Kids Sports

[cpd23]

Hi all.
Have a question for the pros. I have been shooting sports and outdoor images for the area papers and just for my enjoyment. I have been approached by some parents wanting to buy copies and pay me to take shots of their kids during the games. I have no problem with the idea but can not find a pricing structure. Any suggestions or pointers.


Thanks in adavance

[AnthonyPat]

My photo hosting is through smugmug.
You won't find a lot of parents wanting to buy action shots in my experience because they get those on their own.
for an 8x10 I would say around 12.00
5x7 around 4-6.00.
A bit on the low end, but some may say too much.
Don't forget to factor in your time, etc.

[Allstar]

Selling Action photos has been the biggest part of my business over the past several years. Lately with every mom getting a "rebel" they think they can get the same shot from the stands. You have to get the word out and let them view your work to show that you can offer what they can't get from 75 feet away. You will need to have the right gear to pull it off also. A good fast long lens is the most important item you must have. Also be careful with the "moms" with the rebels, they often go into the same business as you and can offer very poor photos for very little or for free just to put you out of business.

Good luck

[wsheldon50131]

Also be careful with the "moms" with the rebels, they often go into the same business as you and can offer very poor photos for very little or for free just to put you out of business.


Isnt that every idiot with a digital camera these days? And it dont just hit sports photography only.

[lsc1]

The slickest sports shooting/marketing I ever saw was when my daughter was doing gymnastics. There are four simultaneous events going on and in a gym - which requires a FAST long lens (no flash allowed). Two shooters set up in position to capture two events each and they are rapid firing. Two runners carrying memory cards to a printing area and bringing back empty cards. Two computers and 1 Pro printer are set up in a modular, rock solid cabinet desk on wheels that closes up and locks down for transport when they're done. The cards are inserted, the images imported and then organized into folders with each competitors number. Parents walk up throughout the event and can view their daughters images, select an image (or five), and have them printed on the spot. Seems like an 8X10 was $15 or $20. I can't tell you how much money they were making but the parent's line was long, the credit cards machines were churning and they've been in business for a long time.

Where there is ingenuity, there is profit.

[AnthonyPat]

Originally Posted by lsc1

The slickest sports shooting/marketing I ever saw was when my daughter was doing gymnastics. There are four simultaneous events going on and in a gym - which requires a FAST long lens (no flash allowed). Two shooters set up in position to capture two events each and they are rapid firing. Two runners carrying memory cards to a printing area and bringing back empty cards. Two computers and 1 Pro printer are set up in a modular, rock solid cabinet desk on wheels that closes up and locks down for transport when they're done. The cards are inserted, the images imported and then organized into folders with each competitors number. Parents walk up throughout the event and can view their daughters images, select an image (or five), and have them printed on the spot. Seems like an 8X10 was $15 or $20. I can't tell you how much money they were making but the parent's line was long, the credit cards machines were churning and they've been in business for a long time.
Where there is ingenuity, there is profit.

I haven't gone that far in my setup, mainly due to funds right now, but it seems like for tournaments, etc. the larger photography businesses are doing this because of the impulse buy.

[cpd23]

Thanks for the input all. As you can see I posted this thread in August and had wrote it off. I guess it proves good info comes with patients. I have went another route in my sports photography. I am a stinger for 3 area news papers. The by-line has brought parents to my website and the sells have been slowly increasing each month. Thanks again to all for the great ideas