Any advice from moms?

cameragirl21 wrote: Hi to all of you!
I'm a professional photographer and often photograph children. Am still a fairly small business and am looking into additional marketing on a fairly modest budget so there's not much room for trial and error.
So I thought I'd go straight to the experts and am wondering how all of you moms found the photographers who take your children's pictures. In other words, what is the best way to reach moms in my area?
Any thoughts or ideas?
Much appreciated,
Jennifer

MyLuvBugs replied: Well, I'm a photographer myself, so I try to take my own shots. But what I don't take, I just go to JCPenney's to have done. (family shots mainly)

Price is a huge issue when you have kids. So, I would suggest that if you're just starting out with your biz to really consider the pricing. Just a suggestion.

MommyToAshley replied: I would say offer a coupon of some sort.

I tried the photographer I use now because of a coupon. I was very impressed with the way she handled children and with the quality of her photos. I haven't gone any place else since then. But, the coupon is what got me there... and of course I spent much more than I intended.

I would suggest creating a website as well, it's easy to update and less costly than reprinting a brochure.

GOOD LUCK... I hope it all works out for you.

cameragirl21 replied: Actually, MommyofAshley, I do have a website and I can give you the address if you like, I just didn't want to post it here because I don't want any of you to think I'm here to try to sell you something.
How did you get the coupon? The coupon thing is a great idea but the question how do you get it to the end customer?
Also, I offer all sorts of albums and scrapbooks and picture cards and birth announcements, etc and am wondering how important selection of product is to moms also.
Thanks and thanks for your insight and that of anyone else who responds to me.
Take care,
Jennifer

MyLuvBugs replied: Well if you're a small biz then just create your own on your computer and leave them places like the mall, family restrooms, motherhood stores, baby stores, play grounds, etc. You can also just walk around neighborhoods and leave them on doorsteps. Probably not in mail boxes b/c that can get you arrested in some parts, but hand them out to people. Dont' be afraid to just walk up to strangers and say "Hi. I'm a new photographer to this community, and I noticed you've got a beautiful family. If you're looking for family pictures, here's my biz card and a coupon." KWIM?

luvmykids replied: I'm not sure if your area has something like this or the cost to get into it, but we get a magazine type deal every few weeks in the mail, I think it's called the Neighborhood Shopping Guide, and it's all coupons for carpet cleaning, lawn service, dry cleaning, etc. I'm always on the lookout there for services.

cameragirl21 replied: You are all so nice and helpful, thanks and thanks!
Ok, so here is one more question--do you have only certain times of the year, like Christmas, Easter, birth of a new baby, child's bday, etc that you get pictures done or is it fairly random?
In other words, if you saw a good deal for professional pics of your child, would you do it at any given time or would you be inclined to wait until a certain occasion even if the offer would expire by then?
I guess I am trying to figure out just how much of a luxury pro pics are to parents...
Thanks again,
Jennifer

luvmykids replied: In the four years we've had kids, we've only done it once but I'd like to start doing them annually and/or Christmas.

MommyToAshley replied:
I get Ashley's pics taken three times a year. Christmas, Easter, and her birthday. So, I would suggest doing the coupons around Easter or Christmas. But, then again, that is when all the other studios do their coupons.

I also like the plans where you pay $20 (or whatever)/year and get free photo sessions, discounts, or bonus photos with the package.

MyLuvBugs replied: I can't speak for other moms, but I'm an occassion person. Holidays, birthdays, new baby, etc are the main ones we hit each year. Although when you have a new baby it seems like they change soooo fast that you're getting pics done at specific milestones (ie. newborn, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 18 months, etc.)

I'd definately promote yourself a lot more than normal around holidays like Christmas and easter....BUT remember they normally want the pics BEFORE said holiday, so you'd need to start promoting your biz in October for Christmas and in February for Easter. Those can bring in lots of clientale. But I'd probably also have a standing coupon for parents of newborns. Liek a new baby coupon or something...HEY! Maybe see if the local hospitals would allow you to put coupons in some of their newborn goodie bags that they give to new parents! It's an idea anyway.

cameragirl21 replied: It's funny you should say that, MommytoAshley because I was just going to ask how you moms would feel about subscriptions where you pay a certain amount and get a certain amount of sessions per year!
you read my mind!
btw, I saw in another thread that you live in Ohio, lol, I'm from Toledo but now live in South Florida, much nicer weather and I can shoot year around outside, which I love...I love natural backgrounds.
Also, I LOVE that black and white pic of Ashley to the far right, I noticed it right away, it's beautiful.
Take care,
Jennifer

MommyToAshley replied:
Thank you... it was taken by the photographer I spoke of earlier. The far left and far right were taken by the same photographer. The pic in the middle ... well, that is a sore spot with me, it was taken by a photographer at a dance studio.

I bet you will be able to get some really beautiful pics outside... what a change from Ohio to Florida, huh? I'm jealous.

ashtonsmama replied: I would try Craig's List first, their website is great for making all sorts of connections! Good luck!

cameragirl21 replied: Thanks and thanks to all of you awesome moms! The best way for me to provide the best service to my clients is to understand what a potential client wants and is looking for.

If any of you ever want tips on the best ways to photograph your kids, or have questions about albums, scrapbooks, or have any questions/issues about professional photographers, please let me know if I can be of help.

Take care,

Jennifer

C&K*s Mommie replied: G/L with your new business!

Boo&BugsMom replied:
You could target the area's childcare's. Only charge for the picture costs. At the daycare I ran, we had a guy offer his services for free, aside from the general cost of the pictures. Offer to come in for a picture day for parents to order school pictures. Several parents went back to him for pictures later on in the year as well.

redplaydoh replied: Check and see if there is a local MOM's Club chapter and distribute coupons at one of their business meetings. My old chapter in Connecticut set up an event one time to get the kid's pictures taken, we had a small sitting fee and a few packages to choose from. I remember I got the proofs and an 8x10 with some smaller pics to share with the family. I wasn't impressed though, because I felt rushed by the photographer because she had to leave to pick her kids up from daycare. I had the last appointment of the day unfortunately...
We also had coupons from various photographers in our goodie bag from the hospital.
Maybe see if pediatricians in your area would be willing to let you place something in the waiting room.

ZandersMama replied: maybe post ads in the local newspaper with a cut-out coupon, then you would be reaching alot of people

mamasbigbaby replied: Good luck!!