nicola_grimshaw_mitchell

<p>Ok, shot a wedding yesterday, using various different cards, 7 in all. One of my newer Lexmark cards appears to be corrupted. In windows the files are named and listed but no previews are shown, when i try and download from the card to my hard drive I can't, the message being that the device is not ready, when I try and open them through CS it says the Jpeg marker length is too short - the file may be truncated or incomplete.<br>

I've put the card back into my 5D II and it is reading the number of shots left but I can't bring up any actual images. It's as though the files are there but corrupt in some way.<br>

I've ran Image Recall but no joy, just saying files were not found on the card.<br>

Anyone any experience of this particular problem?</p>

Hi Steve, Im UK based, and I have noticed the same as you this year. I have had a number of bookings last month for this June and loads for September. This time last year I had a lot more booked for the following year than I do this year. Im not too worried though, I happen to have put my prices up a few times over the last year and this always slows things down for me. I do still have bookings and enquiries on for 2008, but yes, mostly for 2007. Not sure why this is?

Hi Anne,

 

I have a few photos in my portfolio with selective colour like yours. I tend to stick to confetti or flowers. Nearly all brides absolutely love it, however one couple yesterday at a new appointment were very put off by it - they too thought it too cheesy. (what do they know!!).

IMO I do think your second photo looks rather odd, the first one with the flower in red is beautiful, classic and elegant and I can see why that couple loved it so much. The second one looks very amateur in comparison, its just my opinion and everyone is different.

 

Ive not noticed much change in trends over the six years I have been professional, my brides have always loved the spot colouring, Im a bit ambivalent myself.

 

Nicola

Hi Juliet!

 

Its a lovely photo - well done! There are some deep shadows under her eyes and his shirt is blown, did you use fill flash? I would try the highlight/shadows action in PS CS and then increase sat. If this still looks off try a few conversions to B&W to see which looks best.

 

Good luck!

 

Nicola

 

x

Hi Alan,

 

I do my own DVD slideshow with all proofs. This is set to 3 music tracks the couple have already picked and each file number and my company name is boldly imprinted across the bottom of the picture as they see it on the screen. This Slideshow is 'free' and included in all packages, I also do a little contact sheet of the proofs too. The DVD only contains the slideshow and no images are printable.

 

I started doing this as it is a wonderful way to showcase the proofs for the first viewing (they watch it at their home- i am not there). As it is highly emotive for them, I have started getting more reprint sales because of it, they can also buy a version of the DVD without the text, in a special presentation case. I also sell quite a few of these. I get very positive feedback from the slideshow and couples seem to be recommending me because of it.

 

worth a try?

 

Nicola

Hi Kevin,

 

Im a UK wedding photographer too. I work informally for most of the day and then do a few formals if requested. Couples who hire an informal photographer, for some reason, dont want a videographer. I only come across them very infrequently, however last Saturday was one of those times! This guy was extremely friendly - waltzing over to me as soon as I stepped out of car, shaking my hand etc. He quite obviousely wanted to get on my good side, I soon found out why - he jumped about all over the place, getting in my way repeatedly at key moments - walking in; coming back down the aisle; etc. He also took the couple off for some 'romantic' walking shots for 45 MINUTES!!

I was left with 15 minutes to do a few formals, all couple shots, confetti etc. I was very disappointed with my coverage that day, the lovely couple will be very happy im sure but it niggled me. He even lay on the grass videoing the formals!! I was in at about 20mm and he was so close he was in shot!! He was also in VERY close immediately after the ceremony when you get all the lovely hugging and kissing photos, I mean his camera was thrust into the couples faces about 30 inches away! It made my job very arduous!

 

I suppose my advise would be to lay down the law as soon as you meet them. Do all your shots first and let them go second. Its not always the case but in my experience the couple has paid more than twice for me than for the videographer, I therefore adopt the superior stance!!

 

Good luck!

 

Nicola

Bradley, this is a very interesting case, you have handled it with much decorum! Well done for keeping your cool with such terrible clients. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE change your contract policy to include ALL payment up front. Im guessing you will have another problem on your hands trying to recover the outstanding payment due to you. Change your contract NOW and never go back!!!

 

LOL

 

Nicola

Bradley, this is a very interesting case, you have handled it with much decorum! Well done for keeping your cool with such terrible clients. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE change your contract policy to include ALL payment up front. Im guessing you will have another problem on your hands trying to recover the outstanding payment due to you. Change your contract NOW and never go back!!!

