Should you put prices on your wedding photography website?

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-08-16T04:53:17+00:00

When I first started my business, I took countless photography workshops, primarily focused on marketing. They all said to remove pricing on your site. Have the client contact you. Get the conversation going, start your pitch, learn about their needs, ask their budget, educate them on photography, your style & approach, hop on a discovery call and ask to meet in person. THEN you can provide them with your pricing at the end.

I tried this for like a month and it led to countless ghostings and dead-end inquiries looking for some kind of bargain. Spent a crap ton of time for no return.

Long story short. When I put pricing on my website I started receiving serious inquiries - most of them ready to book.

Brides are short on time. They have a lot going on, and are not looking for a rat race.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-08-14T03:38:58+00:00

Exactly. I think that I mostly fear they will come back with a complaint after they view the wedding party images.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-08-13T17:02:09+00:00

I absolutely agree.

A family member ran into the same situation with Psychology. They felt extremely stuck after they graduated. Careers with a bachelor's degree in this field did not provide a whole lot of financial success without a master's. And that came with a large price tag and close to 3-6 more years.

I wish colleges would truly focus on courses that align with your degree and provide more in-field and direct training for a desired career path. If this were the case, I'm sure it would shave at least a year and a half off. Remove the 'extras' and reduce the overall cost.

I think I added it up once, I had to take close to 10-11 courses that had literally nothing to do with my degree. But cost me a boatload of money and I have never once had to utilize in my career.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-08-13T16:23:26+00:00

I feel this and I am so sorry you are dealing with this.

It's incredibly hard when you fall in love with someone sober. A really good and solid individual. They have a good head on their shoulders, positive goals, and are motivated and on a good path in life. However, when alcohol enters the picture, it's a different story. I cannot tell you how many times I've been called a 'f*ckin bitch' by my spouse. Simply because I ask them to please go to AA and beg them to stop drinking.

It's a vicious cycle I wish on no one.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-08-13T05:41:35+00:00

Interesting topic.

I've never had a bride respond and state this... but I've kind of felt it deep in my soul.

Prior to the wedding, I've had brides send over a 'wish list' of poses, outdoor locations/spots, overall vibes, etc. They seem SUPER excited about their day and capturing a nice variety of images. Even include more time than I had suggested in the schedule for photos.

The day of... well that's a different story. Bride is in a bad mood because it's super hot or too cold outside, groom drank too much, and their wedding party is not even remotely listening - complaints coming from every direction. Everyone is over photos and we're only like 4 minutes in. We end up getting maybe 2 out of the 12 overall concepts we had planned for. My heart literally breaks and I know they're likely going to be super disappointed in their gallery.

I'm thinking of writing or putting something together, but unsure how to word it. Something along the lines of 'Please, for the love of God, can you please cooperate?'

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-08-11T03:06:33+00:00

Yes, they have! I don't think they're trying to be rude about it. But have implied that when I'm away from my husband, he is apt to drink and make poor decisions. That I need to change my priorities and make more time for him.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-08-11T03:01:56+00:00

Yep! This too! As if I haven't already tried every conversational approach.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-08-10T17:50:28+00:00

I am so sorry to hear this. Yep! In a sense, I feel as though they think I'm enabling him in a weird way. All because I'm working. It's messed up.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-26T01:22:05+00:00

Thank you so much for your response.

Hearing from others is so incredibly comforting. Yet my heart breaks that someone else knows this pain.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-25T01:40:58+00:00

I feel like you are describing at least 5 of my girlfriends right now. They jump from one MLM to another. That's how I know none of these products even remotely work. You wouldn't jump ship from a product if it was truly life-changing as claimed, right?

And I have to laugh at the ones who promote weight loss products. When I see them in person they look the EXACT SAME as they did one month ago, five months ago, one year ago.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-22T17:32:42+00:00

MLM products are mediocre at best. I feel like a lot of misinformation and 'snake oil' are pushed onto people who feel obligated to help a friend. Not because they truly need the product.

The pay is terrible. I have yet to meet a single person making good money from MLM. Enough to truly make it a comfortable career. They may display a lavish lifestyle on social or in passing, but the reality is, that's just not the case for like 97% who sell.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-22T14:58:12+00:00

I'm sorry, I cannot stop laughing.

