Best Business Practices for Photographers, Third Edition, 3rd Edition

Chapter 4

Planning and Logistics: Why a Thirty-Minute Shoot Can Take Three Days to Plan

An oft-heard refrain from the unknowing client is, “Why is it so much? It’s only a(n) . . .

• . . . 30-minute press conference.”
• . . . portrait that will take 10 minutes.”
• . . . hour-long reception.”
• . . . shoot where we need one good photograph.”

And the list goes on.

There is an old story about a customer with an ill-performing car who comes into a mechanic’s shop for a repair. The mechanic, after less than five minutes of looking at the car, reports to the owner that the fee will be $250. The customer is relieved that it’s not higher and approves the estimate. The mechanic returns five minutes later to report that the car is now repaired and ready to go. ...