Possible Prom idea - is it worth persuing?

I have a possible Prom idea for photography services, I was just wondering if anyone here thinks this is worth looking into. Its probably not an original idea.

My idea is to follow a prom couple all night and take pictures of them getting ready, getting to the prom, and while at the prom. Then give them a press printed book made up with these images, and probably some prints. One problem would be getting pictures of each person getting ready unless they stagger it so I can be at both locations. Another problem might be getting into the prom to take pictures, since they may limit it to students and staff.

Another problem is the number of hours this will require, to shoot and process, plus the cost of the book. This might not be something that a senior would want to spend $$$ on.

Any thoughts or ideas?

msfvirginia wrote in post #9856134
I have a possible Prom idea for photography services, I was just wondering if anyone here thinks this is worth looking into. Its probably not an original idea.

My idea is to follow a prom couple all night and take pictures of them getting ready, getting to the prom, and while at the prom. Then give them a press printed book made up with these images, and probably some prints. One problem would be getting pictures of each person getting ready unless they stagger it so I can be at both locations. Another problem might be getting into the prom to take pictures, since they may limit it to students and staff.

Another problem is the number of hours this will require, to shoot and process, plus the cost of the book. This might not be something that a senior would want to spend $$$ on.

Any thoughts or ideas?

I think Phamster did this once, only I think it was a group rather than a couple, and he didnt do the getting ready shots. Unless you are in a high income area its unlikely that a couple pay enough to make it worthwhile to do, given that you would be 4 or 5 hours into it. Perhaps if a group pooled their cash and you shot exclusively for them you might be able to swing it.

IIRC, someone here posted a series (Phamster last year maybe?) from exactly this type of project.

He followed a group of kids through getting dressed, limo ride to the prom, the dance, etc...

Turned out quite well as I recall.

I actually just had a high school girl ask me to take some pictures of her group of friends before the prom. We are planning to shoot both candid and posed pictures of everyone hanging out and having fun downtown all dressed up. I am charging $50/person plus prints. There will be at least 3 couples, maybe more. So that's at least $300 plus the money I will make off prints. I promised to spend an hour with them.

So that's almost like your idea except I only have to spend an hour with them and the cost is split up between the whole group.

In my opinion,it would not work. I do not think the prom couple would want you tagging along for the whole night.. It would be an expensive proposition and people already are trying to cheap out on weddings.. Just my opinion though

A group..Well that should work

I'd say yes to group pictures but the rest sounds like a pain. Not to mention from a high schooler's perspective it would be a pain to have a guy with a camera following me around at the dance. And awkward. And it would be hard to get even decent shots.

Well I wouldnt follow them the entire night, theres just some stuff I wont photograph. : )

As for price, I was thinking something like $500 that includes 4 hours and a press printed book. I realize this is cheaper than what most here would charge, but its still alot of money for some high schoolers. The group idea does sound good.

theextremist04 wrote in post #9857040
Not to mention from a high schooler's perspective it would be a pain to have a guy with a camera following me around at the dance. And awkward.

Unless the two kids aren't camera shy and believe they are already the life of the party.

I definitely would stop once the prom is over. Wouldn't want to get arrested for shooting pr0n without a license.

Heck, if you've never done anything like it maybe charge cheap or free. I'd do that kinda of thing free first to get a feel and if I had the time. Give them a turnaround of 2 weeks and that should be plenty of time to work on it and sort through the hundreds upon hundreds of photos. Hm...actually this is a thought with my cousins?

msfvirginia wrote in post #9858693
Well I wouldnt follow them the entire night, theres just some stuff I wont photograph. : )

As for price, I was thinking something like $500 that includes 4 hours and a press printed book. I realize this is cheaper than what most here would charge, but its still alot of money for some high schoolers. The group idea does sound good.

It might be cheaper than some charge here, but in most midwestern towns I dont think you'll get that from high school kids. Plus if you do a group who gets the book? I'm not saying the idea is not worth exploring, but I'd probably charge a flat rate for a group up to so many students (8? 10?) and then provide them the images on a disk and walk away.

Just a thought . . .

How about setting up in a park (or other well known/scenic location) and advertising to any/all prom-goers that they can "drop by" and get their pictures shot at the scenic spot? Most prom-goers today have a limo, or a dedicated driver, and often there is more than one prom per night (different schools).

You could take "drive ups" or even make appointments, but capitolize on many couples, not just one or two. You could even have a set-up at the park (or scenic site) for pre-prom photos, then while they are off dancing/eating, move over to another scenic spot more conducive to night time shots, and start over again.

By having your sites pre-determined, you would have much better control of lighting, etc, and could advertise in advance, and/or publish a map or directions.

I have no idea if this concept would work, but hey . . . now-a-days, you have to think out of the box . . .

I have seen college graduates hired photographer to follow them and to take pictures on a convocation day. The rate is between 100-150 for a few hours of work.

I like the park idea. but advertising would be required so people would know that I'm there.

I shot some "friends" before their prom at a house for about 45 minutes.

Super quick processing and about 40 pictures yielded $100... not bad for a trial run

I originally was going to charge $200... but kids are cheap. Find a ritzy neighborhood and you are all set.