marv_stasak___southfield__

<p>I use a program called Backup & Burn. It allows you to download your cards using as many card readers as you wish, putting the files in order by date and time. Then backs them up to how many hard drives and DVDs or CDs that you wish, prompting you to change out the DVDs as they are full. It then will print a label for each DVD<br>

Unfortunately, I believe Steve Post, who designed the software, shut his operation down because of a lack of response in this economy. You might check www.backupandburn.com to see if it is still available. It's a relatively inexpensive program, about $140.00</p>

<p>I use a program called Back Up & Burn (www.backupandburn.com). It will organize the files from multiple card readers, put them in sequential order by time and date, burn them to CDs or DVDs as well as backup to to multiple hard drives, and print labels. It's a big timesaver when you are dealing with a lot of cards from a wedding or an event.<br>

It is, however, essential that you sync your cameras' time and dates.</p>

I use Smugmug, but I don't use a shopping cart. I have potential print buyers go through me. I want to control what my customers are getting in terms of print quality. A second reason came out of feedback from clients who thought my prices too high. A little research produced info that the problem stems from the fact that Smugmug is used by amateurs whose sites and pricing are open to anyone wanting to look around. Potential clients see someone charging $1.00 for a print and think I'm ripping them off by charging $30.00 for the same size print. All they are thinking about is the price of a sheet of paper and not what's on the sheet of paper.

Matt, I'm using Bridge to adjust the RAW files and save them as a JPG. I see no way they could be saved as 32 bit. I upload images done like this all the time to my lab for printing and they have no problems reading the files. I also just sent a DVD with JPG files to a magazine to illustrate an article they are running and the art director had no problem opening the files.

 

William, her laptop does read JPG files because she can read 3 of the 5 folders I sent her.

 

I'm wondering if there is some sort of "tracking" issue between my DVD reader/burner and hers so that her reader can't see the images. Again, the client claims she has no problem reading other DVDs.

William, I saw the files on her lap top. The file names showed but the thumb images were greyed out and there was the "unrecognized file" message. The files wold not open. With several images, there was a partial thumb image, indicating something was being read but not the whole image.

 

Matt, the files are saved as .JPG.

 

This is a real head scratching problem for me. If it is a Vista issue, why can I read the files on my Vista OS?

I am suddenly having a problem with a client's ability to read JPG files I am providing. The JPGs are produced

through Adobe CS2 & Bridge and burned to a DVD-R. I shoot in RAW, edit the files, then save the edited photos as

JPGs. I can read the files on both my main computer with an XP OS and a laptop with a Vista OS. The files are

in separate folders. The client can open some of the folders, but a couple of the folders cannot be opened and

she gets an "unrecognizable file" message. I can take the same disk that she cannot read completely and have no

problem opening it. Further, a duplicate disk was sent to Pictage and they had no problem with the folders. She

claims she has the problem on two different computers. The computer she uses is a laptop with a Vista operating

system she bought in February. Since then, she has received many disks from me and has no problem until now. On

my end, nothing has changed. I use the same OS and programs I've always used. Has anyone seen this sort of

thing before or have any suggestions as to what might be happening?

Of the two, Smugmug is the better. Uploading images to Pictage can be a slow, time consuming, tear your hair out experience. Uploading to Smugmug is quick and seamless in comparison. However, while I use Smugmug, I have to save I am moving to projection presentation and sales and will eventually ditch even Smugmug. I only use it for a quick way to show clients and their guests the photos of an event, but I get very little in the way of print orders through the site.

If your contract said you would provide a backdrop and you didn't, then you don't have much defense. If you had put up a backdrop, then it would have been their responsibility to get the guests to you. Since you didn't, you have a problem. Your coverage other than that is fairly complete so stick to your offer of a 20% reimbursement. Throw in a couple of 11x14 prints to sweeten it if they balk. Since the engagement session was not in the contract, they have no claim to a reimbursement for something that was gratis.

 

The lesson here: Don't offer backdrops unless you are going to have another photographer setting up and manning that backdrop and you get compensated in your contract. Backdrops are a PITA. and impossible if you are shooting alone. You will always be in the wrong place at the wrong time and the B/G will be upset with you. If the wedding is a large one, they can be a money maker for you, but only if you make sure your other coverage doesn't suffer.

 

You will no doubt have some advice on the forum to "get a lawyer". Forget it. Settle the matter as best you can. It is never worthwhile hiring a lawyer unless you, yourself, are being sued.

Here is a corrected copy that would probably work from a technical standpoint, if you ignore the posing, etc..:-)<div></div>

Everyone has made some good suggestions. Technically, other than the hard lighting ratios, you need to get a hair light going to separate the subjects from the background. You say you are using one, but I don't see it. A high, silvered reflector would do it, if it was placed correctly.

Go to a few motorcycle dealers and pick up some brochures. Odds are they will have been produced by ad agencies for manufacturers. Decent budgets means better photographers than you might see in biker mags. However, don't discount the ads in the mags; They will be good for ideas. Much depends on the purpose of the photo. Portrait? Glamor? Product shot?

