Pricing, etc.

Hey everyone,

  So, I've had problems that every photographer has had when it comes to pricing. I don't want to go to low, because people will think I'm not skilled, I don't want to go too high, because I don't want people to think they're getting ripped off, and finally I want to be fair so I wasn't making anyone pay deposits.

I'm happy with where I've set my price. I think it's a very affordable price for someone starting a business, I charge $75.00 for an hour long session. I don't know what prices are like in your neck of the woods, but here in Portland Oregon it's a GREAT deal! Especially since I put HOURS of editing into my work.

What I am/was struggling with, however, is that I didn't think it would be fair to put in place a non-refundable deposit, like all other photographers do. I've learned from reading enough blogs and from my own experience that it is most definitely necessary. I have been stood up more times than I can count. When you're first starting your business most of your clients are friends, or friends of friends. They often think that this isn't a business transaction but more like friends meeting up so they don't feel bad about cancelling. Never again am I going to set up an appointment with out taking a full deposit. If they pay in full, I don't have to refigure my budget, and I won't feel like it was a total waste of my time if they cancel. What lots of people don't understand is that we photographer put time and effort in preparing for a shoot. We don't just show up with our camera (some might, but I don't). I make cute little props for themes, etc.
Also if they pay in advance they're more likely to actually show up. I don't get disappointed about the money as much as I get disappointed about not getting to take photos. I LOVE photography! Most photographers do, and I love each experience, because they're all so unique.

So, to you newbies like me.... Don't sell yourself short. You are worth what you think you're worth and the right clients will see that for themselves. If they're not willing to pay your price and they're not willing to pay up front, are they really someone you want to work with?

Food for thought! I hope you're all doing well. Please feel free to leave comments, but please be respectful to me and others.


PS. I made my first sale on my Etsy shop. "Especially Made by Jess". How exciting!?!?!?!?!

My travels to Butte, Montana

I figured a good way to be known and seen is to put my art on the web as much as possible. I hope you enjoy my work. Please like me on my facebook page. Jolly Expressions Photography

This is an image of the Berkeley pit mine in Butte, Montana. I love how you can see all the different colors of the minerals in the shaven away mountain. Butte is almost completely surrounded by Mountains, including the Rockies. It's a strange town with it's own kind of beauty. The Berkeley Pit is the largest polluted body of water in the U.S.A. I think it might even take a world record, but I'm not sure. To learn more about the Berkeley Pit, go here!

This picture above is the beautiful Columbia Gorge, from the Oregon side. We (the husband, kids, and I) were on our way back home from Butte, Montana! I absolutely LOVE the beauty of the great North West! We live in a beautiful country!

Now, here we have the most handsome little boy in the entire world... I don't know, maybe I'm bias. This is my adorable nephew whom I've only had the pleasure of meeting once, this very day I was taking these pictures. I have a really cute one of my sister and him smiling big toothy grins at each other. She would hate me for posting it, but maybe I should anyways because it's the most adorable thing EVER!

She may just kill me for this, but how can I not share it! Isn't that the sweetest thing? I wish I lived closer  so I could see him everyday. He's the most easy going little guy I've ever met.


Well you've finally gotten some info about me. My previous posts were posted on a whim when I was starting out a few months ago. My new years resolution is to put more time and energy in expanding my business and that includes spending time on my blog!

Peace and love to you all.
Jessica















All images by Jolly Expressions Photography and/or Jessica Blaske are copy written 2012. All rights reserved. Plagiarism will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

Zazzle and all its wonder

Hey everyone! I just wanted to inform you all about zazzle! If you are an artist of any type this is a GREAT way to sell your art! You get a percentage of the profit, but even better than that your art will be out there somewhere in the world for others to see, use, and share. I have my own shop but haven't spent much time on designing anything super cool. I was just messing around on there... but if you like french mastifs or waterfalls there might be something you're interested in buying. haha. I just wanted to share the awesomeness. Pass it on!


http://www.zazzlecom/JollyGurl?rf=238717303957517737 
This link above will take you directly to my store. 

http://www.zazzle.com/?rf=238717303957517737
And this link will take you to zazzle... but if you buy anything using this link you can potentially make me money.... Why not help a sister out! 

Don't forget to like my facebook page.  http://facebook.com/jollyexpressions

Love you all and thanks for your support