proprietary format dominate the market, not only that, flash presents a huge security risk. HTML5 is a step in the right direction.

[adray-m]

love the concept of this idea and have thought about making this an offer to our customers but I think for now I will sit on the fench and see how this pans out...

Adrian

p.s. I personally would love an iPad :D

[FELINEDEBOURGES]

I guess the only hang up is that I read in a photography blog today that Apple is limiting the iPad to two per customer in their "lifetime" according to the blog. I just looked it up on Apple's website and it does say limit 2 but I don't know of that's just per order perhaps? Maybe you should try to get a firm answer from Apple on this in case it truly is a firm limit, otherwise you're SOL when you get your third order and you can't get another.

[Svetlana]

I guess the only hang up is that I read in a photography blog today that Apple is limiting the iPad to two per customer in their "lifetime" according to the blog. I just looked it up on Apple's website and it does say limit 2 but I don't know of that's just per order perhaps? Maybe you should try to get a firm answer from Apple on this in case it truly is a firm limit, otherwise you're SOL when you get your third order and you can't get another.

I wonder how they can track that you only buy 2? /not being sarcastic, just curious/...

[Mark1]

:lol:That will definatley put a hurt on the $500 wedding guys!!!:lol:

I wonder how they can track that you only buy 2? /not being sarcastic, just curious/...

You have to open a account to order from the web site. So only 2 per account. However you could have your friend/mom/brother open an account and order for you. Matching mailing addresses are checked. And I think there is a 2 limit in the stores as well. But just go back the next day and get 2 more...

[FELINEDEBOURGES]

I wonder how they can track that you only buy 2? /not being sarcastic, just curious/...

I'm not sure I've never purchased anything from an apple store. Maybe they take down all your info when you purchase something there? The blog just said that they tried to buy more than two and were told they were not allowed to. How this was known, I'm not sure. Maybe people who have purchased from an Apple store can chime in here.

[fear7950]

I think thats pretty cool - You could even go to the point of engraving the Ipad for them - Nice :p

[mhj202]

I guess the only hang up is that I read in a photography blog today that Apple is limiting the iPad to two per customer in their "lifetime" according to the blog. I just looked it up on Apple's website and it does say limit 2 but I don't know of that's just per order perhaps? Maybe you should try to get a firm answer from Apple on this in case it truly is a firm limit, otherwise you're SOL when you get your third order and you can't get another.

I know many people that have bought many more than 2 iPads from Apple. They were only limited to 2 per visit (maybe even 2 per day) but were definitely able to go back the next day to buy 2 more, and so on and so on.

[kenwood33]

i like the idea of presenting your portfolio on an ipad to potential clients

[KSPhotography]

How do you handle the fact that you have to initially sync the iPad with your machine to get the photos on there? Don't the clients lose all the photos if they try and sync it with a "new" machine...meaning their own machine at home?

[Mark1]

They only lose DRM material. Such as music and movies that have the DRM embedded into it. Items that are DRM free will remain on the device.

[Dans_D60]

They only lose DRM material. Such as music and movies that have the DRM embedded into it. Items that are DRM free will remain on the device.

Mark is correct. Movies and photos remain.

Dan

[Karl Johnston]

I wonder why only 2 per person...

Can't you just buy from another store ? Is it legal to resell them?

[Fred Eric Norris]

From what I have read they were only limited the Pre-Orders on the device. I'm sure once all the models are out they won't care..

Apple limits iPad preorders to two per customer

By Sam Oliver

Published: 08:45 AM EST


Apple on Friday began accepting preorders for its multimedia iPad -- both the Wi-Fi and 3G models -- with reservations limited to two per customer and free hardware delivery on the April 3 launch date.

The iPad starts at $499 for the 16GB model with only Wi-Fi. The 32GB model costs $599 and the 64GB option runs $699. All three, if purchased via the Apple online store, will be delivered for free on April 3.

The models with both 3G and Wi-Fi carry a $130 premium, with the 16GB model costing $629, 32GB for $729 and 64GB for $829. Those models are due to ship in late April.

Apple noted if Saturday delivery is not available in a customer's area, the iPad will be delivered on April 5.

The company also has an option to reserve the iPad for in-store pickup. The device will be available on April 3 at Apple's retail stores from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The iPad also comes with complimentary telephone technical support for the first 90 days. The hardware, including the rechargeable battery and all accessories, carries a one year warranty. Coverage can be extended to two years with a $99 AppleCare protection plan.

[vmaidens@gmail.com]

Pre orders were two per customer, I've ordered 4 this week.