 

Lighting a bike to show it off is a lot like lighting a car. Large reflecting surfaces carefully placed.

Amanda,

 

Many photographers work out of their homes and do extremely well. Those who have had the foresight or good fortune to have homes that lend themselves to a separate, more professional looking, room or two have it particularly good. However, almost any home has some space that can be set aside for meeting clients. For me, it's better than coffee shops. I can control the ambience and it helps me prequalify potential clients. If they aren't willing to come to me, then they probably are just tire kickers. I don't find potential clients think that I am "less than" because I don't operate out of a storefront. If I did go that route, it would be for a shooting room, not necessarily to meet clients.

Karen,

 

I joined the Prof4um recently. The forum members seem to be more professionally experienced and settled into photography careers than those you might find as a general cross section on photo.net. To that end, you find forum topics that deal a lot more with the day to day problems of running a studio, marketing,advertising, etc.. Not that there aren't some flighty comments at times because there are. However, there doesn't seem to be questions like " help I'm a newbie shooting my first wedding this Saturday, what lens and flash should I use?". Amateurs aren't going to drop $250.00 to join a web site. Most of the work I've seen exhibited on the site is extremely good and indicative of photographers who are well trained and experienced.

 

I spent some time there today using the search feature to get invaluable info on marketing to seniors that you just wouldn't find here.

 

I haven't had the chance to fully explore the site, yet, so I really can't say much more with any authority. Time will tell whether it is worth the money.

Michael, I don't do formal attire, either, but I do where a black blazer, black shirt with a tie, and gray slacks. I don't see how such a system would work for me. I use 2 bodies, one with a 17-35mm f2.8 and the other with a 70-200 f2.8. Both with shoulder straps. Extra cards are in a small pouch on my belt. A meter and an Expodisc are in my pocket. Things like cell phones stay in the car The rest of my gear I keep in a Pelican case under or around the DJ's table. With that setup, I avoid changing lenses frequently and have few problems with dust on the sensors. The idea of changing lenses outside on a breezy day gives me the goose bumps just thinking about it.

 

My non wedding work, like high school seniors, does allow me to be a little more casual and I use a Mountain Smith fanny pack for stuff then.

How would you use such a system if you are wearing a suit or blazer? It would look awful under it or over it. I can see women getting away with it because they can wear nice slacks and a top and look dressed, but there is no way a guy could wear one of these systems and dress in a way that my clients would think appropriate. Or is the totally casual look for wedding photographers in these days? I am not trying to be smarmy here; I am honestly puzzled as to how some of you make it all work. I can see such a system if one is covering a sporting event, but, to me, looking like Tim The Tool Guy at a formal or semi-formal affair just doesn't seem the thing to do.

Will,

 

Actually, I have many jobs with a billing cycle beyond a month. Weddings require a retainer with a final payment months later just before the wedding itself. Then there are proofing costs, album production costs, print costs, etc. that can go on for a long period and might all be attributable to that wedding client. Then there are high school seniors who also pay a retainer to hold a date, time spent on the shoot, mileage, prints, etc.. I was trying to find out whether others were tracking the detail to establish costs by the job. However, the fact that, with the exception of two people, no one has answered my question in two months tells me that probably most who visit this forum don't find it necessary to get into that much detail.

Brides often have agendas. That's part of the business. Often they complain hoping to get a few freebies. Also part of the business and you usually have to submit to the extortion if you want to avoid being dissed on all the local bridal web sites. The trick is to resolve any issues the bride or family might have before it gets to the point of negative press. I had one bride absolutely enraged that I didn't get all of the groups shot in the church. I had twenty minutes and I got eight groups phottographed including the bride and groom before they kicked us out of the church. I had two large family groups remaining that had to be done at the reception venue and the bride was livid. She wouldn't speak to me for the rest of the day and I had to deal with the groom and maid of honor. Since then, I make it absolutely clear in my discussions with all brides that they must allow 4-5 minutes for each group.I have had no problems since I incorporated that warning into my discussions. Was it her fault for not realizing that her ceremony impinged on a Saturday evening Mass? Yes, and no. I am the experienced wedding photographer and should have seen that a problem might arise and warned her. Her seething anger over a less than major problem (we did get the pix) is another matter and I pity her husband; he will have much to deal with over the years.

 

The point I'm trying to make is that there are all kinds of brides and often many agendas and we have to deal with them if we want to be in this business. You need to analyse your own performance, be honest with yourself, and correct any technical errors that might have upset this bride as well as how you plan and advise the bride before the ceremony.

John, we are talking about a retainer check here with the wedding at some time in the future. I simply don't feel it necessary to run to the bank with every check I get. I said I take my time, I didn't say I take forever. As to "issues coming up", I've had a couple of instances where someone give me a check and then called later asking if they can put it on a credit card instead for whatever reason. I've been given a check with a request to wait a day or two until there is sufficient funds to cash the check. As you say, "the list goes on". I have never had a retainer check bounce, but if one did, there is certainly plenty of time to correct the matter. The non-refundable retainer is 25% of the final price. With that much on the table, no one backs out. Final payments due two weeks before the ceremony are cashed promptly to allow for something to be done if a problem does arise. I make that very clear to my clients; no final payment and I don't show up. Of course, I word it in a nice way in my contract. If you don't think much of my methods, it is certainly your privilege to handle your business in your own way.

