robgomez

<p>Hi Bob,<br>

I use Bay Photo for my prints .... and PhotoBookAmerica Pro Series for my books. :)</p>

<p>Hello,<br>

my clients always have questions about how I make my books, prints, etc ....</p>

<p>I was wondering: Do you ever show your clients your vendor's websites?</p>

<p>I just find it would be easier to refer them to the company, if they want in-depth information about my products.</p>

<p>Or is this tacky, risky, etc? Should I only just stick to showing them my own photographed/real samples of my products?</p>

<p>Thanks guys!<br>

Rob</p>

<p>Agreed, thanks Michael. This was meant to be a deep and open discussion about service, not to attack another photographer into changing their business approach. What works for you, works for you.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hello everyone,<br>

when a client is very enthusiastic about hiring you, and we have done every step until the initial 1st retainer payment .... Talk on the phone, agree with the estimate and contract, PayPal invoice sent ..... when the client says by email that she will pay the retainer either today or tomorrow, and doesn't ....</p>

<p>Do you play each client by ear ..... or do you push them a bit (calling them, emailing them a friendly "still interested"?) ...... or do you give them room, leave them alone, and hope for the best?<br>

We have not spoken since the last email about "I will pay....".<br>

I want to know. Of course I don't want to make a lead uncomfortable and botch the whole thing ..... but I also want to close the deal. Do your methods help close the deal?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

 

<p>Ha ha .... I like the photographers that say "Shame on you" .... when I should be saying the same thing about the work that they give to people. Not in the same league, move on.</p>

<p>And I especially love how they prove the attitude and mindset that I am exactly talking about. Thank you for that as well.</p>

<p>And I like how almost every answer on the "how many hours issue".... photographers set up a straw man and say "well you just wanna know where you are" .... or "you don't wanna be there for 12 hours Rob, DUH".</p>

<p>I'm sure they wouldn't want even just ONE past client to read their comments.</p>

<p>Carry on.</p>

<p>Rob</p>

<p>Hello all,<br>

when you first email the wedding lead, first contact ... do you give your quote right away, if given enough info? </p>

<p>I have been taking the "give quote over phone" approach, and it's worked ok for me.</p>

<p>But I have heard a lot of photographers say that the customers like to see the price right away, so they know where they are in the decision process, .... and also to include package details right away.</p>

<p>Where do you stand on this?</p>

<p>Thanks,<br>

Rob</p>

<p>"Mission Statement" .... Jerry Maguire </p>

<p>Hello all,<br>

I just recently did a little experiment by acting like the customer, and signing up on quoting sites for wedding photographers. And what I got back kind of bothers me. I was wondering if you'd feel the same.</p>

<p>I put in my information on places like Wedding Wire and Thumbtack. Fake date, name, all. My budget is at $2000.</p>

<p>Right away, the most common question I get asked by FAR is ... "How many hours of wedding coverage do you need?"<br>

For me, this has just always rubbed me the wrong way. So I shoot someones wedding, and go to Disneyland the rest of the day? <br>

I feel that when I book someone myself, for my own business, I am there acting like this wedding is THE priority of the day. At least I like to treat each of my clients like this. I try not to book weddings too close together.</p>

<p>Another thing I noticed was how many automatic, get down to prices, 50% retainer please, with a little :) at the end quotes I got. </p>

<p>Do you have similar feelings about this? I feel that we're in a profession that needs to be more personal and authentic than perhaps other ones? I know it's business as well, and mine really is picking up now ..... partly because I try to be more personal from beginning to neverending customer relationship.<br>

Thanks for reading,<br>

Rob</p>

<p >Hello everyone,</p>

<p >I have a potential client that just looked at my contract, and emailed me politely with some concerns. </p>

<p >She was wondering if I could put these points into contract. </p>

<p >Am I being taken advantage of? Or are theses pretty reasonable additions?</p>

<p > </p>

<p > </p>

<p >- Photos will not be exclusively, but will be at least 40% bride based.</p>

<p >- Photos are subject to rejection if under lit or underexposed as client and photographers have agreed on the clients' desire and photographers' ability to deliver a majority of brightly lit photos. Obtaining this through proper lighting and/or editing are both acceptable.</p>

