Think Winning a Free Photoshoot is the Perfect Solution to your tight budget? Here's What You Need to Know to Protect Your Wallet!

"Congratulations, you've won a runner-up prize!" your email subject line shouts.

Amazing, right? You’ve entered a contest, and you’ve won! Surely this is the budget-friendly opportunity you’ve been waiting for to get a free photoshoot in Lancaster & Morecambe?

But as an industry insider, I’m here to let you in on a little secret....... between 75 and 100% of the people who entered that contest probably won the same prize.

Wait, what?

Yes, these "free photoshoot contests" are actually a common marketing strategy used by in-person sales photographers. The goal isn’t just to hand out free photoshoots—they’re using it as a tactic to get you into their studio, where they hope you'll fall in love with their work. Once you see those beautifully edited images, resisting buying more than just your "free" image can be tough.

 

 

How In-Person Sales Photographers Work

In-person sales photographers make most of their money through upselling. Here's the process:

1. The Free Offer: The "free photoshoot" usually includes a session and a single image—digital or printed. Sometimes it's a small print or a low-resolution digital file.
2. The Shoot: You go in for your session, get pampered, and have an enjoyable experience. The photographer captures stunning images, showing you and your loved ones in the best possible light.
3. The Reveal: After the shoot, you’ll be invited to view your images in person. The photographer will present you with a beautiful gallery of images, all edited and retouched to perfection. This is where the upsell comes into play. The aim is to make you fall in love with the collection so much that choosing just one “free” image feels impossible.

 

Beware of the Hidden Costs

While the session may have been free, this is where your budget can take a hit. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. High-Pressure Sales: During the in-person reveal, the photographer may use emotional sales tactics. You'll be sitting in front of a gorgeous slideshow of your images, and they'll subtly (or not-so-subtly) encourage you to purchase more.

2. Expensive Packages: Often, you'll be presented with package deals where the more images you buy, the lower the cost per image becomes. Packages can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the photographer's pricing model.

3. Single Image Costs: While you may get one image for free, additional images are rarely cheap. Be prepared for each image to cost anywhere from £50 to £500 or more, depending on the photographer's market and location.

4. Add-ons and Prints: You might also be tempted to buy prints, albums, or wall art. These products often come with a mark-up, which adds up quickly.

 

 

How to Protect Your Budget:

Before you go all-in on that free shoot, here are a few things to research and plan:

1. Check Their Price List: Ask for the photographer's full price list before booking. Understand how much additional images or products will cost so you’re not blindsided after the session.

2. Set a Firm Budget: Decide in advance how much you're willing to spend beyond the "free" image. Be realistic about what you can afford and stick to it.

3. Know Your Willpower: If you tend to make impulsive purchases or have a hard time saying no, this might not be the best way to get a shoot on a budget. It takes iron willpower to walk away with just that single included image.

4. Consider the Value: If you genuinely need professional images and can afford to purchase a few extra, this can still be a good deal. Just know it's not truly "free." The photographer is counting on you spending more once you're in the door—after all, it’s their livelihood.

 

 

So Why Do Photographers Do This?

In-person sales photographers rely on emotional connections to their work. By offering a free session, they're reducing the risk on your end and giving you a taste of their services. But it’s still a business. The free session is the hook, and the upsell is where they recoup their costs and make a profit.

This doesn't mean it's a bad practice! It’s a mutually beneficial strategy—if you go in with a clear plan and understand how the system works. You get beautiful photos, and they get paid for their time and skill. But if you’re truly on a tight budget, and you don’t want to spend anything beyond the free offer, proceed with caution.

 

 

Conclusion:

Winning a free photoshoot might seem like an easy way to get professional images on a budget, but it's crucial to recognize the marketing tactics behind it. While the allure of a "free" session is tempting, many find themselves spending far more than expected on additional images and products.

An alternative option, especially if you're looking for baby photography in Lancaster or Morecambe, is to seek out a photographer who offers all-inclusive packages that fit your budget from the start—like mine. With a clear, upfront pricing structure, you know exactly what you're getting, with no hidden costs or high-pressure sales. This ensures you can capture those precious memories without any financial surprises.

If you're on the hunt for a baby photographer in Lancaster or Morecambe who provides beautiful, high-quality images with transparent pricing, I’m here to help! You can enjoy a stress-free experience and get all the images you love without breaking the bank.

So the next time you receive that “Congratulations, you’ve won a runner-up prize” email, you’ll know what to expect—and that there’s a better, budget-friendly option for capturing your special moments.