bob_schueler

March 1, 2011

OK - any idea of what you get and how much it costs?

March 1, 2011

I haven't been on Photo.net for awhile. I don't see reference to business insurance anymore. Do they not offer it anymore?

If not, any suggestions on where to go for decent gear and liability coverage?

Thanks

September 6, 2010

Thanks guys, for the response. No, I'm not seeking technical criticism. I didn't spell out the relationship scenario before I posted because I needed to be somewhere, but now I'm back and I'll elaborate a bit. I want to be very clear here that I don't have any animosity nor axe to grind against these or any clients. I always try to serve all my clients at 110%, presumably like all of you out here.

First off, I always try to have a plan at least semi-choreographed before the event. I facilitate this plan via a formal Questionnaire, which I require to be filled out and returned no later than a week or so before the event. This is used as the basis for my final consultation, also conducted real-time with the client about a week or two before the event. Well, the bride and groom moved to Texas some time prior to the event. They invariably didn't return my required Questionnaire and I wasn't even able to interview the bride prior to the event. I had to go through the groom and we pieced together a simple, if not incomplete battle plan.

What I found out in this final consult, three days before the event, was that I was prohibited, by the officiator at the church, from even being IN the sanctuary at ground level, during the entire ceremony. I was relegated to the balcony. From there, it only gets worse. While I was relegated to the balcony, take a look at shot #122. The place was full of amateurs. It was like this all the way through the reception, with photographers all over the place - literally. Yes, in my contract I make the request that photogs be limited, but these guys preferred to ignore that part in my contract. I'm not using that as an excuse because we've all been in this position, but my goodness, you can see several shots in the portfolio where cameras are out. It was crazy!

Additionally, while I typically chart out a pre-ceremony session of getting ready coverage, I was told, again on the day of the event, that wouldn't be necessary. From there, the bride and groom and bride's mom more or less dictated every shot. I won't get into the dynamics, but this explains the lack of formal coverage for those of you who made comments to that end. If you'd like, compare this to my other portfolios and you'll see a difference. In a sentence, I wasn't allowed to really "do my thing" if you will. I could elaborate, but I think you get the point.

I don't really know what to tell this bride and groom because I fulfilled my end of the agreement. My style is my style. I can't say whether they reviewed my work beforehand, but I would surely hope so. My style is candid, raw, edgy, but creative, storytelling and fun -- and that's what I offer. If a potential client doesn't like my style, there's plenty of options out there.

Thanks again for your feedback.

September 6, 2010

Hope I've posted this request in the right spot here.

Got a client (my first ever) who's complaining about the "way" I took their wedding day photos. Can you look and give feedback? See anything that looks poor in either quality or artistic content?

Take a close look at pic 122.

January 14, 2010

1) Got a client who says they saw pearlized prints flush-mount printed on an album at a bridal show. I couldn't extract any more info, but is anyone privvy to this info? Perhaps buying the photo and then using I-mount type albums, but flush mount?

2) Where's the best price for pearlized paper prints?

Thanks

October 19, 2009

Sorry about the lens info - I believe that particular shot was with a 18-50 Sigma, probably at 2.8

It's not camera shake.

AF-C priority selection WAS Release - now it's on Focus

AF-S priority selection is on Focus

Dynamic AF area is 9 points

Focus track with lock on is Normal

AF point selection is 51

October 19, 2009

I'm using the Nikon D300 when experiencing this problem.

As you can see, the photo below is out of focus. The scenario is an almost-dark venue and I'm bouncing. The camera appears to have nothing to focus on as the subjects aren't blurry and there's nothing in focus in the shot.

I'm using single-servo auto-focus and that may be the problem. I have had issues with losing the shot in continous-servo, so I need advice from those "in the know" - what did I do wrong?

Thanks

October 19, 2009

I think I'm going to post an opinion on the CPA forum.

Anyway, I'm going to be blunt

You're not even a pro yet - be thankful that you had an opportunity to learn AND that your client/friend likes your work. Give her the photos. What's worth more - winning the battle or winning the war? She could be a great marketing asset, so treat her as such. Don't be a snob; you haven't paid enough dues yet!

