Professional Location Shoot - $25 - Gold Coast/Brisbane/Tweed

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• 

  klif-e on 09/03/2009 - 21:42

  -3

  Since when are you allowed to self advertise on this site?

  • 

    jong on 09/03/2009 - 21:49

    +1

    Since always?

    Many business owners post deals on here. So long as they identify themselves as being related to the business, and it's actually a bargain, there's no problem.

    • 

      whichtyler on 09/03/2009 - 22:15

      +1

      Yeh, but they should apply to Scotty for a rep badge first. Even so, a few still get through and are deemed to be a bargain.

      Why am I voting this down? This deal is practically identical to those used by the "boring repetitive chain store photographers" like Starshots and looks to be of the exact same business model. Pay a little for the shoot, pay a lot for the photos - often with high pressure sales techniques. Now I could be wrong about this - but even if that's not the case, the deal is still no better.

      Secondly, and please try and take this as constructive criticism - that's how I mean it, is the voucher design. Now I've had professional shots taken in the past and part of the package includes the work done in photoshop afterwards. Even the rest of the package i.e. makeup, not to mention the photography, whilst not graphic design - it's still a highly creative discipline. There's just something a little unprofessional about the finish of the voucher. If it were for say an IT store or something, I'd probably let it slide, but for something art/media related, especially where the cheapest package is $270, I just can't

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 09/03/2009 - 23:25

        Yes - MM - I will agree with most of what you say - but I do disagree with what you say about graphic design - it is a totally separate field and particularly specialised.

        What we are hoping to achieve is to show people how real professional photography differs from the piecemeal one usually finds in studio chains. OK so our business model is not original - but our product is simply better - we're just asking for an opportunity to prove it.

        • 

          covert on 10/03/2009 - 06:54

          -1

          @[Deactivated]: Photo session price is over-inflated then heavily discounted to make it looks like a bargain.

          Print costs are inflated.

          The ops web site has no costs to make a comparison of the savings.

          Why not be honest about the cost… Add it all up into a package with one price.

          Of the little cost information on there website this is interesting for comparison..

          "We have an exciting range of sessions that include prints and canvas from only $295"

• 

  TeaEarlGreyHot on 09/03/2009 - 21:45

  -1

  It seems to be a rapidly growing recent trend!

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 09/03/2009 - 23:06

    +3

    For those bargain hunters who left negatives - we did ask permission first and we were asked to make it plain that we were promoting our own business. I feel we did that right at the outset

    We are just a husband and wife - no more -we're not out to rip anyone off - just honest small business people trying hard to make a buck in hard times.

    Sorry if anyone disapproves - this is a genuine offer.

    • 

      TeaEarlGreyHot on 09/03/2009 - 23:20

      -1

      You had me confused there for a moment: "for those … who left negatives",,, what, your prints are now ready to collect?
      [ :- { )

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 09/03/2009 - 23:26

        well said - both of us are laughing our heads off - next time I will proof read it again - and again

        • 

          TeaEarlGreyHot on 09/03/2009 - 23:31

          -1

          @[Deactivated]: I wasn't sure if the pun had been unintentional or not, but I got a good giggle out of it too at any rate.
          Live Long and Prosper.
          [ :- { )

• 

  tim_geo on 10/03/2009 - 00:56

  I feel sorry for you Eglathangion… your post was not at all deceiving, and especially if you've asked for permission first.

  I like it how you've made it clear the cheapest print package is $295, you've differentiated yourself from people running the "business model" not to outline all costs, and in the end wastes everyone's time.

  You are right about graphics design, it is definitely a different field to photography. However I think Marlboro Man makes a fair point too, presentation makes a difference. Although I think your voucher design while not fantastic definitely looks passable, but not sure about your choice of photos… just my opinion.

  • 

    freddy on 10/03/2009 - 01:06

    +3

    It is a little bit deceiving. The real cost ($25 + $295 + … ) should be in
    the big heading, and the details in the small print.
    The sad thing is that we have all got used to this sort of trickery.

