From Jared: We are living in a an unsure economic climate. You have seen this in your markets as people begin to hold back on their purchases, cut the size of their guest lists, scale down the size of their packages and look for the greatest value as they interview photographers.  Even those who are willing to spend a healthy amount on their photography will nonetheless, be very cautious in their decisions. Everywhere, in every market, at every level (even in the high society), clients are looking for lower prices, greater value and more security.   You are now competing with a greater number of people who are offering more for less. This economy has proven difficult for any business to survive.  But as I told