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Creating Packages

Quick Reference​

Creating packages in ShootPath is straightforward - just fill in the details of what you offer and at what price.

Quick Steps:

  1. Go to Settings → Packages & Add-Ons
  2. Click "+ New Package"
  3. Fill in the package details (name, price, deliverables)
  4. Choose which job type(s) it applies to
  5. Save and it's ready to use on quotes!

Package Fields:

  • Name - How the package appears on quotes (e.g., "Full Day Wedding")
  • Job Type - Which type of jobs can use this package (or leave blank for all)
  • Base Price - Your starting price in dollars/cents
  • Deliverables - Bullet list of what's included
  • Description - Sell the experience and value
  • Duration - Optional session length in minutes

Pro Tip: Create 3-4 packages per job type at different price points (Good/Better/Best). Most clients will choose the middle option!

Next Steps: Learn about pricing strategies or add-ons.

Detailed Guide​

Before You Start​

Before creating your first package, it helps to have clarity on:

1. Your Target Market

Who are you serving? Luxury clients who want everything, or budget-conscious families who need affordable options? This affects how you structure packages.

2. Your Costs

Calculate your cost per hour (equipment, travel, editing time, overhead). Make sure your packages cover costs + leave room for profit.

3. Your Deliverables

What do you typically deliver? Digital files? Prints? Albums? Knowing your standard offerings helps you bundle them logically.

4. Your Competition (Optional)

Look at what other photographers in your area charge. You don't need to match them, but it helps to know where you fit in the market.

Start Simple

If you're brand new, start with 2-3 basic packages. You can always add more later as you learn what clients want!

Step-by-Step: Creating Your First Package​

Let's walk through creating a wedding photography package.

Step 1: Navigate to Packages​

  1. Log in to ShootPath
  2. Click Settings in the left sidebar
  3. Click Packages & Add-Ons from the settings menu
  4. You'll see your current package list (empty if you're just starting)

Step 2: Start a New Package​

Click the "+ New Package" button (usually in the top right).

A form will open with several fields. Let's fill them in one by one.

Step 3: Name Your Package​

Field: Package Name

This is what appears on quotes when clients are choosing their service level.

Good examples:

  • "Essential Wedding Coverage"
  • "Full Day Wedding Package"
  • "Signature Wedding Collection"
  • "Family Portrait Session"
  • "Corporate Headshot Package"

Avoid:

  • "Package 1" (meaningless)
  • "My Awesome Package" (unprofessional)
  • Super long names that don't fit on mobile screens

The name should clearly communicate what type of service it is.

Step 4: Select Job Type​

Field: Job Type (Dropdown)

Choose which type of jobs this package applies to:

  • Wedding
  • Portrait
  • Event
  • Headshot
  • Real Estate
  • (or your custom job types)

Leave blank if the package can be used for any job type (though this is rare - you usually want job-specific packages).

Why this matters: When you create a quote for a wedding job, you'll only see packages tagged "Wedding." This keeps your quote builder clean and relevant.

Step 5: Set Your Base Price​

Field: Base Price (in dollars)

Enter the price in your currency. ShootPath stores this in cents internally, but you just type the dollar amount (e.g., "2500" for $2,500).

Pricing tips:

For time-based services (weddings, events):

  • Calculate your hourly rate
  • Multiply by hours of coverage
  • Add value for deliverables (albums, prints, etc.)
  • Add profit margin

Example: $300/hour × 8 hours = $2,400 base + $600 for album and prints = $3,000 package price

For session-based services (portraits, headshots):

  • Session time value
  • Editing time value
  • Digital file delivery value
  • Any physical products included
  • Profit margin

Example: $150 session + $300 editing + $200 digital files + $100 profit = $750 package price

Psychological Pricing

Prices ending in 9 or 5 often feel more approachable: $2,995 instead of $3,000, or $1,495 instead of $1,500. Test what works for your market!

Step 6: Write Deliverables​

Field: Deliverables (List)

This is a bullet-point list of exactly what's included in the package. Each line becomes a bullet on the quote.

Be specific! Vague deliverables lead to client confusion and disputes later.

Example for a wedding package:

8 hours of continuous wedding day coverage
600+ professionally edited high-resolution photos
Private online gallery (shareable link + download)
Print release for personal use
USB drive with all high-res files
30-day sneak peek delivery (10-15 photos within 30 days)
Full gallery delivery within 8 weeks

Example for a portrait package:

45-minute on-location session
Choice of location within 20 miles
Up to 2 outfit changes
25+ professionally edited high-resolution digital files
Private online gallery for viewing and download
Print release included
Personal printing rights

Key phrases to include:

  • Exact quantities ("25 photos", not "lots of photos")
  • Resolution ("high-resolution", "print-quality")
  • Timeframes ("delivered within 8 weeks")
  • Rights granted ("print release", "personal use only")
  • What's included physically ("USB drive", "prints")

The more specific, the better. This protects you AND sets clear expectations for clients.