 

LOL

 

Nicola

IMO Stacey's shot a few posts up is by far the best thing to do with this shot. She has added a wonderful dimension to this quite boring shot, it now looks polished and has great POP factor!

I agree with most of the above posts - gut instinct always holds out for me. They will be a nightmare during and after your wedding, they will try to devalue your work when they see the proofs as a way to save them some money. You will definately have problems!!! Say no!!!

 

Your contract MUST stand with all customers. Say to them that is your contract, they can choose whether to hire you or not. Most photographers get paid up front (nearly all in the UK), so do most other wedding suppliers.

 

Stick with it

I ask for a non-refundable deposit of ?250, the balance is payable 4 weeks before the wedding. I will not accept payment on the day. Change your policy - it is very diffecult to get money AFTER the event for all sorts of reasons. DO IT NOW!!!!

It doesn't matter if your name isnt on the album - she will tell anyone who asks who did her photos. NEVER show them a bad shot - EVER.

 

Have a clause in your contract stipulating that you edit out for shut eyes, duplicates etc and they see whats left. They will never know exactly how many you took originally. Also say all editing (culling) by YOUR NAME is final. SAy they will get XXX photos to choose from and always go a little over - for instance - I take approx 1000 photos, I promise them 200 as proofs, I cull down to the VERY best and give them 220 - they are thrilled to get some extra 'FREE'.

 

I would choose your faves, and present them to her as a little presentation in among the best of the ones she has picked - she may be won over. By the way - the last shot you posted isn't all that bad!

 

Nicola

Hi Gary,

 

I use Mario Acerboni albums, through Parker Photographics. They have a broad range to cover a few different budgets. Unfortunately in the UK you either buy Acerboni or Spicer Hallfield for a decent(ish) price or you have to look further afield - Queensbury or Art Leather - V expensive!

 

Nicola

My proofs are printed 12 to an A4 page on matt paper with a file number under each one. I print them myself on my colour laser printer, it is impossible to scan a decent print of a laser printed image due to the dots. I say they can keep the proofs and bulid this in as a positive thing. I also include FREE(!!!!) a DVD Slideshow of all their proofs. They cannot copy from this and the impact of first seeing their photos with music etc, generates high emotive sales of reprints.

 

Even though my clients dont get 6x4's they have never complained and I am always up front about how my proofs are presented. Everyone is just so glad to see their piccies they dont notice the 'uncopy-able' aspect of the proofs. I consequently have good after sales records.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Nicola

Hi Jill,

 

for a first time these are really exceptional. You show a good eye for composition already.

 

Just a few tips - try out more PS work (if you used it at all?), converting to B&W for impact is a good starting point. Increasing contrast and sat is another. Just a point and I dont mean to cause offence to your lovely friend, but when shooting larger then average brides, watch your composition, for instance the ring shot you have posted makes her hands look chubby and her bosom rather big! If you get the chance next time take her hands stretched out and tilt your lens downward,

 

good luck!

Before people book me they read the blurb on my website. This states - in a friendly manner - that I specialise in informal shots, I will of course take some formals but prefer to keep these to a minimum (6 or so). I say if they are wanting a more traditional coverage of their wedding then maybe I am not the best photographer for them. It has not harmed my booking credentials at all and people seem to like the fact they wont have to stand around for ages. This suits me as I HATE FORMALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Good luck!

 

Nicola

In the UK I would definately say there are more male than female photographers. However there is a gender shift towards different types of photography. IMO more men stick to traditional film photography while younger women will gravitate towards the reportage informal style.

 

As a lady wedding photographer (I work alone, a pro of 5 years) I am NEVER short of business and often employed because I AM female.

 

I have attended many weddings as a guest and only seen one other female photographer as a main and a few as assistants.

 

If you are a pro and good at your job then that is where it ends for most people, gender doesn't come into it.

 

Nicola

I always crop to 7x5 and make sure I leave a bit of breathing space around formals. I tried all sorts of ratios when i started out and this one works best for me as it involves the least amount of work after when everyone orders in weird sizes!

 

Good luck!

 

Nicola

I send out with the proofs a sort of tally list - just as you do. Choose x at 8x6, x at 7x5, x at 5x4 etc. Then I do all the arranging myself. The only thing they change is very occasionally switch from B&W to colour. Its much too daunting for them to sort anything else out, its a big enough job just picking the proofs they like!

