Is your business slowing down due to the economy?

Baldy

For the past year we've been reading headlines and wondering why our business isn't slowing down. We're seeing reports from Marriott, FedEX, etc., saying their businesses are.

Are you seeing it in your photography business or are photos considered so important that people trim their budgets in other ways?

ropeboy

I have not seen a general change this year. But this Sunday I shot a 10K race of 500 runners and the response rate has been atypically low. Last year at the same event there were 350 runners and 12% of them bought a photo. Now with the same photographer, same course, and better average image quality only 2% have responded as of Monday evening. I don't know if it is the sobering news of the congressional bailout difficulties or my business plan but something is amiss. Maybe the internet is down and no one can order anything.

RKnecht

September was my first full month of shooting for a living. So far, sales have been good. Also, I find that people browse my older galleries and buy from them as well. Just another reason to keep those galleries alive.

Bill_M

Festival sales are down approx 50% over last year at most shows. I also handle the financials for our local co-op, our overall sales (all art mediums) are down approx 40% over last year.

Jamfore

sales
My first couple weeks with smug last month I sold 22 pics. Now that there has not been any gas in my area and the economic scare I have not sold a thing. Hope its not a sign of things to come.

brian.conaghan

I just shot a pair of races in mid Sept that I also shot last year. Sales were up a good amount from an already healthy level last year. Overall sales are looking to be ~50% up with the same number of races year over year.

So far it seems like spending $25 on a photo of yourself is an "affordable luxury" as my Dad puts it.

I live in Portland, Oregon, which has not been hurt too hard by the housing mess and our gas stations all have gas.

Thanks,
Brian

coleygm

Prep Sports sales are down...although Seniors & Weddings havn't changed.

swintonphoto

I have definitely felt a hit - as have the other photographers in my community. I have seen an 80% decline in personal & family portraits. However, luckily I am still surviving because my wedding business does not seem to be negatively impacted. Family portraits are a luxury many seem to be holding out on in my area. I am quite worried about getting through the next 4 months actually because family pix have been my wedding off season bread & butter.