Offering Picture Packages

So I can do enough searching to determine the most popular packages and set a price, but my question (which should be even before the packages and pricing) is who does everyone print these kinds of packages with?

I'm a beginner photographer who is having a great time and somehow have been chosen to take pictures of the kids in our dance school for picture day. The only problem is what company to choose to do my prints?

I know I can create a website and have parents choose their photos and packages online, but this isn't the format they're used to. I do plan to do this eventually though. But typically the photographer comes in with a sheet of options/packages that the parents can choose from, the photographer takes 3 pictures, parents choose and the pictures show up in 3 weeks. All sizes on 3-4 sheets depending which package they chose.

I'm trying to learn how to handle that whole back-end process

Any recommendations? Thanks in advance

You might want to complete your profile so people know where you are at or at least put in the text of your message. That makes a difference in people's recommendations.

Hey ssim - I'm in NY .. Thanks!

Anyone able to make recommendations? If I've missed the FAQs on this, please do direct me there - though I searched. It appears that many have a way to do their printing and I've seem the packages, but how are you printing these packages for large groups - like a school or 20-30 kids, it has to be mass printing services?

Thanks

Welcom to POTN! I shoot a lot of HS sports T&I. In Sept, I'm shooting a football team of 59 kids. I deliver the order forms 1-2 weeks before. The kids bring the forms back on picture day (completed and with payment).
While I do use a website for action shots I shoot. I don't post the T&I photos until after I deliver the packages. Then people can go online to order reprints.

For printing, I either use my website (Exposure Manager) or Costco. It all depends on what's ordered and weather Costco can handle it. Remember to turn OFF backprinting.

I package the orders, along with a copy of the order form when I deliver them. I deliver to one parent or coach and they accept the responsibility to distribute the rest of the packages.

This type of work is very profitable.

Hey Mike.. So you will print all of those photos yourself if you do it by your website? Costco offers printing in that large number? Including pictures in different sizes like school pictures?

I can definitely understand the single picture print requests being hosted on your site though.

I guess it's hard for me to believe that it's possible to print all of those pictures via the avenues you mentioned

As I go through the orders, I crop the files as needed, then rename them and upload into a private gallery before I place the order. For example if Mary Jones orders Package C which includes an 8x10, 2 5x7 prints and a magnet, I upload 2 files. One is called Jones810 and the other is Jones57. I then order the the prints and magnet. I upload all the files from the shoot then place one order. When I get the order, I package the prints into seperate orders and deliver them with a copy of that persons order form. This way they cannot say they ordered a different package.

The most important thing is that you have the proper gear and skill to take and deliver the shots that the parents want. That's what leads to repeat business.

Mike R wrote in post #12967381
As I go through the orders, I crop the files as needed, then rename them and upload into a private gallery before I place the order. For example if Mary Jones orders Package C which includes an 8x10, 2 5x7 prints and a magnet, I upload 2 files. One is called Jones810 and the other is Jones57. I then order the the prints and magnet. I upload all the files from the shoot then place one order. When I get the order, I package the prints into seperate orders and deliver them with a copy of that persons order form. This way they cannot say they ordered a different package.

The most important thing is that you have the proper gear and skill to take and deliver the shots that the parents want. That's what leads to repeat business.

I should have asked a different question

So you use Exposure Manager to order your pictures for all of those 59 kids?

I just ordered a sample from Nations Photo Lab.. I heard they've worked out for some..

I checked with costco.com, but couldn't find any way to order/upload prints.

As for the gear, I've got some way to go

clickfinish wrote in post #12967853
I should have asked a different question

So you use Exposure Manager to order your pictures for all of those 59 kids?

I just ordered a sample from Nations Photo Lab.. I heard they've worked out for some..

I checked with costco.com, but couldn't find any way to order/upload prints.

As for the gear, I've got some way to go

Yes. Then when I get the prints, I package them into 59 seperate orders for delivery.

Ordering a sample from the lab you're thinking of using is th eright thing to do. Do you have a calibrated monitor?

I bought my gear as I needed it and knew that I would have a continued need for it. Gear rental is a good option when starting with this type of work. You want to be sure that jobs will pay for the gear you buy. Don't get too deep into debt.

Great advice! Thanks again..

I do still have to calibrate my monitor.. Shame on me..

I have to locate a place to rent gear from. That sounds like a good way to get started.

clickfinish wrote in post #12972763
Great advice! Thanks again..

I do still have to calibrate my monitor.. Shame on me..

I have to locate a place to rent gear from. That sounds like a good way to get started.

There are people on here that have rented lenses and could give reccomendations. Maybe if you try a seach for "lens rental" or "Rentals"

Best of luck with the shoot & have fun