I have owned and operated a custom photo lab and studio for 20 years, it is my full time job. I can produce 800 color 8x10's per hour and prints can range in size from 1"x2" to 40"x80" and I can print from 35mm up to 8x10 negs. As far as my studio I have over 24,000 watt seconds of light and I use 35mm Nikon, 2/14 square hasselblad, 4x5 and 8x10 sinar camera's. So there is no joking around here. I tried to offer a great deal to many of the providers in the Twin Cities and ( I mean cash ) but only one has shown any real interest. The response seems to be I am too busy or they start by asking so many questions you would think I am doing something illegal. I offered a $250.00 sitting fee that would include two rolls of film or there abouts in digital images that they could do with as they please. Also I am big on building sets and staging props so none of my work looks the same, keeping them from looking like they all went to k-mart. It would take me about 2 1/2 hours per girl and I think that was a very fair price.
So any comments or suggestions would be accepted.
Wow, sounds like an awesome studio! Sheesh, I would like book time just for the lighting situation situation! Awesome equip!
Unfortunately, I can believe your situation. My assumption has been that one of the following must be true:
1. client demand is too great to really need custom photos - in other words the investment isn't warranted.
2. the women are just too shy, mistrusting, or worried the pics won't show them in a flattering light - I think there is prevalent notion that photographer is likely to be a pervert, some sort of want-a-be pornstar or p1mp or scam artist.
3. client's don't really ask for it... it isn't a market differentiator - won't getting any new business.
4. not meant to offend anyone laziness?
As for me, I've set the framework up, I going back to silence now and watch events from afar!