HELP! 1st time sports event-need proof help!

imagesofhim

Hi all! Here's a little background--my child is a swimmer. Our local swim club is currently at the YMCA, however, we've received a grant to build an aquatic center, but have to raise $4000.00 in 5 weeks. We've already gotten over $2000.00 and I was asked to do photos as a fundraiser. Okay, no prob... but, I don't normally shoot events. Much research went into posing swimmers, etc. Thursday night I got all of the individual shots and finished processing this a.m. Herein lies the issue... proofs... My current print lab doesn't have what I'm looking for and I've "googled" myself too death. When my child has school photos made, I get an 9x10 envelope with the actual PROOFS printed on the envelope along with the photo packages and prices. WHERE can I find this type of proof envelope? I did find one company at PicturePackages.com, but can't get any response. Because this is a fund raiser, and I donated my time and expertise, time and cost are of the essence... Any help is greatly appreciated!

MODS-if this should go in a different category, please move immediately!!!

angevin1

imagesofhim wrote: »

Hi all! Here's a little background--my child is a swimmer. Our local swim club is currently at the YMCA, however, we've received a grant to build an aquatic center, but have to raise $4000.00 in 5 weeks. We've already gotten over $2000.00 and I was asked to do photos as a fundraiser. Okay, no prob... but, I don't normally shoot events. Much research went into posing swimmers, etc. Thursday night I got all of the individual shots and finished processing this a.m. Herein lies the issue... proofs... My current print lab doesn't have what I'm looking for and I've "googled" myself too death. When my child has school photos made, I get an 9x10 envelope with the actual PROOFS printed on the envelope along with the photo packages and prices. WHERE can I find this type of proof envelope? I did find one company at PicturePackages.com, but can't get any response. Because this is a fund raiser, and I donated my time and expertise, time and cost are of the essence... Any help is greatly appreciated!

MODS-if this should go in a different category, please move immediately!!!

No Option or desire for Online Proofing?

imagesofhim

angevin1 wrote: »

No Option or desire for Online Proofing?

I thought of that, too. In fact, I think that is going to be the best option, however, I don't know the socioeconomic status of several of these kids... so I'm thinking I will talk to the coach, take my laptop and set a date for all parents to come view and order??? Thoughts??

angevin1

imagesofhim wrote: »

I thought of that, too. In fact, I think that is going to be the best option, however, I don't know the socioeconomic status of several of these kids... so I'm thinking I will talk to the coach, take my laptop and set a date for all parents to come view and order??? Thoughts??

I think that is a wonderful idea. The only other thought would be to perhaps have a few printed examples from SM to show as well. I think using the Website as a proofing mechanism is the way to go.

cheers,

PhotoLasVegas

If you have a Costco nearby, you can get coupons for 50 or 100 4x6 prints FREE, with a little searching. that's what we did with a lower-income daycare we shot for Christmas. I do like your idea of proofing meetings - more time spent but your sales will be MUCH higher.

imagesofhim

Hi all!!

First, thank you for so many great ideas! Here's what I ended up doing and it only cost $26.10...

I made a template in PS4 (similar to the templates I use for scrapbooking) and picked the top 3 photos for each child... then, it took about 3 hours, but I got each one on a separate sheet with pricing info and had them printed at FedEx Office... full color!

Our banquet is tonight and I'm setting up a "viewing/ordering" table---then, they'll have their order sheet with printed proofs and can see the other shots and place their orders at that time.

I'm hoping it goes off like gang-busters! I'll keep you all posted...

PhotoLasVegas

Cool! Took a lot of time, and in the future you may spend a bit more money but almost no time by ordering proof sheets from various printers but it looks like it worked out for you!

Just keep in mind, don't give TOO many choices, or they won't make a decision!

Oh, and looks like you are another "migrator" from photoenthusiast (I just realized that). Nice site, i wish it was busier!

imagesofhim

PhotoLasVegas wrote: »

Cool! Took a lot of time, and in the future you may spend a bit more money but almost no time by ordering proof sheets from various printers but it looks like it worked out for you!

Just keep in mind, don't give TOO many choices, or they won't make a decision!

Oh, and looks like you are another "migrator" from photoenthusiast (I just realized that). Nice site, i wish it was busier!

Thanks for the info re proof sheets---we're trying desperately to keep cost LOW---we're trying to get a new aquatic center... cost $6 million!! So, this actually worked out well and the orders are pouring in!!!! Whoo-Hoo!!!

Yes... I was actually here before Photoenthusiast... I was just too embarrassed to post here much... I loved photoenthusiast but didn't find that I was learning much... So... here I am... LURKING daily, learning often and posting occasionally!!!!