Photographers Branding Series : Photography Packaging

I’ve been battling a bit of writers block and the blog has been neglected.  This is why it is good to have an editorial calendar for your blog so on those day’s you don’t know what to write about you have some ideas already.  Also write when inspiration strikes!  I’ve been holding off on this post because I’m working on updating my packaging and wanted to share it but I’m not done yet.  Instead I will share with you my current packaging and a quick pic of where I am with my new packaging!  So let’s dive right in!

I’m going to stick to basics with packaging and focus on how you deliver your product to your clients.  I like to make my clients feel like they are opening a super special present when their products arrive!  I love it when they say they don’t want to open them because they are so pretty!  If you are just starting out I want you to know that you don’t have to break the bank to come up with nice packaging for your clients.  You also don’t need to order hundreds of boxes or bags in bulk.  If your like me you don’t have a good place to store all those extras.  So if you are just starting out I recommend you check out Michaels, Target, Walmart or even the Dollar Store and head over to their gift section.  If you haven’t figured out your branding and colors yet that is fine, a brown kraft bag with white tissue paper will look great!  It is chic and simple!

As you establish yourself and are more comfortable with your brand you can invest in higher end packaging.  Just take your time to figure out what direction you want to go and be careful about buying things in bulk that you aren’t sure of.  Ask me sometime about the nightmare I had trying to get rid of 100’s of damask bags that no longer fit my brand.  Trust me, start small and build up!  A great resource for all thing packaging is Paperie Boutique!!!  I need to get in gear and submit my packaging to share there.

Check out my post on packaging to see where I get everything from!

At some point I started used white and teal boxes instead of the kraft ones.  Then when I was pinning packaging I liked on Pinterest I noticed a trend, I was drawn to everything Kraft!  So I’m going back to where I started and working with kraft boxes again.  Since I really like rustic elements used in modern ways I’m incorporating that into my packaging for 2012 too!  I might keep my white boxes and mix them in with the kraft boxes, I’m still figuring that out :)!  Here is a sneak peek of where my packaging is going!

Client Consult Kit!  Inside I include two wedding magazines plus my kraft folder with pricing, welcome note and tips!

I’ve moved away from cds!!!  All 2012 clients will get thumb drives with their images and a fun box to keep it safe.  Wedding clients will get a wooden drive with their names and wedding date inscribed on them.

I think with this post I’m going to wrap up my branding series.  I hope I’ve helped those that are new to photography and still figuring everything out!  I really wanted this series to help you wade through the branding process and give you some ideas to go forward.  Just remember that you will grow and change as an artist and it’s okay if your brand evolves with you just try to avoid drastic swings back and forth.  You want clients to recognize you!  If you are truly stumped then I highly recommend investing in a branding consultant and designer.  They can turn your bits and pieces into something that truly showcases you!