By Tammy Porter on | No Comments
We all know how exciting it is to book a photo session. That excitement carries into the day of the shoot and increases as we rush home to get those images on our computer for a real look!
Often we get so excited about the beginning of the process and tend to forget our job does not end there. We still have to present the images to our clients, and then after they place an order, present them with their beautiful prints. To me, this is almost as much fun as taking the shots!
Let me tell you up front, I LOVE PACKAGING! I love all things ribbons, bows, and paper!
There are just so many ways to present your photo prints and albums to your clients - and it is a fun problem to have. Tip: I make sure to buy wrapping paper on sale year round whenever I see beautiful rolls that catch my attention. And I don’t always use the same packaging either, I really love to play with multiple patterns.
If you do In Person Sales (IPS) it’s always a great idea to have all the items you offer to show them at your photography client meetings. Keep in mind, most pro labs have special pricing on studio samples, so you should NOT have to buy your samples for full price. Sometimes you can even get samples for free!
One of the hardest things for clients to really visualize is the size of prints. To help them with this, I like to have the same image on all print sizes I offer, from wallet all the way up to 24x36. When clients see all of these sizes together they generally realize how small an 8x10 or 11x14 really is, and will typically order the larger prints.
I like to show specialty items like wood prints and metal prints as well. These are becoming popular and will really catch your client's attention if they can actually hold one of these in their hands.
With the ease of using the internet, you really have an unlimited supply of custom designed products available at your fingertip. One of my favorites, Kraft & Jute has really fun and stylish options. From stickers that include your professional photography business name to personalized tissue wrapping paper and ribbons, the combinations are endless.
Here are some of my favorite photography packaging ideas:
One fun and cost-effective way to personalize the delivery of your prints is to use specialized flat paper bags to slide your prints into. These are quick, easy to use and are available in all colors and sizes. You can even have your business name pre-printed on them. Of course, you will need a few sizes: some smaller bags for your gift prints, and then bigger ones for your larger print sales. Finish these off with personalized stamps or stickers - your clients will LOVE it!
Another option is wrapping paper - personally one of my favorites! I mean who doesn’t love to rip open a beautifully wrapped gift? There are so many options here - from a nice natural butcher paper style, to any print imaginable. Just make sure to choose one that fits the look and feel of your brand.
Definitely consider wrapping paper if you are not ready to order a larger quantity of photo print bags, or have not yet decided on your branding. And don't forget to finish off your paper with layers of ribbon and a beautiful tag!
Professional Photo Boxes and Album Boxes are a very attractive and convenient way to package multiple smaller prints or full albums. Both WHCC and Millers have great box options available for purchase, or you can find other styles on sites such as Etsy. Options include custom wood keepsake boxes, or just a firm cardstock style with a ribbon. These boxes will benefit you and your client, making the prints easily portable and your client will feel more safe taking them out to show others, which in turn is great free advertising for you!
Once you have a firm grasp on what your brand and “look” is, consider getting a few extra items that can be handed out to clients as small gifts when you meet for a photo session, or as perks for spending a certain amount with you.
These can be custom USBs, water bottles, pens, shirts, hats, cloth bags, the list is truly endless. You will want these items to be fun and useful so the client actually uses them, helping to get your name and brand seen by their family and friends.
When choosing your photography packaging, try to put yourself in your client's shoes. Think of the amount of money you are charging and what you as the consumer would expect to receive for paying that fee. Imagine you will be on the receiving end of this package, and what it would say about the business. Whatever you choose, you will want your packaging to reflect how you want your clients to feel about your business - professional, unique, fun...?
At the end of the process, I always truly enjoy personally handing my clients a beautifully wrapped “gift” of their prints and/or album!
When you take the time to treat the products you offer as something TRULY SPECIAL, your client will feel that way as well. It will be a great ending to a memorable photography session that will keep you fresh in their minds for next time.
Do you have any questions or comments about Photography Packaging? Leave us a comment below - we would LOVE to hear from you! And PLEASE SHARE this post using the social sharing buttons (We really appreciate it)!
Tammy is a child photographer based in the desert of Arizona. A mother of two, a wife, and a secret lover of interior design. She spends her days juggling a hair salon, a budding children's jewelry line, and her camera. Photography is the driving force behind her relentless need to create beautiful things. You can follow her on Facebook.
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