    • 

      pw2002au on 10/03/2009 - 07:49

      Perhaps some comparison about what you get for different packages would be useful - eg: for $295 you get - 2x8" prints and …. and … for $500 you get xyz.

    • 

      SomeGuyOnOzB on 10/03/2009 - 12:59

      +1

      If eglathon is good at directing the subject for the photo, that $25 alone gives a person tips on how to pose for photos and how to look better in photos.

      ---

      If one wants photos well, they have mentioned packages start at $295. Though if they do note it in the heading eg (photos charged separately) or something … the offer will get less criticism etc

      ---

      If I've read this correctly, it is different to a studio shoot in that, they are potentially agreeing to go to some other place to do the shoot for you and not charging for petrol or travel time.

      So, it could be a place which has some meaning, maybe a park, outside a restaurant …

• 

  [Deactivated] on 10/03/2009 - 08:59

  +1

  @eglathangion, I'm sorry for the minority (yet extremely vocal) element of this site.

  As soon as I saw your post, I figured you'd be hit hard by them. They tend to be extremely critical - looking for a 'bargain' that matches their strict definition of what a bargain is meant to be.

  Take their harsh criticism with a grain of salt. They don't represent most of the users of this site.

  Cheers

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 10/03/2009 - 17:57

    +2

    Thank You - we were both a little taken aback at some of the posts. I understand their points and thank everyone for their comments.

    Like I said we're just a small company hoping to show attract new clients and show them just how good a real professional shot can be (and no shooting jokes you lot)

    As for bargains - we know a LOT of people took up Christmas coupons with some of those major chains with a similar "hook" - and ended up with smiley faces in front of a mottled background - who doesn't have one on the mantle piece.

    OUR Clients have sunrises on Kurrawa beach - the Forests of Tamborine, the Storey Bridge, waves crashing over Point Danger. - for similar kinds of price tags - THATS a bargain! :)

    Thanks Again
    Danny

• 

  Castrom8 on 10/03/2009 - 11:04

  At first I admit I also thought "another one of those offers…" but I must say I highly respect eglathangion for coming back and dealing with all that criticism. He's making lots of sense. Sadly, marketing works that way today. To get people's attention you have to make things look cheaper and appear as a major bargain. Surely the cost have to be matched elsewhere, otherwise it would be charity and not a business model.
  IMHO eglathangion have done everything right and by the book. I wish good luck with your business!

  • 

    freddy on 10/03/2009 - 11:29

    -2

    Its dishonest.
    Just because it is common and legal does not mean it should be tolerated here.

    Anyone who disagrees is welcome to a free $100 from me.*

    • just send $120 P&H. Cheques will not be honoured. $500 minimum purchase. Must be over 180yrs old.
• 

  elcheapo on 10/03/2009 - 11:30

  +1

  Can I opt for the photos copied to my usb drive (and save $295+ "printing" fees?)

• 

  Evil-Elmo on 10/03/2009 - 12:36

  +1

  I don't think it's a bargain so I'm not going to vote positive, but I think some of you are being a bit harsh towards Eglathangion. He might not have explicitly outlined all the costs at the start, but all the information appears to be there for the consumer to make an informed decision on whether or not they want to engage this service.

• 

  SomeGuyOnOzB on 10/03/2009 - 13:09

  -> eglathon:

  Out of curiosity, how much are your photos, if not in a package deal?

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 10/03/2009 - 17:49

    +1

    Thanks everyone for all your comments - nice and even not so nice - we take it all on board without prejudice.

    Our print prices start at $69. Yes that is expensive. For all the knockers I'll give you the short story - Say you lived in a fictional coastal area - let's call it the Silver Coast. Now on the Silver Coast there are literally hundreds of "photographers" and chain stores who will give you photos of your special event for a fixed price - on a disc for you to print at that major department store. But on the Silver Coast there is just 7 count them 7 REGISTERED ACCREDITED professional photographers.