[Red Tie Photography]

I love this thing. I cannot wait to show my portfolio on it, already put 3000+ photos on it. How much are you charging extra for an ipad to be added on?

I'm also pretty sure that if they try to resync their ipad with their computer and put more pictures on it than they will loose the pictures you put on it.

[Silvertree]

It is very common to limit pre-orders on new tech items so people don't buy out the entire run and eBay them. This isn't limited to Apple.

This is a fantastic idea. Great thinking.

[Dans_D60]

I love this thing. I cannot wait to show my portfolio on it, already put 3000+ photos on it. How much are you charging extra for an ipad to be added on?

I'm also pretty sure that if they try to resync their ipad with their computer and put more pictures on it than they will loose the pictures you put on it.

We bundle it with our packages and not a separate charge. It does eat a bit of margin but in the end not much. Packages with an iPad are about $300-$400 additional so the incentive is there to buy the package. We also produce an HD video slideshow made with Final Cut that is designed for the iPad. With images pre-loaded, an HD produced movie, and less expensive than buying alone, we have done really well with these packages.

Dan Pettus
Dan Pettus Photography (http://www.danpettusphoto.com)

[k-style]

this is a very neat idea, is it cost effective though?

[Dans_D60]

this is a very neat idea, is it cost effective though?

From a pure "cost" no. From a marketing campaign that plays well in segment we sell in....yes it is worth it. Not much different than running a print AD or Google AdWords. Marketing has its costs. And, we will run this campaign for a limited time and end it once the novelty wears off.

Dan

[Karl Johnston]

Maybe in the future when these are cheaper it would be a cost effective idea, like the same way some photogs group in digital picture frames into their packages.

The really nice and fancy ones cost about $200-500, base. I can sell them at 1.75-2.5x markup fairly nicely with portrait packages. Got 3 weddings in the summer so I wondered about doing the same there. Have you thought about digital picture frames? Same concept as the IPAD, for half the price.

I wonder if the IPAD would appeal more than a digital picture frame, or would you turn off non-apple users?

Makes me wonder now, what other options and accessories could you use in a similar fashion to how you use the ipad?

[Dans_D60]

Maybe in the future when these are cheaper it would be a cost effective idea, like the same way some photogs group in digital picture frames into their packages.

The really nice and fancy ones cost about $200-500, base. I can sell them at 1.75-2.5x markup fairly nicely with portrait packages. Got 3 weddings in the summer so I wondered about doing the same there. Have you thought about digital picture frames? Same concept as the IPAD, for half the price.

I wonder if the IPAD would appeal more than a digital picture frame, or would you turn off non-apple users?

Makes me wonder now, what other options and accessories could you use in a similar fashion to how you use the ipad?

Ya I understand the digital frame is workable. But in our situation we attempt to use market influence and drivers to promote the business.

I don’t look for pure margins on these marketing campaigns. Don’t get me wrong….not in business to give away things either!

In the end the packages we integrate with an iPad start over $3,500 so saving a few hundred just for a slideshow effect is not the target concept. It’s marketing!

I would call it a success if we booked 10 additional packages over the next 60 days. If not then the campaign was not successful but didn’t loose anything in the process.

Dan

[Ichiban]

i dont really get this. What's the point if the clients get the hi-res files on a cd anyways. Why would the clients pay a premium for something they can buy themselves and just upload themselves.

[Dans_D60]

i dont really get this. What's the point if the clients get the hi-res files on a cd anyways. Why would the clients pay a premium for something they can buy themselves and just upload themselves.

True they can. But:

1. Getting the Apple iPad in our package is actually less expensive then buying alone.

2. They get a produced HD slideshow movie made in Final Cut that the vast majority of our clients do not know how to do.

3. All post processed images for the iPad are designed for the display size and not just a copy from a disc.

4. And it works. Already booked 5 wedding packages with the iPad option and the campaign has only been running 20 days. Would we have booked these anyway? Maybe. But I believe the "buzz" and awareness in the market has provided a good return for our studio.

Dan

[Ichiban]

you should work out a deal with the local apple store :D and how are you able to sell it for less?

[Dans_D60]

you should work out a deal with the local apple store :D and how are you able to sell it for less?

To start, we would not sell the quantity an Apple store would have any interest. And not really getting the picture here. The iPad is a short-lived marketing program.

Since I’m sitting here importing images from, yesterday’s wedding… I might as well share the whole marketing campaign story with ya’ all!

