mark_jacoby___raleigh__nc

Correction, she holds the flash in her right hand! I just noticed she's a lefty!

One of our associate shooters holds her flash out on a sync cord with her left hand and redirects it as the subject moves or as she moves around the subject. Bounces it off the celing, off of walls behind the subject or points it right at the subject when needed.

 

Personally I need two or three hands on my camera to hold it steady - but she does get a great pj feel to her images.

 

Here is a picture showing her technique. (I picked one hiding her identity).<div></div>

In my opinion the first 2 replies from Nancy & Keith hit the nail. Communication.

 

When you sit down with the B&G before the wedding go over a list of shots expected. Painful but helpful. More helpfull is to make a list of the formals in detail. We go through both sides of the family: parents, step-parents, siblings, cousins, etc. And we write down names and relationships. No kidding.

 

Then when you get through the formals ASK the couple and their family, "Is there anyone we missed?" "Any other shots you would like?"

 

That way they have 2 chances to make their wishes known and you have better odds to give them what they want. This is a customer service business like no other. And you cover your butt too!

 

By the way, good questions to bring up!

We use Tamrac Pro 12 (5612) to carry 2 bodies and 3 lens & 2 SB-800 flash units. Pockets for batteies, etc. Highly recommend. Rugged.

I always try to include some heavily photoshopped images in every wedding. And I include some samples when showing our work to prospective clients.

 

I tell them that I like to have a little fun with some of the images and who knows, maybe they will like the results. I play with about 5 shots from every wedding.

 

Here is one that the client wasn't wild about but the reaction from prospective clients is that it looks like a fun reception!<div></div>

I put about 150 prints in each black box. I order from Michel Co. http://www.michelcompany.com/ About $2 per box. Comes with those gold cord bows. I am thinking about going with red ribbons.

 

I'm looking for some small elegant shopping bags to put them in. I hate to send them out the door juggling little boxes.

 

I think clients like to sort through the proofs and put them in little piles on their kitchn table - rather than flip through a proof book.

I second the craigslist.org suggestion. I'm sure its popular in the bay area (did it start there?)

 

The trick is to put together a nice ad in html that looks so much better than the other ads. Have a headline like 25 Free 8x10 Wedding Prints to catch the eye. Stress that you are a professional looking to fill some empty dates on your calendar.

 

Our most profitable job in 2005 came from an ad on craigslist.

Anne is right. But take it another step and actually meet other photographers, get to know their work and reputation and keep a list handy just in case.

Nailed it!!!!

I refer you to "Legal Handbook for Photographers" by Bert Krages. You can get it on Amazon or probably on e-bay used.

 

I'm sure there are other good books out there. Or perhaps the PPA has something published on this topic.

 

Better than getting legal advise from a bunch of shooters like me!

You know if you had any kind of business you would run into the same type of customer. It's a shame but we shouldn't be blackmailed or bullied into allowing someone to dictate ho we conduct our business.

 

Keep a good paper trail including e-mails and make notes. If you can't make her happy and she has a lawyer contact you, them hire your own attorney.

 

Just be fair and evenhanded with her in your dealings. I bet the whole thing blows over.

I use the Pro Show Gold software default for transitions and 90% of the time I use the same music. 15-20 minutes. If I'm making a dvd it takes longer to compile so I just do something else and let the PC work.

Go with your instincts. 99% of clients are wonderful people in every regard. But every now and then.

 

I got my insurance through WPPI an agency Hill & Usher. Equipment & liability. Reasonable rates.

We are members at Duke Gardens (at the University) and pay an annual $250 fee. Otherwise we would have to pay $50 per bridal session.

 

We have shot at a wedding "castle" where the fee was $100 for 90 minutes.

 

I think $50 would be reasonable.

By the way, I think its a great idea!

In my mind, if the hotel books more events because of your images and you book more weddings due to their display of your images - it's a win-win. Why pay them 10%???

 

We photographers are always tend to undervalue the worth of our product (myself included)

Hello John & Welcome!

 

First of all your work looks great and you need to raise your prices.

 

Are you in the Raleigh area? If so maybe we will meet. Matter of fact, if you are interested we have a local photographers group of pros and semi-pros. Send me an e-mail if you are interested in attending a meeting as a guest. It's a great way to learn!

There is a used ladder firetruck for sale on e-bay for $14,950. There have been 23 bids.

 

I can only assume one of those bids are from you!

 

Great work Wendy!

Martin, not that David needs me to answer for him (lol) but I think he means that you are not being asked to send any money or credit card data. My guess is that these directories are for sale to people who need their ego stroked!

 

I've received some inquires like this in the past too.

If you belong to any professional groups like the PPA or your state PPA or the WPPI it looks good. You can also include a paragraph on keeping abreast of trends in photography through publications and ongoing education, online forums etc.

 

You can pump up your resume a little bit without being dishonest or misleading.

I use the S-2 and it is plenty fast. I assume the S-3 is as fast or better!

Typically the church rules are disclosed when we have our prewedding ocnference with the B&G. If they don't know, we will call the church and ask.

 

Earlier this year we had a visiting pastor tell us no shooting whatsoever. The bride was in tears. We explained to him that the B&G were paying us good money and while we respected the rules, couldn't we take the processional, recessional and the kiss/presentation of the couple. He relented but only for the sake of the bride.

 

I can't give you a magic phrase but I think that acting in a professional manner helped.

I do not know if I am typical but I mainly use a Sigma 28-70. Much easier in small rooms than a prime.

 

For 3/4 portraits I use a Nikon 85mm.

 

For receptions I like my Sigma 24mm. I just like the perspective but try to not overuse it.

Cindy is correct. The texture is helpful. I printed 16x20 & 20x24 from a D100 for years with no problems.

I know that some of you have a blog link on your websites. I am toying with

having one to replace the "News" section which I hardly every update.

 

Do you have blogs and do your clients read them?

 

Do you consider it just for fun or do you see a marketing value as well?

 

I guess I am hoping someone will convince me that it's a great idea - but all

opinions are always welcome!

 

Thanks