On the Spot Printing for parties and events

[Hazeb1]

Aloha,

I've been asked to cover parties/events and offer "on the spot" printing. I'm wondering If anyone can provide experiences and advice regarding offering this type of service, and which portable printer options will yield quality results. I was thinking something that would provide up to 5x7", maybe even 8x10"

Any input would be much appreciated.

[mknittle]

Darn! I just read an article where a guy was doing just that for weddings. I can't remember where I saw it though. I will let you know if I remember where it was.

The guy that wrote the article would take some shots do some post processing show the images so the clients could pick what they liked and proactive in other shots. kinda a neat idea.

[Andrew76]

Check out a thread started on January 4th, in the General Photography forum entitled "On The Go Printing", by JR1.

I'm not sure it will answer all of your questions, but there's some good info in there.

[William W]

Kodak 6850 is good. You might be able to find a Kodak 6800 second hand which would be almost as good.

These both will be (should be) relatively inexpensive.Kodak may be discontinuing paper in 2014 (this year) you need to research that.

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Sony would be worth a look if you think that this is a long term gig.


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Apropos advice: I would assume any advice would be predicated upon the idea that you want to make money out of the venture?

If so then advice depends upon what are the EXACT constituents of the shoot.

For example if it is a more formal/controlled/organized occasion, like a Debutant Ball, then it will be imperative that every Girl and Partner is captured, so you must have a management system for that and also understand what the meaning of an exact Time Line is and you must work within that time line or you will be dead in the water.

For a formal organized occasion, the cost of the Prints might already implied in the attendance ticket of the event - or if such is not, then it would be good for you to get it so.

On the other hand, if it is a more casual affair and you are shooting on speculation, then I advise you to consider your marketing strategy very carefully, because you will sell near fewer than nil, once they all leave the venue.

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On site printing has a limited life, IMO: and I don't use it now at all except I kept one printer and we have fun at family gatherings - especially when there are a lot of children present - THEY get to take the photos.[*1]

I shoot the event and upload directly to a website in real time + a few minutes - whereby the Prospect can link in via their smart phone; proof the sample and order online: the printing (and thus the overhead of same) is outsourced.

The Client received the package in the mail in a few days // but they have had the image "in their hands" moments after the shot was made. This works well for me - I cover more towards the higher end social events.

You can search service providers in your area, I am reasonably sure "Shoot Proof" would service Hawaii.

WW


Footnote *1
But I got a refurbished Polaroid Camera for a Christmas present, so I used that at the Boxing Day family gathering - it cost me a fortune for film . . .

[rpcrowe]

There are often photographers at dog shows who provide formal portraits of dogs on-the-spot. These are formal portraits taken in a single location, often a canopy with sides, background and lights. This is a different operation from the contracted show photographer who shoots the winning dogs and their owners.

The camera is tethered to a computer running an editing program and that computer is connected to a printer.

The photographer will photograph the dogs, and an assistant will show the client proofs and the client will select which images he or she wants printed and in which size.

I most stress, however, that these images are shot under controlled conditions in one spot. There is very little post processing needed and there is always electric current to work the computer, printer and lights. The set-up usually includes predetermined photo packages so that post processing is minimized. The photographer is always working in tandem with the person doing the post processing and the selling.

I would hate to consider doing the shooting in an uncontrolled situation as well as doing the printing. Additionally, the charges for the formal portraits are higher than (I would imagine) what could be charged for candid event photos. This would make the equipment outlay and the remuneration for photographer and post-processor/sales person viable...

[Colin Southern]

To be honest, I suspect that it's a hard way to make a dollar. And unless you also have a single-sided laminator, the prints produced aren't handle-able by anything other than the edges (they attract finger grease like a fly to food, and scratch easily)

[IzzieK]

Richard...what you mentioned here, the best I think is Breeze System's Photobooth

There are often photographers at dog shows who provide formal portraits of dogs on-the-spot. These are formal portraits taken in a single location, often a canopy with sides, background and lights. This is a different operation from the contracted show photographer who shoots the winning dogs and their owners.

The camera is tethered to a computer running an editing program and that computer is connected to a printer.

The photographer will photograph the dogs, and an assistant will show the client proofs and the client will select which images he or she wants printed and in which size.

I most stress, however, that these images are shot under controlled conditions in one spot. There is very little post processing needed and there is always electric current to work the computer, printer and lights. The set-up usually includes predetermined photo packages so that post processing is minimized. The photographer is always working in tandem with the person doing the post processing and the selling.

I would hate to consider doing the shooting in an uncontrolled situation as well as doing the printing. Additionally, the charges for the formal portraits are higher than (I would imagine) what could be charged for candid event photos. This would make the equipment outlay and the remuneration for photographer and post-processor/sales person viable...

[rpcrowe]

Richard...what you mentioned here, the best I think is Breeze System's Photobooth

Very much like this but, from the ones that I have seen, I think that they were built from scratch by the operators. They were all a bit different and were formed on a standard display canopy with sides. I actually have enough equipment to set one up (including the canopy - but I would need to jury rig the sides) but, would only do so if the profits went to my rescue work...

[Hazeb1]

Thanks for the input so far. I intend to offer the service as part of a package, similar to a photo booth setup. I'm willing to give it a try. I've noticed a low cost option from Epson that is well reviewed http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=REG&A=details. One of my clients, who organizes children's birthday parties is interested. If it works out, I would consider stepping up to higher end model.