s. roche

Such a handsome couple--and gorgeous pictures! I'm sure the couple will be thrilled with them! Have they seen the photos yet?

Thanks so much for sharing!

Best,

Stacy

You are all the experts of course, you have a far better idea of what your clients are seeking in terms of quality, service, etc.

I've looked at the photos and websites of several of the frequent posters on this forum. You do such beautiful work! I just can't imagine Uncle anybody taking work away from anyone here...

Just thought I'd throw my thoughts in for consideration, for whatever that's worth. :)

May I offer the perspective of a long-time lurker and prior bride...?

While the "uncles" and "aunts" of the world may be able to achieve decent images, can they really do all the other things you do to make the sale and then make the couple happy with your service?

There's lots of competition out there for a lot these days. But is it always about who has the best images, or who can provide the best service? How many places can make the sale, make the customer happy and then keep the customer coming back for more?

From personal experience, I've written off a few businesses because I didn't feel I received the attention I signed on for. I found there were others waiting in the wings with the level of service I sought and were happy to provide it.

I wonder how many people enter the wedding photography business after recieving compliments on their images, thinking it will be an easy buck--only to find it involves so much more than they initially realized?

From reading this forum alone, I've seen how much more there is to a photographer shooting a wedding than just shooting the wedding.

Is it possible that even with good or great images, some won't be up to the challenge of everything else involved? The customer service, some of the hand holding, the thinking three to ten steps ahead all day long, etc., etc.?

Hi Louis--

This isn't something that I'm doing. The idea of someone doing it as a business occured to me after reading the article (link in original post). I just put it here for anyone to consider--as I see frequent posts from people seeking ways to earn by taking pictures.

I'm pretty new to photography and am still learning, so I'm not in business at this time.

I suppose I could give something like this a shot, as it wouldn't require as much skill as other areas of photography, but the specifics of performing such work seems that it would be difficult to price it for the work involved, and still make it profitable.

You raise a good question, though. Given that people probably would be hesitant to invite a stranger into their home to do this, it would seem to make it challenging for anyone attempting such a business to do so.

I appreciate your response! :)

Hi Louis--

This isn't something that I'm doing. The idea of someone doing it as a business occured to me after reading the article (link in original post). I just put it here for anyone to consider--as I see frequent posts from people seeking ways to earn by taking pictures.

You raise a good question, though. Given that people probably would be hesitant to invite a stranger into their home to do this, it would seem to make it challenging for anyone attempting such a business to do so.

I appreciate your response! :)

That sounds wonderful, Art! To do something you love, and to find an area of specialization that you enjoy--that's great!

I did some digging on the internet and found someone that actually does work in the area I inquired about in my original post.

Here's a link to her website, where she's featured articles written about her business.

http://www.capturedoncamera.com/news.html

It sounds even more time consuming (as we both stated it would be), than I initially considered.

Quote from article (last one on page):

The cost of her service depends on the amount of time spent in your home, she said. "In an hour, I can take about 50 pictures; including exteriors, room views, individual item close-ups and documents. For every hour I spend in your home I spend 8 to 9 hours creating your inventory."

Whew... that's a lot of work. I hope she charges enough to compensate for all that work at home AFTER the initial photography is complete.

Maybe it would be more cost effective to offer the service for businesses needing insurance documentation.

I can only imagine attempting to document an entire dvd or cd collection,...enough to give a pro fits. LOL.

Sorry to hear that it's no longer a source of income for you, Art. Sounds like it was lucrative for a time at least.

Any photographers doing this? It sounds time consuming and rather

tedious, but based on this article there may be a need for it.

Then again, I wonder if anyone would be willing to pay for such a

service to make it worthwhile for the photographer.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-perfin29jan29,1,6158058.column

What do you pros think?

Thought I would toss the idea out there, after finding this article

on-line while seeking tips on how to take pics for my own home

inventory. LOL! If nothing else, maybe an idea for those seeking

ways to earn some money with your camera. ;)

Hi Guys--

I came here to let you know what happened with the camera--and R has suggested I do what I did last night. :)

I contacted the seller to let him know what I found. I remembered he was selling other camera equipment, and I thought he should be aware in the event he encountered something similar with other items.

Just as you said, R--he had no idea that what he described as dirt or dust was fungus. He was surprised and offered to take the camera back for a refund.

I wasn't expecting such an outcome, but this is what happened!

Oh, and thanks so much for the link to the thread, R.

Bruce--I agree, the Olympus is a great camera. It must have been hard for you to sell all of yours and go digital. Well, maybe not--digital may be more convenient for your business. Thank you for your feedback, supportive words and advice on the situation. I do appreciate it.

Well, I took the camera to a local shop today and I'm just sick about this...it's not dust. It's fungus. :(

The tech seemed to think I still got a good camera as everything else is functional, but I'm so upset about it. It could have took the seller so little time to have it checked out and find it out...

I'm so bummed.

Wondering if anyone may be interested (ebay) in buying it for parts--I couldn't in good conscience try to sell it w/out telling the truth about the fungus. I may try that eventually...

I've learned my lesson. I'll never buy another item like this from ebay.

Hi Bruce--

Really?! A CLA will make that much of a difference?

I just got the Olympus OM 1 MD that I purchased from ebay. The

description was accurate. There is a hint of dust visible through

the viewfinder on the prism--it seems caught on the bottom...

Is there a way to clear this out? (Without taking it to a camera

store to dismantle...)

While it doesn't seem to affect the function of the camera, it is a

tad distracting.

Thanks!

Hi Art H. It's a shame slide film went into decline... I appreciate your sharing some of it's history here.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello Kai G.--I'd have to agree with you. A friend that was once did a lot of this work, cracked up laughing when I read them this part of the book. LOL!

