Multi selling help needed

[pkondz]

For the last few years I've been shooting my daughter and her classmates at various dance competitions. I usually hand out prints to the girls (or their moms). I've been getting more and more requests to take pictures. It's a hobby, not a job so I don't charge anybody anything. I get paid in hugs and thankyous and that's just the way I want it.

The problem is, one of the moms approached me and asked if I would shoot the graduation ceremony at her daughter's high school. She wanted a photo of each graduate as he/she accepted their diploma and also any awards that were being given out. Their original photographer canceled out and was going to charge $15/person and provide everyone with a website address and password so they could download their picture(s).

While I don't mind shooting 150 kids getting their diplomas, I definitely don't want to start getting into handing out photos on an adhoc basis! People are not going to be happy with a 5X7 and a demand for a couple of bucks.

Anyone know of a website where I could do something like this? I'm thinking maybe they mail or drop off a cheque and I email them a password? Or am I just overcomplicating things.

I just want to take a pic or two of each kid and let the parents print off what they want. Or maybe offer a choice of prints. i.e. let me know what you want, here's the price.

 

[photo_chick]

So you're just looking for a secure gallery to point them to? Smugmug and Zenfolio both offer secure galleries. Other photo hosting sites do as well but those are two that have the least amount of image optimization. Get the phone number and email address of everyone who pays and email out the password. The phone number is backup in case the email bounces.

Be aware you will have people who hand the password over to friends who didn't pay so they can get in for free. Most people are honest and will pay, but there are always a few who want things for free. BUt I think it's definitely a much better plan that handing over prints... unless you sell a package of prints before hand that they pay for in advance.

And one last thing... make sure you've talked with school officials with this and not just a parent before hand.