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What's On Your Mind?
Q: I struggle every day with the whole issue of giving images on a CD (high res) for customers to do with as they please. Is there some way professional photographers can actually offer this "professionally" and maintain the quality and artistic value of their work and the finished product?
A: I know everyone has a differnet take on this subject, but this is how I've handled this in the past. I consider digital files to be the same as negatives - they are your rights to profits. Because your business depends on the revenue generated from these files, you can handle it in one of two ways.
The first way is to tell your prospects and clients you maintain control over the images to guarantee 100% quality. You demand professional quality in everything you do, and you wouldn't feel comfortable allowing your images to be printed by substandard labs. You maintain control the entire way through to make sure their albums, enlargements and gift products meet your expectations.
The second way is to offer the digital files at a cost, based on the amount of money they spend with your studio. The more money they spend, the lower the cost of the CD. So, if they 5,000, they may purchase the CD for 150. But if they only spend 2,000, the CD may cost 1200. Tip: Do not announce the CD price before the wedding, and before they place orders. If they know they can get the CD before they order, they will factor that into their spending. Instead, make it a bonus for being a great customer - "Because of your total order, you may purchase the CD today at 1000."
Do you have a question? Let me know, and maybe your question will be in a future edition. | 
