Pssst . . . want a job?

I don't actually talk with a lot of photographers but there are a couple that I share and bounce ideas with. And Pat in Brisbane refers his Melbourne enquiries to me. One such referral came a couple of days ago. A company was sponsoring an awards night and wanted a photographer to cover it.

As it happens, we were already booked for the date. However, the company was looking for a photographer to cover the event for nothing and make money by selling the photos afterwards around the tables at the function. Now, there are businesses that do this, and they regularly advertise for photographers.

My approach is different - I charge an attendance fee designed to cover my costs and then set up a website so the guests can view the photos and purchase any they like. The website also promotes the sponsor's involvement in the event with messages and logos - it's a great way to maximise the funds the company has spent in the sponsorship deal. The guests are happy - they don't get photographed while they are eating because we don't have to rush off to get the photos printed, they don't get pressured into purchasing a photo, they get to see all the photos of the event on the website, and there's no bun-fight at the end of the night trying to find your photo - it's a win-win situation.

Of course there is an attraction for the company to get something for nothing, but in my view, it's a little short-sighted. And of course there are non-profit organisations like schools and clubs that don't have the money to employ a professional photographer. And some people do like to take home a souvenir on the night, so I have been working! I'm about to launch the Photoeventz "Click to Print" service - onsite printing at events. I'll provide the service in conjunction with my mobile studio set-up. It's been a process getting it right, but after investigating and trialling a few different options, I'm satisfied that the set-up I have chosen will provide a good value package for my clients.

The past few weeks have been used for consolidation. I have had a number of albums to produce and the "Click to Print" service has taken some time to set up. June is going to be very busy with a ball, a major conference, a children's theatre group performance (some 3000 kids over four venues) and a couple of weddings.