steve_white7

Can anyone tell me what software they use to organize their digital photos?

I'm looking for something that easily displays IPTC info as well as the image. If

there were fields for keywords etc, that would help too.

 

I'm hoping to find freeware or cheaper shareware on programs that might be a

bit older.

 

Thanks,

Steve

Actually DON"T look at Getty for insight into the photography business world.

Anyone who knows anything about it will tell you they're buying it up and

killing small market photographers in exchange for a buck.

 

They're an oil corporation that branched into photography as another market

of income.

 

In your case I'd suggest you charge what you're comforable with, but leave

yourself breathing room to increase the cost if you realize you're not making

what you should.

 

steve

Thanks for the advice. We're still a few months away from the big cat and dog

show. I was hoping to get a few clients so I'd be able to get a booth. I'm much

better with people approaching me than vice versa.

 

As for my gallery there are 11 photos available right now. When you enter the

gallery area you need to click on the photo to view the samples. Perhaps I'll

take that step out if it's confussing.

 

Thanks all.

steve

This subject has been touched on before, but I was wondering if anyone had

any clever marketing ideas that they'd like to share.

 

I've just gotten started offering pet photography in a city where there are lots of

photographers, lots of obsessive pet owners, but no real pet photographers.

I'd like to get a number of clients early to get some working capital, but don't

have a lot to begin with. I'm looking for something unique that might have

worked for someone in the past.

 

I'm currently putting together a package to send to retailers in the area with

coupons that I've printed on heavy weight paper. Each retailer, groomer etc

will get a unique number on all their coupons and will receive $15

commission on any sales refered. I'm hoping they'll leave them on their

counter or put them in the bag during a sale. Hopefully this'll draw some

interest.

 

Does anyone else have any ideas? We've touched on the flyers, postcard

mailers, and displays at stores. There are a few heavy trendy areas where

pets are considered family members and I'd like to target these areas with

something that they won't dismiss as a gimick.

 

Also I'd like some feedback if possible on how my website displays on your

monitor. It looks good on an emac screen, but a friend says the graphics get

blown up a bit on his Dell. Any comments? www.pawprintsphotography.ca

 

Thanks,

Steve

I've heard the same from several other news agencies.

Did someone approach you? I'd say 95% of websites either use their own

stuff or stock photos bought royalty free. It makes sense to pay for a month of

unlimited photo downloads for $100 instead of paying for each image straight

from a photographer.

 

You would likely need something really unique to have someone willing to

pay for it specifically. Personally I'd want payment up front before I sent them

an image, and then I'd probably steer towards high-end websites. The kind

that at least seem like there's a dedicated staff and something to loose if they

cheat a photog.

 

Either way, a million of e-cards are sent out every day (+/-) and it's unlikely to

be much of a payoff. A company isn't likely to offer you payment for each one

sent.

I detest shooting weddings, but I know several who send out 'thank you' postcards in the off season. They're sent out at the slowest time and often it reminds couples to order more prints or tell friends who are getting married soon.

Does anyone have experience with exhibiting work at coffee shops or

restraunts for sales? I noticed a BAD photographer selling prints at a

Starbucks for $1,000 US for really badly printed, matted prints in ugly frames.

There were two open spots on $500 prints, leading me to think that they were

selling.

 

I want to offer some of my vintage travel photos (at a much lower price), but

don't know what sort of arrangement to offer. I can simply work it out with each

owner, but I'd like to have an idea of what others do first. I don't want to look

like an amateur, even though in this area I am.

 

Does anyone pay for the space? Who pays to have hooks installed? What

commission is offered to the shop? Do you allow the shop to collect the sales

for you? Who's responsible for damaged or stolen prints? Should there be a

signed contract for 4 or 5 displayed prints? etc etc..

 

I'm eager to hear any advice or of any experiences anyone's had.

I'd also make sure to either buy a rubber stamp with a ? Copyright, or place a blank sticker on the backs of the prints and write 'copyright' on it.

 

It's not likely to save you from many dishonest users out there, but photo labs most likely wont make copies.

 

It's also a little late in this case, but something you might want to keep in mind in the future. I have a feeling it's caused a few people to call me back for prints.

If we look back at all the stages of photography development it's clear that the system

that offers the best quality at the best price will win out. It may not take over an existing

quality system, but it will find a nice balance in it's niche.

 

APS, 110, Polaroid and even now photo phones all caught a little bit of interest when

they first came out, mainly because of ease of use, but all did or will die because of

quality and cost.