The author of this book seems to have been a bit stubborn, that even in 1991 he was reluctant to embrace newer technology.

The opening paragraph of the chapter on slide shows,

"Don't ever think of slide shows as being obsolete. Despite the advent of video cameras with their "instant movies," there is now and always will be a place for slide shows." LOL!

Which isn't to say he hadn't found a dedicated following for such work...just interesting he refused to accept that eventually it may be overshadowed by changes in technology.

If you're interested in his specifics--let me know, I'll share them. Though, it's tough to conceive that he managed to find business even in the 90's with this... But I can understand having a soft-spot for preserving some of the older ways of doing things. :)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Neville B.-- I agree that the slide shows with projectors were truly beautiful! Vibrant, sharp colors--truly gorgeous! It's sad that the computer slide shows really can't replicate the best aspects of those...

It's obvious in the way the author has written his book, that he got wind of the tecnhology, but still felt it would have no affect on what he was doing... Makes me feel badly for him--those must have been exciting times.

LOL--I know, it's pretty old. The author hasn't written a more current edition. :(

Having read quite a bit on photo.net I was able to see that some of the areas the author speaks of (weddings, children's sports activities, etc.) are still applicable--as I found posters w/in the last year speaking about working in these areas.

With slide shows I wasn't able to determine if this was still viable based on the few posts I could find...

Thanks for your response--I appreciate it!

Hi--

I just acquired a rather old book about the photography business

(1991-publishing year). I'm trying to gauge if any of the

information within this book could still be considered viable

business opportunities--or if most of the info is now obsolete (or

merely outdated).

Responses could be difference between my keeping the book and

putting it aside for future use, or donating it to the local

library. LOL!

One of the opportunities the author discusses are slide shows.

Does anyone here still create slideshows for clients?

Hi Richard--

Thank you, I hope so (that I got a good deal)...

The seller did mention this-- I'm hoping it isn't anything that will affect my pictures or the overall function of the camera.

Quote from auction:

When looking through the viewfinder I can see dust or stains on one of the prisms. This is visible only at the bottom and won't affect the functionality.

Stacy

Hello Everyone!

Thank you ALL for the advice, suggestions and information!

Steven Levine--Hi! Yes, I am aware of the battery issues with this camera. I presently own a Nikon FG--decent camera but it drives me nuts because the battery on it goes out fast and frequently...

I was under the impression that the Olympus OM would function w/or w/out the battery--which appealed to me. I had read about the other options for a battery for it, too (hearing aid, etc.) ... Thanks for your response!

Hi Lex Jenkins! How do you know if you need a CLA? Was it expensive to send it to John Hermanson for the sealing, etc.?

Thank you for letting me know there is an Olympus forum on photo.net. I must have overlooked it. I was looking on the boards in hopes there was one, prior to asking this question.

Bruce Kapla--hello! Sure, I'm interested. The prices for lenses on ebay (at present)are quite a bit higher than some on this thread have stated one should pay for one... So I'm open to other options...

ST. Chan--Hi...May I ask what it cost you to send your camera to John Hermanson?

If I find I like working with the Olympus OM-1 better than my Nikon, I would be willing to send it to him if it will give it a longer life. Thank you for your response!

Hi--

I expected to pay about $100 for this camera, but managed to get one

for about $60. I waited to find one where the seller had 100%

feedback and could answer my questions about the camera. I purchased

the camera body only. Now I'm worried maybe I didn't spend enough...

How much should I budget to spend on a lense for this type of camera?

The prices on lenses on ebay are all over the place...What should I

spend for a 50mm 1:8? (Hope I stated this correctly, forgive me if I

did not)...

Thanks for any advice or information!

Hi Maya--

Thanks so much for your response. I apologize that I am only now seeing your response to me! Julia is offering a beginning class in April for film and digital--I will definitely sign up!

Thanks so much!

Stacy :)

Thank you for sharing this with us Anne!

I'm pretty much a newbie here, I lurk much more than I post. As a beginner I frequently feel frustrated and overwhelmed by all there is to learn and by the changes in the industry--and wonder if I'm crazy to consider possibly entering this field as anything other than a hobbyist.

Thank you for being so encouraging to those of us starting out. Your post is so inspirational---thank you!

And yes, I read the whole post! LOL!

Stacy:)

Newbie

Hi Michael--

Thank you for the recommendation of Orange Coast College--I appreciate your input! Do you have personal experience with their program, or are you familiar with thier reputation?

Are all the instructors with the program created equal (so to speak--lol), in other words do you recommend any one in particular for their intro course?

Hi JoeC--thank you for the warm welcome!

Thank you for offering your feedback on the Julia Dean workshops. I'm glad to hear of their quality and supportive environment.

I'm trying to decide between taking an intro class with Julia (digital or film) in April or an intro to digital class with George Simian in January. I'm a total beginner to the study of photography. Have only taken photos casually up to now, so I'm looking to learn all that I can.

I'm also looking into possibly studying at a junior college--my local one doens't have a very good photo program. But I've heard santa monica, orange coast and pasadena city college are good photo programs--just have to decide which one... (lol). They are all about the same driving distance (give or take a little). So if anyone would care to weigh in on any of their programs--I'd appreciate it.

Then again, studying with julia dean workshops may suffice!

These forums are a fantastic resource--so glad I found it!

Hi,

I'm new to the forums.

I'm in southern California, and found the Julia Dean workshops

through a google search. Just thought I would ask here if anyone has

participated in these workshops, has experience with them or an

opinion about them? I've seen the santa fe workshops mentioned on

these forums (through search) but little of julia dean. Thought I'd

take a shot and ask.

You can find them at www.juliadean.com

Looking forward to responses--thank you!

Stacy