 

Sometimes, depending on which photos they have picked, I do end up switching orientation on one or two, but I explain this to them first.

 

Always works for me - no complaints whatsoever!

 

Nicola

Most of my brides need retouching in one way or another. I do this for free before they even see the proofs.

 

- All Brides want to look gorgeous on their wedding day. A beautiful shot may be ruined for the bride if her double chin is obvious. I want her to pick the beautiful shot for her album or a reprint and so I Liquify her chin a LITTLE. Most Brides say to me they were surprised at how nice they looked in my photos. They have no idea! They go away absolutely chuffed to bits and hence almost always upgrade their packages or order lots of extras.

 

I never alter the way they look in an obvious way, its mainly spots, chins and nipped in waists and arms. I dont work on all photos of the bride, only the close up ones. This sounds mercenery, but I also do a little on Mums if they have contributed to my fee. They too are thrilled at how young/thin they look and order Parents albums! I must stress, I only do this in a subtle way, no-one ever realises what I have done. They feel tons better about themselves and hence order more from me (and also recommend me) - everyone is happy!

 

However - if a bride wanted significant alterations to photos I had already completed and shown as proofs then I would charge, prob about ?75 an hour. No-one has ever asked this of me because all their photos are already gorgeous. It only takes a little time and reeps lots of benefits for all.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Nicola

I normally avoid these as I think they're a bit cheesy, I tend to

stick to a true diary approach, but a bride has asked for a few this

Saturday, any ideas?

 

I have a few myself -

 

Bride and Bridesmaids in a rugby huddle taken from underneath with V.

wide angle

 

Wedding party running towards me

 

Groom and ushers holding up bride

 

 

They are a bit basic I know, but can anyone add to this?

 

Thanks!

 

Nicola

Hi Kelly!

 

When I first started out I discounted my packages with an explanation of why - I was new to wedding photography. I admit I was then booked mainly on the (relative) 'cheapness' of my services. This didn't matter to me so much as I was very keen to build up my portfolio and experience.

 

Now I am booked because I am good, I am certainly not cheap, people just like my work! Some clients are really nice but try it on a bit with a few extras, I will accomodate if I like the couple and they are booking a top package, or if the wedding is short notice and I haven't already a booking.

 

I never discount my packages - I will only offer a bit of extra time or a few reprints, or a little off the CDROM.

 

Here is an illustration-

 

Couple 1 - REALLY lovely and sweet, came a long way to see me, absolutely loved my photos, but explained they were on a budget and would only be able to afford the cheapest package. I didn't hear from them for a month and then they booked me. They must have found the extra from somewhere, but they really liked me and my work. They didn't ask but I will throw in a few extras FOC for them after their wedding. I knew of their budget diffeculties and if they had asked I would have set up a compromise - adjusted the number of proofs or time etc

 

Couple 2 - I travelled a long way to visit them, they already had detailed prior knowledge of my prices, and then asked for a ?995 package for only ?650 as they had a lot of relatives flying down from Scotland who they had to accomodate!!!!! What a cheek! I was very annoyed as I had given up a Sunday night with my family to visit them at home as they were on a tight time schedule. I stuck to my guns with cost and they didn't book me, their loss! I have since filled their date with a great couple so no matter.

 

I suppose my point is that I would feel like I have compromised my skill and worth by aggreeing to drop prices, I am worth more than that and really only want to work for couples who can see what I am worth for themselves.

 

Good luck Kelly!

Yes! I did a lesbian wedding this last year. It was exactly the same as any hetero wedding I have done, and actually was a little more formal! Most of my shots were informal as this is what I specialise in and what the couple preferred. They both wore beautiful white suits and had poems, confetti, cake cutting etc - all the normal stuff!

Chris - why not just attach your CP-E2 to the bottom of your camera?

 

I would love to use the Q Turbo but I bought it (for ?460!!) and it did not work with my 550EX!!! I had all right cables and they even swapped cables and then sent it back to Hasselblad and they found no fault with it! I returned it eventually and got a refund. Think there must be a prob with my 550EX even though it works fine alone.

I just started! Did a friends wedding to start a portfolio, advertised on wedding websites and went from there! A BIG learning curve about equipment, business, marketing etc but gave up my 'other' job after a year and now have 40+ weddings booked for 2005!

 

I knew I could do it, I believed I had a creative eye and the rest I just taught myself - Photoshop, technical skills etc.

 

Go fot it !!

 

 

Nicola