September 23, 2009

All great responses, Guy! Seems like a majority of you do use catalogs in your workflow. My concern is eating up a ton of drive space. Are catalogs necessary? Also, if I process my RAW images to hi-res JPGs, does it make sense to delete the RAW images if all I need is the JPGs?

I am serious about in-camera editing. I know one well-known photog around here who does that. He shoots JPG and has his albums online 3 days after an event. That's my goal - get it shot, get it online.

William, you're right. Nothing can prevent rolling up your sleeves and diving in, can it?

September 22, 2009

Guys,

Got another question - this one revolving around workflow. I shoot weddings and typically walk away with around 700-1500 RAW images. I come home, back up what I shot and then go to work. I use Lightroom 2.2 and PS CS4, but mostly Lightroom. I end up with both RAW and JPEG images and my master client folder, by the time it's all said and done is HUGE! To add to the fray, my wife and/or assistant second shoots, so I have their stuff to process as well.

Additionally, I'm sucking up a lot of time trying to get organized and I have to realize that my workflow sucks and I need a better way to go from start to finish, so, my question - How do you guys do it? How do you manage your workflow? I realize that's a pretty ambiguous question, but what experience lessons can you share with me, that may help me in streamlining my overall workflow?

To add a couple of questions:

Do you edit in-camera during the wedding?

After the wedding and in post, do you physically delete the unwanted shots or keep them? I'm finding myself going thru a ton of storage, when I probably don't have to.

In using Lightroom, should I save as a catalog or just bypass that option?

Other software solutions to help in workflow?

What questions am I not asking that I need to?

Feel free to elaborate and if I need to be more specific, let me know. I just got done posting a fairly large wedding and am bushed!

Thanks!

September 22, 2009

Thanks, folks! I turned off the temperature sensor, but I'm not worried -- I DON'T shoot long flash sequences and from reading of other's experiences of their 900's "overheating", I suspect we have an oversensitive sensor. I upgraded my firmware and life should be better now!

Thanks!

September 21, 2009

FLASH - I just read that the thermo can be shut off. Any ideas on how to do that? Guys, I should have mentioned up front that I'm a wedding photog, so small apertures, high ISO, lower shutter speeds are typical - at least during my mostly-indoor ceremonies and receptions. I shoot TTL, so the power levels vary based on the compositional lighting requirements. I also bounce a lot, and in doing so, I add EV to the exposure as well, so that will be a factor against me as well. I use the D300 and don't like the quality of my photos over 800 ISO - they look too grainy. I use PowerEx 2700 batteries by Maha, on the SD-9 battery pack.

September 21, 2009

Hi guys. I knew that if ANYONE knew, it would be here, on Photo.net.

I've got an SB-900 flash, added to the gear bag earlier this year. The problem is that while it didn't initially appear to do so, I now is starting to overheat quickly. When it "overheats" it shuts down and is useless until it cools down.

My shooting technique: I don't shoot with flash on continuous advance, in fact, I don't shoot flash quickly. Kinda like click - one, one thousand, two, one thousand - click - one, one thousand, two one thousand, etc. I always shoot using this same technique and with my SB-800's, have NO problem whatsoever. Why is the SB-900 overheating? I hear I'm not unique in this problem. I shoot mainly weddings and spending over $500 on a flash that is essentially unreliable during critical times is disheartening. This is a Nikon design flaw in my opinion, but what's to be done about it?

Relevant comments/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Bob

September 11, 2009

I read previous posts and didn't see anything, so here goes:

I need a workhorse case that will hold 3 bodies, cameras that is ;), 6 to 8 lens from fisheye to tele; 5 strobes, 3 pocket wizards, an SD-9 and a Quantum 2x2 Turbo, a variety of batteries, straps, CF cards, reflector, expodisk, filters, lightmeter, cables, chargers, etc. A ton of gear, basically. Yes, I need all this gear at once and yes, I know it'll be heavy, but in many of the areas I traverse, I can only practically make one trip.