 

Digital will continue to get better and most people will want digital, but film will still

have a place in photography, but not like it did. Kodak needs to stop making desperate

attempts at luring customers back with petty schemes like this one. They need to build

solid products and follow the consumer trend, even if it means film only has 10 per cent

of the market. So what? Live with it. Build a quality digital camera and offer quality

prints from the files.

Is that espresso maker light tight? If you could soup Tri-X in it, this might be a legit string.

Jeez, I was gonna say a user M3...but that peace on earth thing makes me

feel kinda like a jerk. Not that I'd send it back. Many M3s have done more than

their part in helping to achieve world peace and/or understanding.

Your reds and orange filters are used to mostly darken the sky. They darken blue tones.

Also blue filters are used to sometimes make skin look a little slick, depending on if that's

what you are looking for.

 

There aren't many uses for filters indoors (other than studio) because they cut down on

the light.

Has anyone noticed some of the ratings he's got? A shame. The one of the older

gentleman eating got some ratings of 4!!

 

I know it doesn't really mean anything, but people who give 7s to fireworks and pretty

flowers don't seem to really appreciate decisive moments.

 

Makes you wish you could only ask Leica users to rate your photos.

busk

Busker

Very nice. What do you shoot with?

 

These have a very timeless feel. I love turn of the Century (last one not this one)

photojournalism and your shots have a 20's feel to them that are a quite refreshing.

Or, what photographer would go into modern combat with a Leica at all? Mabie an R8.

MOST modern war photojournalists use digital and have become movie makers with

their 10 frames per second, terrified that they'll miss the moment. It's an attraction too

hard to avoid considering how far they've travelled and what's at stake.

 

Much of the recent Gulf war and Afghanistan coverage would have looked wonderful

shot with an M6 and Tri-X. But few if any took the chance of packing film when on

assignment.

 

I say this knowing several war photographers.

Portman is a great actress, despite what she's done in Star Wars. If anyone's seen the

Professional they'll agree. She was 14 when she did that movie.

 

Should be a great movie. It'll be interesting to see how much they show of the photoj

industry vs. the love story angle.

...course the guy might have been down on his luck all his life and just got a

great job and was beginning to feel good about himself for the first time in his

life and felt he needed nice looking shoes for the job..

 

regardless of how smug the guy looks or how we interpret what he's having

people do for him, it's a wonderful moment with beautiful tone.

 

Nice job Dennis

I'm trying to find a website that had been posted here several months ago. It

was for a photographer I believe named William G. (can't remember the last

name). The photographer has passed away and it is an online collection of

his work. The shot black and white in the 70's I believe. I think the site is

hosted by a University and includes writings as well.

 

He has some wonderful images in black and white in India I remember.

 

Can anyone help me ASAP? I would REALLY appreciate it.

 

Thanks,

Steve

Shooting assignments for free is not always a bad idea. In fact in

the news industry it is almost expected at the beginnings of a

career. If you love photography then you can't expect to get 100

per cent return on your effort until you've proven yourself.

 

Our new wire photographers usually tag along with regular

staffers for sporting events without being paid. If they don't we're

not going to know how well they can cover an event and aren't

going to rely on them.

 

Sounds selfish, but that's how the industry works. If you don't put

forth a little free effort at the beginning you're not going to get

much notice.

It's about time we started to take photography seriously and treat

it as a hobby. - Eliott Erwitt

 

...now I want a nice clean fight. Photographers to your

corners...then come out fighting....

 

 

Steve

Todd, I use the Bessa L with the 25mm. I became almost giddy

when I snapped on the shoe mounted viewfinder. It's great for

those who wear glasses. Big bright and contrasty. I'm going to

take a peek at cameraquest to check out the R.

 

I'm really happy with the Bessa system. When I get promoted at

work I'll look into a M3, but until then my photos are quite close to

what I'd get with a full Leica system.

 

Steve

www.photoj.netfirms.com

This is something I've wondered myself quite a bit. On your way

down you might want to try what I do - put all your film in a clear

plastic ziplock bag without the plastic canisters. That that with

your carry on and insist they hand inspect it. I've never had any

problems with that.

 

As for what to do when you're down there, you have two things to

consider. First, do you trust the labs down there to have their

machines clean with fresh chemistry?

 

Second, do you trust your film not only through the mail, but also

customs? I'd worry about my film going through antique X-ray

machines. When I take trips I keep my film with me at all times

and put up with the bulk, but don't take trips as long as you are.

 

Just something to consider.

 

Steve