Negotiate-forget lawyers. You are talking about being out $250.00 if you re-book with this photographer. Is that worth upsetting yourself to the point you ruin the joy of your wedding? So the photographer didn't cash the check for a month. Is that such a big deal? I frequently take my time depositing retainer checks just in case some issue comes up. You did sign a contract and the photographer held that date for you, giving up any other possible clients for that date. Put the shoe on the other foot: How would you like it if she canceled and gave you your money back, saying she found a better paying client for that day and, besides, you have 8 months to find another photographer? You would be furious. She is willing to credit you $500.00 toward the rescheduled wedding but at her new prices. Go to your appliance store, buy a stove with a deposit and then tell them you won't need the stove until some indefinite time in the future. Do you think they will sell you that stove for the same price, crediting you in full? Most of us are do wedding photography because we love it, but business is business. You need a reality check and then you need to negotiate the best deal you can get in a nice way.

The first answer questions the pricing on the cameras. You should also. B&H in New York sells the Nikon D80 for $729.00 and they are an extremely reputable outfit. If you are seeing that body for $300.00 less, there is a reason. It is either gray market with no Nikon warranty, refurbished, or stripped of batteries without which they won't sell you the camera. They will then charge you $300.00 for the batteries and they might ship it by next Christmas. Buy from reputable dealers; there is no free lunch. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 

Unless you are just fooling around and not doing serious shoots for money and where you have to deliver the goods, buy and use fixed f stop lenses. Zooms with variable f stops will kill you when using flash; your exposures will be all over the place. An SB400 is not powerful enough as a main light; bite the bullet and get an SB800. Even that isn't powerful enough outside in full sun for fill unless you are within 10' or less.

As I understand it, you both shot the same subject at the same location at approximately the same time. You were there to shoot a video. Someone else was shooting the stills. If you were there to do the video only, then ask the other photographer if it is alright with her if you use the still. If it's "no" than it's "no". Turn it around: What would you have said if she whipped out a cam corder, did some video work, and then asked if it would be ok for her to use that video in her portfolio?

<My love of relationships and people I think brought me to photographing and wanting to treasure and freeze "the moment" -as opposed to first having a love for photography itself. I wouldn't be as happy doing PS work or fine art (nor do I have the eye for it)>

 

Photography is a mechanical medium to achieve an end--in your case, love of relationships and freezing "the moment". You still have to master those mechanical techniques and also develop creatively or you won't have to worry about any of this--no one will hire you. You have to be able to demonstrate that you can produce at a wedding something that a guest with a point-and-shoot can't. So don't say you "don't have the eye for it". Besides, your wrong. Your pix of your dog in your portfolio demonstrate that you do have an eye; you just need some training.

 

Do not think negatively. Use this time while you strengthen and assess your physical abilities to develop your craft. Take classes. Attend seminars. Many community colleges now have very complete photography courses where you can learn and get feed back on your work. One last suggestion: You like people and you like dogs(well, at least one of them). Put these together. Become the best people/animal photographer that Northshore, MA ever saw!

I belonged, then dropped it. There is valuable info there, but the forum topics often seem to run on forever with a lot of redundancy. There seems to be little control by moderators and subjects tend to be discussed ad infinitum. Forums can be informative and helpful, but they can also eat you alive in terms of time spent. That said, the DWF does provide some great services. Last year, for example, the DWF was instrumental in exposing Bella Pictures' unethical practices and more or less forced Bella into acknowledging what they had done and at least pay lip service to mending their ways. I'm not sure that could have been done in any other place short of lawsuits. That was a good thing for all of us. In the end, I guess it's up to the individual as to how they want to spend their time.

All of the photos that are selected by the client to go into the album are enhanced and those are the only pictures that are supplied as a digital negative.

There are other areas of photography that you might want to explore such as fine art or even underwater photography where your weight is supported. Consider becoming a PhotoShop guru and supplying your services to other photographers. Become an expert in Painter. Check out Helen Yancy.

 

Bob Donlon makes good points in his reply. I, myself, have essential tremor in my hands which shake slightly when I work. I take a cocktail of drugs to control it, but it is still there slightly. Image stabilizing lenses are a godsend for me. I also have some arthritis in my back and a long wedding just kills me. This year, I am using an assistant and that looks like it is going to work out very well. Do I lose work because of it? Sure, especially young brides. Brides in their 30s and above are more understanding because, by that time, almost everyone has had a pain or two or some infirmity and they look at my work and my personality. I take the position that, if after looking at my work, a potential client is bothered by my tremor then it is their loss, not mine; I'm better off not working with them.

 

The question you have to ask yourself is: How important to me is doing this, both creativly and emotionally? How bad do I want it?