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  #1  
Old 05-31-2006, 07:25 AM
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Mike_Guilbault Mike_Guilbault is offline
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Feelings about 2006

What is your general feeling about how 2006 is going? Is it better/worse than last year or other years? It'll help to know what type of photography you do too

My sales are almost exactly what they were last year, but my profit is up considerably - I think mostly due to better jobs and more digital vs print sales - so lower costs.

  


White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland

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Old 05-31-2006, 11:50 AM
Guy_Tal Guy_Tal is offline
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Re: Feelings about 2006

So Mike, what type of photography do YOU do? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

For me so far 2006 is better than last year in terms of print sales, but this is more due to me taking more time to pursue exhibit and show opportunities. I'm a fine-art landscape photographer.

Guy

White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland

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Old 05-31-2006, 05:23 PM
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David_Buzzard David_Buzzard is offline
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Re: Feelings about 2006

I'm up over last year. My market is mainly destination resort weddings, so outside considerations are one of the main things. I just did a major price increase that has had an effect, but there are also some other factors.

One thing I did was take digital only packages that I offered on my two hour packages and expanded them into my 4, 6, and 8 hour packages. Last year, my 6 hour package was $1,950.00 including a set of 4x6 prints, but no built album. This year the same package is $2,150.00, but without the 4x6 prints. It's an extra $200.00, but I'm also saving the cost of the printing, plus the time to sort it out, get the printing done, etc. My clients like it as they feel as if they're getting a deal, and it makes my life a lot easier. One thing that I've noticed about clients over the last three years or so is that they are vastly more accepting of digital photography. It used to be that they would insist of having things shot on film. Now they don't even want prints anymore.

I've noticed a shift away from American clients towards Brits in the winter, and Canadians in the summer. A big part of that is the US exchange rate has gone from 60% to 9% over the last few years, and it doesn't seem like the American clients have as much disposable income as they did a few years back. Whistler has become a major destination for the British in the winter, and that's been a good market. The local provincial economy has taken a big jump up over the last couple of years, and we're seeing a big increase there as well.

David Buzzard

White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland

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Old 05-31-2006, 09:49 PM
Vance_James
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Re: Feelings about 2006

I'm down in number of weddings and the size of packages being purchased. Portrait sales are up. Kinda reverse of last year. I think several things are affecting the area. I think disposable income is down because of gas prices, and the number of start ups have increased significantly. It's not just me but all the guys and gals I know in this business is down. 2 more of my friends are thinking about closing at the end of the year. That'll make 7 with a minimum of 20 years experience. Only one studio I know is up, he's high end where as another high end guy is down. For those that make it thru the drought, I believe will be fine, there is just a big transition with-in the business right now, around here.

White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland

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Old 06-01-2006, 11:55 PM
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Mike_Guilbault Mike_Guilbault is offline
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Re: Feelings about 2006

I shoot about 55% commercial & corporate and the rest portrait and weddings. Weddings are down in numbers significantly this year - seem to be booking more partials recently - but next year is already just about even with this year. Starting last fall, family portraits have been on the rise and I'm hoping that will continue this year, hoping it will make up for the drop in weddings (which I really don't mind anyway).

White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland

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