<p >- Photos are subject to rejection if they are blurry, out of focus, or not sharp. This is due to a prior verbal agreement between the client and photographers.</p>

<p > </p>

<p >My feeling is, I can change the words from subject to "rejection" ... to "revision".</p>

<p >Change the 40%?</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Thanks everyone!</p>

<p >Rob</p>

<p>Hello all,</p>

<p>I wanted to know what you think of my site.</p>

<p>Any words, comments, or detailed thoughts when first seeing it, and spending time with it.</p>

<p>www.RobGomezPhotography.com</p>

<p>Thank you, <br>

Rob</p>

<p>Hello,<br>

I am currently a new wedding photographer trying to get leads from multiple cities on Thumbtack.com.</p>

<p>Any advice you two can lend me on how you do this?<br>

I asked Thumbtack how I can get leads from multiple cities, but only showed me how to do it for one city at a time. That negates the whole point of what I'm trying to do. </p>

<p><br />I travel to SF and NYC often, and want to see all the leads from each of these cities. <br>

<br />They said change to "my customers" come to me, make a new profile. But it doesn't work that way I want it to.<br />How can I look at the most leads possible .... with phone numbers of course.<br>

Thanks!<br />Rob</p>

<p>Thank you guys,<br /> Yeah Michael, that's how I think right now, that I'm just in the feeling things out stage of the business. I know I have to sell to price shoppers ... I am that way sometimes with certain things, so I understand where they come from. I don't know if I want to put up prices yet, since I deal with both high end and price shoppers. Thanks for the compliments on the site, that is exactly the look I was going for. I like to think Mercedes and Apple. Ha.<br /> <br /> David, thanks! Yeah, I wanted to know if it is totally possible, and reasonable, to get that many hits on Thumbtack? <br /> Any advice you two can lend me on how you do this? I asked Thumbtack how I can get leads from multiple cities, but only showed me how to do it for one city at a time. That negates the whole point of what I'm trying to do. <br>

I travel to SF and NYC often, and want to see all the leads from each of these cities. <br>

They said change to "my customers" come to me, make a new profile. But it doesn't work that way I want it to.<br>

How can I look at the most leads possible .... with phone numbers of course.</p>

<p>Thanks!<br /> Rob</p>

<p>Hello my very helpful pros,<br />I have been growing my wedding photo business now for the past 3 years, and I can very much say that when people tell you to stick with something, it will be good, ... listen to them. I swear I can't believe how much I have improved my craft, image, presentation, and professionalism. Just keep going at it, got no where to go but up. Check it out! robgomezphotography.com<br>

My question is about the lead generating site called Thumbtack. I know, I know ... this and others are not the places to get "real" quality leads .... but this is my question...<br>

Because of my small footprint in the business, I don't have much word of mouth yet, ... and because, maybe more importantly, I am not the extroverted, chippy, happy go lucky person that goes a long way in booking weddings .... can I right now invest some risky money to get a return?<br />In the last month, I thought to myself and said "You gave Thumbtack $20 a month for 6 months, you got 2 $700 package bookings ..... hmmmmm, time to INVEST MORE". Last month, I took the risk, and spent $100, and got 2 $1000 bookings within a week. <br />My thinking is, at least money wise, will this suffice UNTIL I can get better at the other things?....(Bridal shows, word of mouth, referrals, etc.)<br>

Or, is this stupid? Wrong? Counter? Anything? .... I know this is maybe lazy, but for now, ... it's just seems to make sense. If I spend more, get more ... kind of approach.<br>

Let me know, I really want to start booking at least 3 a month, and yes, quality leads that understand more of what they want.<br>

Thanks everyone!<br />Rob</p>

<p>Hello my very helpful pros,<br /> I have been growing my wedding photo business now for the past 3 years, and I can very much say that when people tell you to stick with something, it will be good, ... listen to them. I swear I can't believe how much I have improved my craft, image, presentation, and professionalism. Just keep going at it, got no where to go but up. Check it out! robgomezphotography.com</p>

