Sunday, August 23

Have I Created a Monster?

I'm off this Thursday to Vermont to shoot the Training 3-Day at GMHA. Once again I will have a team of (wonderful) helpers so that I can operate a viewing station on-site. To the casual visitor this may not seem like a big deal, but trust me, it is. And after the first two events doing this I am beginning to wonder if I haven't created a Monster.

On the rider's side... being able to see one's photos while still at the event is a fun thing. No waiting a few days/weeks until they are posted on the website. My set-up works well too because the person manning the viewing station can show how the images would look straightened, cropped etc. and it seems many like this feature. They can of course, order prints etc. right then and there and I offer Event Specials (ex. free shipping) to encourage orders. Many do place orders, but frankly, the majority seem to just want to look at their pics and those of their friends, critique them, laugh at them, admire them, but not order them.

On the Hoof Pix side... this whole venture is stressful and very expensive to operate. I won't itemize what it takes, but the costs, so far, out weigh the proceeds... BIG time. For one, having a "team" means payroll. Luckily for me (and my customers), my team has consisted of FANTASTIC friends who just want to help and are OK with not getting paid. That said, I take care of all travel, accommodations, food expenses for my "team". Multiply that by 5 or 6 people ...and the sale of a few 4x6 Proofs @ $10 each ain't gonna cut it. Plus I feel I am living on borrowed time. How long will these wonderful friends want to keep helping me? With each new event, I struggle to find enough "volunteers" to help. The caveat is that I can't do this with just one or two helpers... I need at least 4 more bodies who are computer-savvy and/or able to shoot AND are happy working long hours with no pay!

So what is the solution I ask myself? Should I continue to offer this service (on-site viewing) at selected events or return to my usual business workflow of shooting alone (or with an occasional assistant) and posting the images a week or two after the event? Sure would cut down on expenses. If I no longer continue the on-site service, will I start hearing the complaints? get passed over as official photographer for another who can do this? I fear the Monster has raised it's ugly head, the Monster being my customers who now have expectations but don't want to pay for them.