I have had an epiphany today. I believe my photographic doldrums are due to the fact I have gotten away from my core competencies. Hunh? What is she talking about?
When I started my business, I wanted it to be entirely digital with prints as options. I was losing business though because people are mired in “prints”. Recently, I believe I have lost wedding business because my packages have been geared for long days and the rest is just a confusing bunch of numbers (so says Ron).
My “Story of My Day” tests went outside the norm of my process resulting in poor returns.
Why oh why? Because I’ve gotten away from what I started — gotten away from what I’m good at. And I’m going back to it. Ron’s going to help me revamp the pricing model — numbers will be the same for standard stuff, but there is going to be some cool options and we’re just going to try it.
I am tired of lab prints sucking and having to be resent. I’m tired of my lab eating into my profits right and left. I want to give back to the community in lots of ways and just can’t do it when the print costs suck 30% out of the business.
No, I’m not giving up the icky prints… too many people want those, but I’m going to really FOCUS my digital options and make it compatible for portraits and weddings. I am going to be *THE* photographer if you want digital files. 🙂