<p>My question is about the lead generating site called Thumbtack. I know, I know ... this and others are not the places to get "real" quality leads .... but this is my question...</p>

<p>Because of my small footprint in the business, I don't have much word of mouth yet, ... and because, maybe more importantly, I am not the extroverted, chippy, happy go lucky person that goes a long way in booking weddings .... can I right now invest some risky money to get a return?<br /> In the last month, I thought to myself and said "You gave Thumbtack $20 a month for 6 months, you got 2 $700 package bookings ..... hmmmmm, time to INVEST MORE". Last month, I took the risk, and spent $100, and got 2 $1000 bookings within a week. <br /> My thinking is, at least money wise, will this suffice UNTIL I can get better at the other things?....(Bridal shows, word of mouth, referrals, etc.)</p>

<p>Or, is this stupid? Wrong? Counter? Anything? .... I know this is maybe lazy, but for now, ... it's just seems to make sense. If I spend more, get more ... kind of approach.</p>

<p>Let me know, I really want to start booking at least 3 a month, and yes, quality leads that understand more of what they want.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone!<br /> Rob</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hey guys,<br>

a DJ at one of the weddings I shot contacted me and wants to know if he can use one of my images from the wedding for advertising his company. <br>

Should I charge him some kind of fee? Or just give them to him for free? <br>

I just don't wanna be screwed. I'm still new to all of this.</p>

<p>Thanks guys, merry Christmas!<br>

Rob</p>

<p>Thank you so much for everything everyone. A lot of good caring people here. <br>

I took the job. My friend drove me ... and it was the best wedding photography experience I ever had.<br>

Sometimes you don't know what sneaks up on ya.<br>

I became a much better photographer from it; in both the quality of the pictures, and hustling to make it all work.<br>

Thank you!<br>

Rob</p>

<p>Hello,<br>

Is is a wrong move to have all the settings put to ZERO in Lightroom when beginning to edit a wedding? It seems like we need Contrast and Black levels, and others to be set the way they are, because a normal zeroed out RAW file looks ugly and unusable.</p>

<p>What are you opinions about this. I am looking for quality, as well as speed. I no longer wish to spend 2 weeks editing a wedding. More like 5 days of hard but fast work.</p>

<p>Thank you!<br>

Rob</p>

<p>Hello,<br>

the way that I edit a 2k photo wedding down to about 100 photos is putting all the images in Quick selection, and pressing B for each photo I don't want. Much faster than Delete, and press another Delete. </p>

<p>First, tell me if this is the fastest way to edit out photos. <br>

Second, the previews take too long to load in each pass of a photo.</p>

<p>Is there a way to load all of the photos at the start, so they are already fully rendered when I go on to that photo?</p>

<p>Thank you!<br>

Rob</p>

<p>Hello,<br>

I have a small problem. A person has asked me to shoot their wedding, and it's good money. I have agreed to meet with them soon, and told them I have the date open. <br>

The bride sent me a little more information about the wedding, and to my surprise, it's about an hour drive away from my city, in a small town on the California coast, away from public trans and major highways. <br>

I don't drive. My license is suspended for a stupid reason that I'm trying to fix right now. <br>

Any suggestions? I was thinking of hiring a buddy to shoot with me for $100, and can drive there and back. Is that a cruel amount to pay? I'm really new to all this.<br>

I'm just wondering if it's even possible to be a wedding photographer without a car. Do any of you guys have experience with this?<br>

Thanks!<br>

Rob</p>

<p>Hello everyone, <br>

I love the look that the 80s had with films. Any John Hughes Film, Working Girl, Secret of My Success, Witness, Ordinary People. I've asked before this question on the forum, but I really have determined that grain is really a part of my look. <br>

So my question is .... is there a plugin, software, or technique that is devoted to achieving the grainy, old film look for digital negatives?<br>

I used to shoot only film, and will get really back into it soon since this is the best way. But I would like to achieve that look for all of my work ,.... and the most efficient and fastest way possible.<br>

Any favorite films you use that has the best looking grain? I never shoot anything under 400 ISO.</p>

