msquarephoto

We have a website through them. It was a bit touch and go on follow-up contact with the representative during the set-up phase. Since then, I have had a couple a questions about up-grading, but no return emails. Seems for an up-grade, which would be more money in their pocket, might get you some attention. However, I suspect that the money received for time invested in up-grading me would be less than continuing the new website seekers. As far as support, I am not too happy. The product...it is nice.

We are having problems with the Wein Safe-Sync HSHS Hot Shoe Voltage Regulator

as it connects to our Rebel XTi. The accompanying cable does not remain well

fixed in its receiving channel on the hot shoe. This is the second one we

bought with the same problem on both cameras. Currently we have to hold

tightly the cord in the channel to make sure the contact is enough to fire the

off-camera flashes. Anyone else having this problem? We're going to buy a

pocket wizard and upgrade our cameras to Cannon 5Ds in March.

This has been a struggle for me. I use the view finder to help me create the image, and then I am stuck with ordering sizes that won't capture the same image. My business partner drills into me frame then back out. When backing out, the image is there, you'll just have more room to crop into it to get it regardless of printing size.

Have any of you done photography for same sex couples? Living in Atlanta, as

our name has begun to circulate, we are getting approached to do some of

these. Certainly many of the shots can remain the same, but I was wondering if

anyone had some interesting approaches. Certainly each unique couple will help

us guide us toward the type of images they like. However, just wanted to know

what have been the experiences of those in this group.

Elishia: My two cents: If he is near you, invite him to lunch and tell him how you are feeling about not having your photos. Asking him in the most loving way if there was a problem with the images and that is why it is taking longer than you expected. Be prepared for him to tell you that they are all lost, ruined, or juat bad quality. If this is the case, becuase you are family, he might be worried to death what you'll think/do....why you might even want to SUE him!!!!

 

Of course, in the end, he will need to return your money of there is nothing to give you. Since it is family, after you have done the soft loving approach, don't forget the power of family...his reprimanding sibling (your mother or father) or this own mother/father (your grandparent) could put the fire in his pants to get moving?

 

In all cases, I am so sorry that it has taken so long. Please let us know how it unfolds.

I use the term "images" in my packages to describe art renditions of photographs taken and photo to refer to the basic shot. In packages I just refer to them as photos or images on an CD. I used "electronic" here to open a discussion about what our debate of the content of the final packages.

 

I agree with the value of touching, pointing, rearranging the images of a traditional proof prints. But, we are offing high resolution photos on a CD that they can take any where. Would there still be the need for proof images if they have no need to come back to us either for reprints or album development?

Do some Prince Charming shots with him kneeling in front of her holding or kissing her extended hand. Have him sit in a chair with her standing behind him wrapping her arms around his shoulders, faces close to one another. Have him hold her in his arms. Also, don't shy away from the fact that there is the difference. You might make a funny three paneled image with the first shot of them standing side by side near a short outside garden wall with her trying to reach up to kiss him, next panel he is standing on the wall with her looking even more unhappy, and the last with her on the wall able to look directly in his eyes and kiss him. Campy but fun.

At this stage, newbies, my business partner and I have "decided" that we're

going to give electronic images instead of proof books or albums. We'll do

prints and albums, but ala cart. So our wedding packages are basic with a

basic number of e-images...portrait sessions and the like....all prices are

averaging around $10.00 an image. We know that larger bundles of cash could be

available through the print business. But we're exhausted in trying to express

our former tiered pricing system for packages and why the "value" or our prints

claims a price that is far from WalMart and Wolf's.

 

This has been brought up a few times, but there have been many new people

joining up and I was wondering how they are setting their packages and printing

prices in this new electronic world.

 

We thought we'd return to printing-based pricing when we have more time and a

reputation that brings in the business to make it worthwhile.

 

Thoughts?

It seems that a password is needed for this link.

In photo package descriptions I refer to "all final images". When someone asked about the other images taken, I said referred to the language of her contract that stated she would only get "final images". When asked about seeing them, I said just as a bride does not want to be seen until she is perfect and at her best, nether do my non-final images. She laughed and that was the end.

If it is too late to book another engagement on the same day, go with this woman, but don't even let her look at a single image until there is actual cash in hand. I have been burned a few times with being a nice guy. One doesn't have to NOT be a nice guy to be successful, but one doesn't have to be a sucker either.

 

A

As a new PROFESSIONAL photographer, RAW is a forgiving angle. A few learning curve errors are easily corrected when the images are taken in RAW. Additionally, I like to do a lot of artistic work with images...RAW increases the latitude I can take with the images without it degrading.

 

A

Although a very good shot for that couple...for me the image might not translate for every bride. Looks like a big 80's style wedding. Also, the bride's arm looks rather stiff and therefore the photo looks "posed". I think it would make a fantastic ad for the limo company.

When reflecting on our "package system", we finally decided to go with getting money up front, give a cd and be done with it. When we get too good for our own good, then we'll go back to making prints and set them at a price that is worth the hassles of organizing that system.

I like all save the pregnancy photos. the seem rather ordinary compared to the other images.

Barry, thanks for not being rude. I did not say I was uninspired. I did not say that I did not gain helpful marketing, posing and creative tips. I just said that I wouldn't go again. Listening to other wrap-ups of people who have gone to later shows, it doesn't seem like their shtick has changed much. So even less reason to go again. They got a good thing. I just think that I'd like to give my money to others who might have a different spin on how to keep my candle burning. Justin, go...be inspired...you just won't find me in the audience.

We went. It was interesting. But it seemed that it was mostly just basics leaving you needing to buy the DVDs for full explainations. Fabulous shots, canned yet funny humor. Interesting, but I wouldn't go again. I learned more in reading here for half a day then listening to them talk about their success.

Photograph is excellently executed...but I found it cold as far as an advertisement...IMO

I just made a posting regarding this very matter. I am fairly new, and almost left this forum for the rudeness and just lack of courtesy shown here. makes one not want to reach out to those with more experience because they will laugh, ridicule, insult and discourage you from ever thinking that you'll be as good as them. We certainly can provide our experiences with one another, but since joining, I am amazed at the way colleagues address one another here and the manner they refer to the client gracious enough to provide us a living.

Do we not think that brides and possible clients read these pages? Low-end brides? My sister loved this "gimmicky" Photoshop illusion. Is she some how less sophisticated because she liked and asked for it? Are only brides paying for high-end wedding packages graceful enough to know that someone who can make roses red in a B&W is not urban enough to be considered a respectful photographer? We certainly can provide our experiences with one another, but since joining, I am amazed at the way colleagues address one another here and the manner they refer to the client gracious enough to provide us a living.

I don't think many professionals would want or need someone to tag along without sharing the images he/she is gathering. He/she might get in the way, cause confusion for guests as to who he/she is, and use the images he/she gathers from the photographer?s business opportunities for his/her own website without providing anything in return to the photographer. Now, whether or not you should be paid would be a matter of the quality of your work. In business matters (and this is a business matter for the photographer), assuming is never a good thing.

It seems there is a lot of bleeding light flares in some of them...are some purposefuly blurry? Others are absolutely amazing.

I used to do press releases. I can tell you that if you're not a person of note, print media won't even care. They would, in fact, be annoyed with receiving another piece of valueless paper that they have to process....even if to the recycling bin (LA is very green). As Dave wrote, advertise or get some photo scoop that might be of interest.

 

Aryc

Theses are quite interesting. Are these the best of the lot?

Thanks...do some additional warm loving shots of the mother-daughter pair and a couple of mom shots...as pro bono is my plan.

 

A