Step 7: Write an Engaging Description​

Field: Description (Text area)

This is your sales pitch! Don't just list what's included - explain the experience and benefits.

Basic description:

"This package includes 8 hours of wedding photography."

Better description:

"Perfect for couples who want comprehensive coverage of their entire wedding day. From the excitement of getting ready to your grand exit under sparklers, I'll capture every moment, emotion, and detail. You'll receive 600+ professionally edited photos showcasing your day exactly as it unfolded."

Even better description:

"My most popular package for couples who want to relax and enjoy their day without worrying about missing a moment! I'll be by your side for 8 full hours, documenting everything from nervous pre-ceremony jitters to tearful parent dances to that epic dance floor celebration. You'll receive 600+ stunning, professionally edited images that tell the complete story of your wedding day - photos you'll treasure for decades. Most couples love having this much coverage because it means nothing important gets missed!"

See how the third version:

  • Addresses client concerns ("don't want to miss a moment")
  • Paints a picture of the experience
  • Uses emotional language ("treasure for decades")
  • Adds social proof ("my most popular package")
  • Explains benefits, not just features

Description writing tips:

1. Start with who it's for:

  • "Perfect for couples who want..."
  • "Ideal for families who..."
  • "Great for professionals needing..."

2. Paint the experience: Don't just say "8 hours." Say "I'll be there from the moment you slip into your dress until your magical sparkler send-off."

3. Explain the benefits:

  • "You'll never worry about missing a moment"
  • "You can relax knowing everything is documented"
  • "Your family will treasure these memories"

4. Add social proof:

  • "My most popular package"
  • "What 90% of my couples choose"
  • "Clients love this because..."

5. Address objections:

  • "No hidden fees - everything is included"
  • "Delivery guaranteed within 8 weeks"
  • "Full resolution, print-quality files"

Step 8: Set Duration (Optional)​

Field: Duration in Minutes

If this is a time-based service (session, event coverage), enter the length in minutes:

  • 30-minute mini session = 30
  • 45-minute portrait session = 45
  • 2-hour event = 120
  • 8-hour wedding = 480

Why include duration?

  • Shows clearly on the client's quote
  • Helps with your scheduling and calendar
  • Makes add-ons clearer ("+1 hour of coverage" makes sense)

When to skip it: If the package isn't time-based (like a product package for prints/albums with no session time), you can leave this blank.

Step 9: Add a Package Image (Optional)​

Field: Package Image

Upload a beautiful photo that represents this package. This could be:

  • A stunning shot from a past wedding (for wedding packages)
  • A gorgeous family portrait (for family packages)
  • A professional headshot (for headshot packages)

Image tips:

  • Use high-quality images (your best work!)
  • Make sure it represents the package service type
  • Landscape orientation usually looks best on quotes
  • Test how it looks on mobile screens

Image placement: You can choose to place the image above or below the description. Most photographers use "above" so the image is the first thing clients see.

Optional but Effective

Package images make quotes more visually appealing and help clients envision the experience. They're not required, but they do increase conversion!

Step 10: Review and Save​

Before clicking save, double-check:

  • Package name is clear and professional
  • Job type is correct (or blank for universal)
  • Price is accurate
  • Deliverables are specific and complete
  • Description is compelling and benefits-focused
  • Duration matches the service offering (if applicable)

Click Save Package.

Done! Your package is now available to use on quotes.

Creating a Package Family (Good/Better/Best)​

The most effective pricing strategy is offering 3-4 tiers. Let's create a complete package family for wedding photography.

Tier 1: Essential Package ($2,500)​

Name: Essential Wedding Coverage

Deliverables:

  • 6 hours of wedding day coverage
  • 300+ edited high-resolution photos
  • Online gallery with download
  • Print release

Description:

"Perfect for intimate weddings and couples who want professional coverage of their ceremony and early reception. I'll capture all the key moments - from getting ready through your first dances - giving you beautiful memories without the premium price tag. You'll receive 300+ stunning photos delivered in a private online gallery within 8 weeks."

Who it's for: Budget-conscious couples, smaller weddings, elopements.

Tier 2: Signature Package ($4,000)​

Name: Signature Wedding Collection

Deliverables:

  • 8 hours of wedding day coverage
  • 500+ edited high-resolution photos
  • Complimentary engagement session
  • Online gallery with download
  • Print release
  • Custom USB drive

Description:

"My most popular package for couples who want comprehensive coverage without compromise! I'll document your entire day from getting ready through your grand exit, plus we'll do a fun engagement session beforehand (perfect for your save-the-dates!). You'll receive 500+ gorgeous photos capturing every moment, smile, and happy tear. Most couples choose this package because it covers everything they need and then some!"