<p> Thank you!<br>

Rob</p>

<p>Hello,<br />I currently go to art school as a photographer ... and for one of my assignments I need to print really BIG .... at least 30x40 inches. <br /><br />Now, the kind of work I'm doing right now is <strong>ads</strong>. Political ads, that can be printed on very cheap paper; thin, non-archival, throw away. <br /><br />The quality just needs to be OK, not too high. Like I said, these are advertisements, and should mimic <strong>posters/billboards/magazine paper</strong>.<br /><br />I'm not sure Kinkos, Staples, Office Depot, etc, are the cheapest options ... Are they?<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Rob</p>

<p>Ok, she has not been more responsive. I am seriously thinking of backing out. Your right, money is money .... but in the photography business ..... a nightmare customer IS.</p>

<p>I made the mistake of only mentioning that the retainer is non-refundable, but didn't get a singed contract about it. What should I do?</p>

<p>Like I said, I am new to this. Lesson learned. </p>

<p>So, the problem is ... I don't have the money at the moment. How would you go about this? Can I make arrangements to refund her back in about 1-3 months? Is there a wait time anyways, how does this work?<br>

R</p>

<p>Hello,<br>

I really hear what all of you are saying. There is so much info, that I won't refer to specific responses but I will address some things I have learned.<br>

First off, she is calm again and back on track now. I right away sent her a simple email stating "Yes, 2 days is fine. Like I said, it was going to be a favor. We can go back to two days, I am not going back on my word. I am sending over a singed letter stating this guaranteed, and I am throwing in free 8x10 prints". She responded back very well, even apologizing to me.</p>

<p>2nd, I am thinking of changing this practice, of being paid full before an event. I didn't always do this, but the reason I started to was because I have had two people pretty much stiff me. One didn't even want the pictures anymore, because they are broke, and one of them just simply doesn't want the photo book anymore. ..... So you tell me, how I should do this. Because they did sign something that sad they have to pay.<br>

And yes, I am going to be a bit more stern about getting a phone number from her. I need to talk to her on the phone, and get her to A) Know that I am a real person that is going to shoot her party, B) Need phone numbers for the event. <br>

Do you guys think I should contact her and say that paying AFTER the event is fine, as long as I get a signed contract from her? Should I send her over the new one, .... attempt to fix things a little and get further back on track?</p>

<p>Thanks, your all very experienced and great. I hope to one day be giving the advice here! Ha.<br>

Rob</p>

<p>Hello everyone.<br>

I want you to tell me if I am being professional and fair.</p>

<p>I have been working with this woman for the past few months now about a sweet sixteen party. She lives far away from me, about 200 miles. I have never met her, or talked to her on the phone (because each time I've asked for a number, she doesn't give one). But we have emailed, and she has paid a retianer of half the agreed amount ($650) so far. So I know that she is serious about this.<br>

I have send her a signed letter and estimate that I will be there, and also an info packet. More on that later.<br>

But because she takes so long to reply back to me about things (what exactly she wants in her order, paying the retainer, party location (it's in two weeks!), and other details .... I have gotten just a bit more pushy about getting back to me.<br>

My policy is to pay the remainder retainer 2 weeks before the event, but we agreed that she can pay it 2 days before, because she gets paid her refund then. <br>

----<br>

Here are the 3 latest emails.</p>

<p>----</p>

<p>Hi Karen,<br />thank you for getting back to me. Everything is going great on my part, I just like to keep in touch regularly to make sure we are in sync.<br /><br />I just sent a newly revised estimate, and invoice. <br /><br />I will ask for a small favor at the moment. I know we agreed to have the rest of the amount payed about 2 days before the event. Is there a chance that you can make the payment 2 weeks before? This is my standard policy, as you can see in my attached info packet. <br /><br />The reason I am asking for this is because so far correspondance from you is always much later than I wish, and I do need to make sure that the payment is in before I can make arrangements days before the event. I'm sure you understand. I understand that you are very busy: I am trying to adjust as much as I can. Just let me know what you think and I will work with you.<br /><br />Yes, please let me know on the 4th where this event is taking place. <br /><br />Excellent. I will have instant printing for you so that the kids can have their photo in a few minutes! <br /><br />The photo book is always something that you can order later. I will always keep your photos safe and sound so that you have options down the road.<br />It is a beautiful leather bound book with quality paper, showcasing the best photos of that night with friends and family.<br /><br />The signed papers are in the mail! Thanks for the address. Could you please provide a phone number? I know you must have your reasons why you haven't provided one yet. Most clients like to speak on the phone before I work with them. But if you prefer not to, that's cool as well. Ha.<br /><br />Thank you Karen. Hope everything is going great! Be healthy, let your daughter know she will have a great photographer, and keep in touch.<br /><br />Rob</p>

