Greta asks:
In your opinion, do you think its ok to offer CD’s? I can’t decide whether or not to offer them or not. I don’t want some of the problems that come along with it (i.e. re-editing/posting) I personally do not want a CD from any photog OR studio (back in the day) when we get pics done.
I don’t know – what do YOU think?
So often new photographers ask this and similar questions and then are bombarded with opinions, which just serve to further confuse the issue.
None of us are the perfect photographer or the perfect businessperson and none of us can give you an answer to what is truly a personal decision.
It’s okay to offer CDs if YOU would like to offer CDs. (For the sake of clarification – I am assuming we are talking about high resolution digital files). If you do not want to offer CDs, then don’t. It’s your call. Your business. Your decision.
Sure, you can ask for input and opinions, but like belly-buttons, everybody has one.
You can sell whatever you want. You can package roasted peanuts and sell them in your studio. Perhaps you have a circus theme. Perhaps your last name is Ringling. Perhaps you’re just weird.
The point is – don’t let me or anyone else tell you how to run your business. It might be easier to ask other established photographers what they do and then go along with the majority, but why? If you cannot give good solid reasons for why you conduct business in a certain manner, then you don’t believe in what you’re doing. Photography is not a a standard cookie cutter type of career. Personalize your business with offerings and decisions that are meaningful to you.
So, while I am not adverse to offering sassy advice about what NOT to do, I won’t be holding your hand and telling you what product line to offer or what pricing to place on your work. Put them big girl panties on and suck it up a little and make some hard decisions on your own. You’ll be prouder in the end.