Who it's for: Most couples, full-day weddings, those wanting engagement photos.

Tier 3: Premium Package ($6,000)​

Name: Premium Wedding Experience

Deliverables:

  • 10 hours of wedding day coverage
  • 800+ edited high-resolution photos
  • Complimentary engagement session
  • Second photographer included
  • Online gallery with download
  • Print release
  • Custom USB drive in engraved box
  • 10x10 hardcover wedding album (30 spreads)

Description:

"The ultimate wedding photography experience with absolutely everything included! With 10 hours of coverage and a second photographer, we'll capture every angle, every guest, every detail. You'll never wonder 'did we get that?' because we got everything! Your engagement session, 800+ wedding day photos, and a gorgeous heirloom album are all included. This is for couples who want to treasure their wedding memories in every possible way."

Who it's for: Luxury clients, large weddings, those who want everything.

Notice the progression:

  • Hours: 6 → 8 → 10
  • Photos: 300 → 500 → 800
  • New items added at each tier
  • Price jumps are significant: $2,500 → $4,000 (+60%) → $6,000 (+50%)
  • Middle package is positioned as "most popular"

This is how you create a package family that guides clients toward the middle tier while still offering budget and luxury options.

Managing Multiple Job Types​

If you serve multiple photography niches, create separate package families for each:

Wedding packages:

  • Essential Wedding Coverage
  • Signature Wedding Collection
  • Premium Wedding Experience

Portrait packages:

  • Mini Portrait Session
  • Classic Portrait Session
  • Luxury Portrait Experience

Headshot packages:

  • Individual Headshot
  • Small Team Headshots
  • Corporate Headshot Day

Each job type gets its own 2-4 packages. When you're creating a quote, you'll only see packages that match that job type, keeping things organized.

Editing and Archiving Packages​

Making Changes​

To edit a package:

  1. Go to Settings → Packages & Add-Ons
  2. Find the package in the list
  3. Click the edit icon (pencil)
  4. Make your changes
  5. Save

Important: Changes to packages don't affect existing quotes or jobs. If you quoted a client $2,500 for a package and then raise it to $3,000, their existing quote stays at $2,500. Only new quotes use the updated price.

Marking Packages Inactive​

When you want to retire a package (old pricing, service you no longer offer, seasonal special that's ended):

  1. Edit the package
  2. Toggle "Active" to OFF
  3. Save

Inactive packages:

  • Don't appear when creating new quotes
  • Still exist in the system (preserving historical data)
  • Can be reactivated later if needed

Never delete packages - you might need the historical record for past quotes and jobs!

Creating Seasonal or Limited-Time Packages​

For mini session events or holiday specials:

  1. Create the package with special pricing
  2. Use it for the limited time
  3. Mark it inactive when the special ends

Example: "Fall Mini Sessions - $250" runs September-November, then gets marked inactive until next fall.

Common Questions​

Q: Should I include tax in my package prices?

In most cases, NO. Leave the "Tax Included" option unchecked so ShootPath can calculate and display tax separately on quotes and invoices. This is standard in the US.

Exception: If you're in a region where consumers expect tax-inclusive pricing (some EU countries), you can enable it. Check with your accountant!

Q: Can I offer the same package for multiple job types?

Not directly - but you can create duplicate packages with the same details. For example, "Standard Session" might work for both Portrait and Headshot job types, so you'd create it twice with different job type tags.

Q: What if a client wants to customize a package?

When creating a quote, you can:

  • Adjust package line items (change price, quantity, description)
  • Add custom line items for one-off requests
  • Use add-ons for common customizations

The package is a starting point; quotes can be customized!

Q: How many packages should I create?

For each job type: 2-4 packages. Any fewer and clients feel they don't have options. Any more and they get overwhelmed.

Q: Can I change package prices mid-season?

Yes, but be careful! Existing quotes keep their original price, but new quotes use the updated price. Make sure you honor pricing for anyone who's already received a quote.

Package Creation Checklist​

Before considering your packages "done," check that you have:

  • Clear, professional package names
  • Job type assignments (or intentionally left blank)
  • Accurate pricing that covers costs + profit
  • Specific, detailed deliverables (quantities, timelines, quality)
  • Compelling descriptions that sell the experience
  • Duration set (if applicable)
  • 2-4 packages per job type (Good/Better/Best)
  • Meaningful price differences between tiers ($1,000+ jumps)
  • Middle package positioned as best value
  • Package images uploaded (optional but recommended)

What's Next?​

Now that you've created packages, you're ready to use them on quotes and explore pricing strategy!

Want to fine-tune your pricing? Read Pricing Strategies

Ready to add optional extras? Learn about Add-Ons

Need to send your first quote? Check out Sending a Quote

Understanding the full sales process? See Understanding Leads

Questions? Look for the help links throughout ShootPath, or reach out to support if you need help!