Marketing 101. Develop a “three why’s” campaign with budget and target metrics for success:

1. Why 1: Why select a professional photographer for your wedding?
2. Why 2: Why our studio?
3. Why 3: Why now?

Why 1: “Why select a professional photographer?” In today’s market enlightening a wedding client on the advantages of using a professional is complex. For the most part these couples may never use a professional photographer for the rest of their life so how do we convince them of value? Not easy and part of a long-term education process with printed articles, web content and social networking. Our studio requires all photographers get their PPA Certification. Not the end all but helps promote pro level knowledge. Why a pro? - we leave potential clients with “FUD” if they decide on using an amateur or friend to cover their wedding. Fear – Uncertainty – Doubt (FUD). You can fill in the blanks for someone who is looking to capture their wedding day for a lifetime with a non professional.

Why 2: “Why our studio?” We play off of Why 1. Been there done that, proven professional, certified, example of work done, ability to build confidence with our team, and finally – dare I say it – we are not right for everybody. We do turn down clients. Not many as that is bad business. Over the years we found it is better to end the dance sooner than later in situations that is obviously not going to work well.

Why 3: "Why now” This is where advertising and setting a sense of urgency with a “call to action”. First part is awareness with print AD’s and web presence. Our studio also conducts regular photography workshops in the community. All part of studio name recognition. The second part is promotional campaigns. The iPad is one of those campaigns. Make it attractive by reviewing our packages and what margins I expect. Bundle in the iPad as part of our marketing budget. Advertise the promotion with limited time (urgency) or be left out.

The Apple iPad Campaign:

Step one: gain access to target audience. Our target audience is in the Temecula Valley Wine Country. A place between San Diego and L.A. A lot of brides are from the San Diego area. So we place an 18 month cycle B&W AD in a local but well establish wedding magazine (B&W to keep costs in line but gives us complete access to the magazines registered brides email's that is in the hundreds per month):


Magazine AD run 18 months
http://www.danpettusphoto.com/ad1.jpg (http://www.danpettusphoto.com)


Step two: Develop a monthly email campaign from the magazine’s email list. Any more than one a month is annoying and will backfire. Make each month unique. This month is tied to the Apple iPad launch. Do the “call to action” and set success metrics for the expense of the program.


One of our monthly email "why now" campaigns
http://www.danpettusphoto.com/ad2.jpg (http://www.danpettusphoto.com)



Monitor the program and review what worked and what didn’t for the next campaign. And that is it.

Photography is a passion and we love what we do. But without discipline and the ability differentiate it will never transform into a business.

Dan Pettus
Dan Pettus Photography (http://www.danpettusphoto.com)

[S-Man]

bw!

[Karl Johnston]

Might want to rethink the BW, color grabs attention more in ads.

[Dans_D60]

Might want to rethink the BW, color grabs attention more in ads.

Hi Karl:

Kinda disagree. The magazine is full of color and color. A unique B&W stands from the crowd. IMHO.....Dan

[Fred Eric Norris]

Might want to rethink the BW, color grabs attention more in ads.

I have to disagree just based on the fact that its a beautiful b&w photo...

[Karl Johnston]

Well whatever then.

OP: I took inspiration from your idea to brainstorm my own, I'm going to try a variation of this myself. Can we expect to hear back from you in the future of how well it was received and if not what your results were?

[jay spec]

Might want to rethink the BW, color grabs attention more in ads.

Hi Karl:

Kinda disagree. The magazine is full of color and color. A unique B&W stands from the crowd. IMHO.....Dan

neither opinion is necessarily incorrect. the reality is it will depend on what else is being run on the page spread.

[Dans_D60]

neither opinion is necessarily incorrect. the reality is it will depend on what else is being run on the page spread.

Sure that would be fantastic to select the placement. Unfortunately unless you select the front/back covers at a cost of $6,000+ per year, these high-end magazines will place you where they want. But having a vertical half page usually means placement with an article content and not on top of another AD. And in this issue it did. Right next to an article on best practices for wedding photos! Couldn't have asked for a better location!

Dan

[Karl Johnston]

$6 000/year is pretty reasonable price for a back cover of a magazine (it gets the most eye-time), it's never a bad thing to ask :) just try. At 6 grand a year I would be expecting a circulation of under 50k.

Often they give you discounts if you place your ad for an extended period of time (several issues rather than 1 or two).

Consider web advertising too, it's really cheap in comparison.

An exclusive ad on a website that see's about 50k unique hits a day could be something as low as 1000$/year.

(we figured you were rich if you were buying ipads in bulk) :lol: just kidding, I really wanna see how well that goes. cheers.