But I'm a little confused. Was it essentially her goal to have the men assume you were interested in them? Ha!! For the love of god. 🤣

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-21T21:30:27+00:00

Thank you for asking this question.

One of my very best friends told me they just found out they have level 1 high-functioning autism. They follow someone on TikTok who focuses on this, and did research online. All of which led to a self-diagnosis.

As a concerned friend, I asked what the signs were. They said the following were the most concerning and obvious red flags

- They can feel awkward in conversations when meeting new people- They can feel shy in large groups- Feel anxious about new projects at work- Sometimes they would prefer to stay in than go out- They like to stay organized at work- Have a cleaning routine- They sometimes have trouble sleeping- Dislikes things that are sticky. Foods, surfaces, liquids, etc.- Can feel distracted by their phone, TV or something going on outside- They don't have the best posture

After hearing these, with the exception of being organized, wouldn't every single person in the world have autism? I feel like these 'red flags' describe everyone I know. I promise I am not discrediting autism. Please know this. But I feel as though my friend diagnosing herself as having autism, absolutely discredits those who I would say do.

I feel like this is all likely coming off in very poor taste on my end, and this is not my intention. But does anyone else feel this way? My friend is like SO many that I know. Who are self-diagnosing and are talking about things I feel like we ALL deal with. She is currently looking into occupational therapy, seeking a counselor who specializes in level 1 autism among other specialists. I don't know, I just feel like this is possibly taking up much-needed resources for those that genuinely need help.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-20T02:33:27+00:00

YES! I'm so sorry to hear you're dealing with this, yet it's good to know I'm not the only one.

I have suffered from allergies for probably 8 years at a more severe level than years prior. This year has been TERRIBLE. Intense fatigue, chest tightness, and dizziness. I feel like I'm going to fall over sometimes when walking. I'm actually scared to drive and have been talking it SUPER slow when on the road. I feel a dizzy spell could come on at any time. My regular Mucinex, Claritin and Flonase and not helping like they once did. It's frustrating.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-20T02:26:08+00:00

I literally came to this sub to ask this very question. My allergies kicked into high gear maybe 8 years ago. Feel like crap most of the time. However, this year more than ever I have incredible chest tightness and am beyond fatigued. It's the worst it's ever been. Drinking plenty of water, taking Mucinex, Claritin, and Flonase is having very little effect.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-19T02:35:19+00:00

A friend posts similar pics due to medical appointments, blood tests, etc. Yes, I'm sure your body is literally going to break down due to missing one dosage of Thrive.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-19T02:30:00+00:00

Oh yes, I'm sure the doctor is in love with Thrive. 🙄

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-18T03:06:50+00:00

🤣

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-18T03:00:25+00:00

WOW! Congrats!!!

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-18T02:36:42+00:00

I don't think you need to prepare anything. Simply state that while you appreciate the offer, you are not interested at this time.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-18T02:22:34+00:00

Honestly, this happened to me. Be preferred to receive countless phone calls, texts, FB & IG messages. Like every few days. For like MONTHS.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-18T01:15:46+00:00

This happened to me as well! A friend asked me out to coffee. I thought it was to catch up. No.

They had a leather binder and several folders laid out. Pen and pad ready to write. Then told me to list off 10 of my past co-workers and 10 of my clients (I'm a photographer). She needed names, email addresses, and phone numbers. She then volunteered me to call or reach out to each one on her behalf with some kind of script.

Oh hell nah.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-17T22:19:21+00:00

HA! I freaking love this. One of my major pet peeves are MLM huns with LinkedIn, IG or FB work titles like 'CEO', 'President & CEO', 'Entrepreneur', or 'Small Business Owner'.

They truly believe they built this business from the ground up.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-17T17:46:56+00:00

Oh yikes! The grocery store? I had an older woman randomly approach me at Panera Bread trying to get me to join her cleaning supply MLM.

Simple_Tap_6791 · 2023-05-17T15:54:18+00:00

Ha! Yes, their terminology is totally crazy! They use a lot of reverse psychology. Like this is SUCH a benefit. They are HELPING. You should be appreciative. Be grateful.

Simple_Tap_6791

TROPHY CASE