    These people work full time in the industry, their business is audited by their peers and measured against a Code of Ethics. These professionals have invested up 10s even 100s of thousands of dollars in equipment and training, years in practice, and spend hours or days before during and after your event making sure you get the best image on the best medium (paper, canvas, acrylic etc). These professionals have to answer to their peers if they let you down. These professionals work hard to make sure you get the very best.

    Where will Harry Weekend Shooter be when your Big W prints bleed ink? Lost your CD ? sorry.

    Going to a registered professional may cost more but it is worth every cent. Just give us the chance to show you how.

    You wouldn't go to a weekend Nurse, or a part time doctor - or an amateur vet even

    Check out www.elcheapophotography.com.au - it's a great blog with the reasons for and against.

    • 

      freddy on 10/03/2009 - 18:03

      So why are you selling yourself for $25 then?
      Grow some balls and state your real rates up front.
      Nobody says you can't charge $250/hr or whatever. We just get pissed off with all the pretence.

      Does a Doctor advertise $10 consults and then make his profit by selling overpriced drugs?

• 

  AntMan76 on 10/03/2009 - 13:40

  Pretty standard way of charging for this type of business (not dissing you)

  A friend got married recently and I tried to find a photographer who would charge for their time only, the photos (the ones they were happy with) to be provided on disk/usb/whatever for printing or using in slideshows as we saw fit (my photoshop skills are more than adequate). I got flamed to buggery for even asking on a local photography site but I'm not a fan of paying exhorbitant fees for a printed picture. I might be tight but I am right at home on this site. :)

  I don't have a problem with the posted bargain, but its pretty similar to other businesses offering the same.

• 

  SomeGuyOnOzB on 10/03/2009 - 13:47

  I know some people who got their photos on disk. The price was about the same as getting the album printed out. But it had the flexibility they could put it on DVD (way easier to carry around and to put into a fire proof safe) and could always print off low quality ones to send to family or email around :)

  But I'm talking about a wedding album … I have no idea about it for this photo shoot :)

• 

  slowmo on 10/03/2009 - 17:35

  +2

  IMO, i think it's more of an issue of a misleading title. At least I got interested with the $25 offer, then put off by the $200 plus printing in the same sentence. most posts here are quite straight forward, $xx plus s/h. - very straight forward ads. I've got a suggestion, since it's $25, might as well throw it in free and say "pay only for photo processing (t&c applies)". not voting up or down this, I think there is value in the discounts.

• 

  englam on 11/03/2009 - 01:14

  Many of you guys are missing the point. You are able to have a photo shoot and presumably a preview of that shoot for $25. If you don't like what you see don't buy. You have only paid $25. Many (if not most) pro photographer have a much larger booking fee with the same or similar print/album price. And if you think these prices are steep,do a survey of pro prices and do the sums. No I am not affiliated with these guys but I am a Pro photographer and lecturer. Good photography (and not so good) is expensive. Fact.

• 

  SomeGuyOnOzB on 11/03/2009 - 10:23

  I reckon there are 2 points.

  1. People want bargains to be displayed clearly on this site.
     No unpleasant surprises for themselves or others.

  2. Is the offer a bargain (as compared with the competition).

  ---

  (1) Separate charging of photos, is a surprise for some people, has surprised others and or is perceived to pose an unpleasant surprise for people. This is an issue for some people on this site. I personally know people who have gone for such photo shoots and not realized till afterwards that photos would cost so much or be charged differently.

  (2) There are a number of people who think that compared to other members of the industry, this is a bargain.

  ---

  Maybe everyone has their point, just that people are talking at cross purposes.

  ---

  -> eglathangion
  If you change the title, you can probably satisfy a lot of people who object under point (1) and swing the discussion around to just point (2)