<p>------------------And-------</p>

<p>As i told you before payday is not until two days before and only comes once a month, if this is ganna be a problem please just issue me a refund as i dont need to worry about this too. That is why i asked you ahead of time before i paid the first amount. Also i never said i would not give my phone number. <br />I dont know why but it seems now your having an issue about getting paid and i have been straight forward with you about the reasons on money, i told you i was waiting for tax refund which still hasnt got here, now i cannot depend on that the only solution is payday. I asked you if that would be a problem you said it was fine. I completely understand you have your end to prepare as well that is why i gave you the heads up on the date of payment if it was a problem you should have said so then. I can hire someone else its not a problem. To be honest i dont like the idea of paying before the work is done anyway and i thought half down remainder at the party. Ill have to referback but i will and get back to you.</p>

<p>------------- AND THIS IS WHAT I AM PLANNING ON SENDING HER BACK--------------</p>

<p>Karen,<br />let me assure you that payment is not my priority. Getting my job done right is. <br /><br />As I said just in the last email, you can decide on this. Yes, you can pay me two days before. I am not going back on any of my words. If you can't do it, just tell me ... which you already have. It's not a problem. You can pay me 2 days before.<br /><br />The only reason I asked, which I stated in my last email, is because, yes, there has been a lack of communication. I totally respect that you are very busy. I know what that's like. You have a party to run, but I also have a business to run. I am confident that we both respect that. One of my traits is staying on top of things and conversing with my client.<br /><br />I assure you, that if you look around and do your research, every photographer is payed in full before the work begins. It's just the way things are ran. Believe me, I have learned my lesson in my early career as a photographer. It is nothing personal. You are getting a very fair deal with me.<br /><br />About the phone number: yes, you never said that you would not give me your phone number. But I believe I have asked for it many times in numerous emails, and still I have not received one. If you don't want to, that's fine. In my experience a new client feels better talking to a new photographer over the phone. That's all. <br /><br />Please let me know that we are in agreement. Everything is to what we have planned. Everything is going to be great!<br /><br />Oh, I forgot to mention the background. I am thinking of very pleasant white or cream pattern, and the kids can play with a lot of props that I bring (glasses, hats, vests, etc). It will all be setup in a convenient place at the venue.<br /><br />Thank you Karen. <br />Rob</p>

<p>---------</p>

<p>So, I would just like to know .... am I being fair? How would you guys handle this? What would you change/keep in this email? How can I calm her down and still seal the deal? (I know I probably screwed up by asking for her to pay it sooner, now.) <br>

----<br>

I sent her an info packet when she first contacted me about the job, but I made a mistake. <br>

In the first draft of it that I made, it didn't say that the deposit/retainer is non-refundable. Since doing my research, I have updated it saying that. AHHHHHH, what do I do?</p>

<p>Please don't reply back only saying I am unprofessional. I know I am new to this, that's why I am asking for your opinion so that I can be more professional. </p>

<p>Thanks guys,<br>

R</p>

 

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I just got a $700 deposit (half of the total) to do a big event from a new client.<br>

I am growing my very very new business. I don't have much petty/reserve cash .... so I wanted to know how you guys deal with deposits ..... when even that deposit is for you to get equipment together, pay rent, eat ... all of that. <br>

What are your policies to protect yourself and be fair to the client at the same time?<br>

If they cancel? Reschedule? Etc. How do you return it to them, when maybe you already have used half of it to book some special equipment?</p>

<p>Thanks,<br>

Rob</p>