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Comments
by Tue Jun 21, 2011
My husband is active duty enlisted in the Navy and I own my photography business. For a long time I had my prices set to reach that of the officer community which is much smaller than that of the enlisted. It wasn't until a friend of mine who's husband is an officer told me that she couldn't afford me, b/c even though her husband was an officer they were still living on one income, which many military families do. It was then that I decided to work out my pricing again and offer more collections ranging from $150 (which in speaking with my fellow enlisted families is the average they spend going to the big department stores) to $1050. I had to look at who I had the most contact with and easiest access too, which is enlisted. I am above the department store with my prices but I am also affordable to those people who really appreciate my work and want custom photography, but can't afford a $400+ session. So as a enlisted spouse who understands the pricing of photography and appreciates it I don't agree with the targeting officers only because they make more money. Sure I understand that could possibly mean more money in your pocket, but if you really want to help out military then you should have something for everyone. Maybe have your prices set but have more mini sessions or ongoing mini sessions?
by Mon Jun 20, 2011
I'm retired from the Air Force and was both enlisted and an officer and my father is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. I must disagree with recommendation that a photographer markets towards the officers. While it is true that officer pay is generally higher than enlisted pay, there are many more enlisted troops than there are officers and it doesn't make any sense to do marketing in a fashion that can potentially limit your business. And, just so you know, a senior enlisted member makes more than a junior officer.
by Mon Jun 20, 2011
I'm retired from the Air Force and was both enlisted and an officer and my father is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. I must disagree with recommendation that a photographer markets towards the officers. While it is true that officer pay is generally higher than enlisted pay, there are many more enlisted troops than there are officers and it doesn't make any sense to do marketing in a fashion that can potentially limit your business. And, just so you know, a senior enlisted member makes more than a junior officer.
by Fri Jun 17, 2011
Just went to armedforcesdeals.com. Where's your ad? I didn't see anything listed under the Services: Photography category. I'm curious to see how you're marketing to them and if you've had any results.
by tpattyphoto Thu Jun 16, 2011
I operate my studio in a town with 4 military bases so lots of military clients! We are beginning to advertise on a brand new site that is nation wide geared towards the military: armedforcesdeals.com Our area is in the midst of launching but many bases already have this up and running--another way to reach those military clients.