StretchLifeVisuals

Amazing 1 on 1 With Dae: My Full Blueprint: From Pricing to Posing to Posting — No Gatekeeping w/Note taking caption

Added 2025-07-22 12:00:00 +0000 UTC

Full summary + key bullet points for folks trying to level up in grad photography

“If you’re getting booked out, your price is too low. Period.”

Raise prices between semesters, never mid-season — keep things clean and consistent.
If people are booking you nonstop at your current rate, that’s a signal your price isn’t exclusive enough.
Test the waters: Slight bump per semester to see what your market supports.
Rule of thumb: If you're doing 25 shoots at $100/week, raise to $200 and do half as many to make the same (or more).
Create exclusivity — you don’t want to be the photographer everybody can book.
Look around at local market rates, but also set the standard if no one else is.

“You’re always gonna feel like your work could be better. Do it anyway.”

Even top-level shooters still feel it — it doesn’t go away, but you get used to it.
You’ll always be your toughest critic. Your audience usually sees your work very differently (in a good way).
Only way to beat it: keep creating. Keep posting.
Eventually you stop comparing yourself — it becomes muscle memory.

“The two biggest ad windows: when the semester starts + when financial aid drops.”

Best time to start talking about the next season is right after the current semester ends.
Start running ads once the new semester begins and again when refund checks hit — that’s when people are ready to book.
Summer's weird (less students) — so you can start promoting fall earlier while people are planning ahead.

“The main thing I always capture: setup, test shots, reactions.”

Don’t just film everything — think like a storyteller.
Record:
- Lighting setup
- Camera prep / test shots
- Client reactions (huge for engagement)
Use “Shot vs. Reaction” style reels — these perform best and show your value instantly.

“You don’t need multiple smoke bombs — just clone the one you’ve got.”

Steps:

✅ Pro Tip: Plan your shots with editing in mind — clean backgrounds help a ton.

“I only shoot after 3PM. Three shoots a day max. That’s it.”

Stick to a repeatable daily system:
- Shoots at 3:00 / 5:30 / 8:00 PM.
- Uploads that night via Pixieset.
- Deliver links in the morning.
- Use Veedo or outsource editing if you're slammed.
Editing = optional, not mandatory.
Keep shoots consistent — most grads want similar shots anyway.
Don’t chase chaos. Build routine.

“I don’t run ads on reels — I just post consistently.”

Most growth comes from consistency, not paid ads.
Focus on TikTok + IG Reels — show your process, teach a little, give value.
Cross-collab: Tag or collab your visuals page from your main page reels.
- Helps both pages grow together.
Repost your best-performing topics (lighting setups, editing tips, behind-the-scenes).
Use captions like “How I shot this…” or “My 2-light setup for harsh light”.

“If something feels off, it's usually distance, balance, or symmetry.”

For champagne shots — step back more. Wider = more drama.
Shooting with flames? Balance subject on one side and flame on the other — aim for symmetry or intentional asymmetry.
Libraries, desks, backgrounds — align with window frames, extend elements in post if you can’t move stuff IRL.
Backgrounds messy? Use his “Seamless Backdrop Edit” tutorial to clean it up in post.

“Get used to placing people fast. The poses don’t need to be crazy — just clean.”

Get a mannequin or system to practice poses and angles.
Stick to repeatable lighting setups.
Use reflectors, fill lights, and position changes to deal with harsh light.
Don’t overthink distance — if the framing’s clean and the client loves it, it works.

“Not a huge difference. 105 might be sharper, but 85 gives better color.”

“You gotta build what no one else is doing. Be the standard.”

Lifestyle shooters are common — grad/studio w/ lighting makes you stand out.
Stretch grew by posting what nobody else in his city was doing — mainly reels + consistent look.
Offer value plus something tangible:
- Free smoke bomb
- 1–3 day turnaround for the first X bookings
- Reels or TikToks of the session

“The goal is to make the 3rd package look like the best deal.”

Pricing Ladder Strategy:

Increase each tier by $100.
Set your Bronze/Starter at $150, then go up: $250 / $350 / $500+.
Make one package the "best value" and clearly show what makes it worth it.
Offer 5–8 retouches on the starter, then add more edits/locations/outfits each tier.
Make your top tier feel luxury — offer real extras: reels, multiple edits, premium effects.

“If you're doing what I’m doing, but better — I love that. Don’t overthink sounding like me.”

You’re not copying — you’re learning.
His system is meant to be borrowed and upgraded.
As long as you're serving your clients, adding value, and refining your look, you’re on the right path.