The pelican 1660 with dividers looks OK, but it looks deep and I don't want my cameras to bounce around. Would foam be better? . . .or perhaps know of a better option?

Thanks

Bob

May 27, 2009

This is one of those tricky situations that I'll put it out to those with more seniority than I in the field of wedding photography.

I have a client who just put down money for a November wedding two weeks ago. My agreement clearly states no refunds, but now the bride is telling me her hubby lost his job and they have to move asap and so she wants all her money back. She claims I've done nothing but meet with her and provide some of my time and a little paperwork, so it's no sweat off of my brow. Obviously, I disagree, but I've yet to respond to her email - I don't want to implicate myself. . . yet.

She's still employed but apparently they have to move NOW - so she tells me.

She's not being pissy or anything, but she feels that I owe her because she changed her mind. I've half a mind to ask her to prove her hubby's job loss and get a confirmation on where she's moving. Apparently it's far enough away that she feels I can no longer be her photographer.

I can be compassionate, but should I give 50% back, none back -- what's your experience in situations like this?

Not that it's relevant, but I'm a sub-$1000 wedding photographer and so my margins are essentially non-existent. I put all my retainer money into working capital. I'm not going to go broke if I return her money, but I feel I should keep something, if I indeed return anything at all.

Anyone been in this situation?

Thanks, folks!

February 20, 2009

I need to purchase a couple of lights for my fledgling wedding photography business. I've looked at everything from Alien Bees and White Lightnings to Elinchrome, to Profoto, Photogenic, etc. I'm a bit overwhelmed and leery, by the varying pricetags, so I want to defer to you who are in the know. Simply put, I want a durable set of lights that will stand up to a fair amount of use, that offer a good power range and nice lighting.

Thanks

Bob

February 1, 2009

Shot about 30' away with a Nikkor 70/200; Nikon D2XS; f/5.6; 1/640; 400 ISO

January 28, 2009

Hi guys.

While I'm sure this question's been asked, it didn't pop out at me when I researched it, so here goes: I've been an images-only photog, for the past two years. This was mainly to gain experience, which I now feel confident of and am ready to "upscale." Now I'm ready to add print/album offerings to my packages and have no idea where to start in terms of prices to ask for this size, that size, etc. I don't even know "typical" sizes to offer and could use your help. I don't want to experiment on my own budget or on my client.

The same question pretty much applies for album. What software do you guys use; who do you have print it, who's the best price/value/customer relations-minded, etc. Obviously opinions are going to differ, but I at least need a benchmark to start with.

Thanks for your input. I very much appreciate it!

Bob

January 27, 2009

Hi guys.

While I'm sure this questions, been asked, it didn't pop out at me when I researched it, so here goes:

I've been an images-only photog for the past two years. This was mainly to gain experience, which I now feel confident of and am ready to "upscale." Now I'm ready to add photo/album offerings to my packages and have no idea where to start in terms of prices to ask for this size, that size, etc. I don't even know "typical" sizes to offer and could use your help.

The same question pretty much applies for album. Who do you guys use; who's the best price/value/customer relations-minded, etc. Obviously opinions are going to differ, but I at least need a benchmark to start with.

Thanks very much for your input. I very much appreciate it!

Bob

December 2, 2008

I'm asking this question for a friend of mine. She's the webmaster for a small school and has to shoot a lot of

events in an auditorium with low-light and high, dark ceilings with dark grey walls.

She's got $2000 to play with and she wants a DSLR Nikon (I suggested the D80), flash (SB 600 or 800), probably a

tripod and a lens (2.8 or faster) that need more than one focal range, so a prime is out. I don't know the

highest ISO the D80 shoots at.

Obviously, technique is going to play into this, such as spot metering and closing in on the brightest parts of

the subject, dragging the shutter, etc. The subjects will probably be in motion and this makes it a complicated

situation in low light. Any suggestions on the gear and/or techniques are appreciated.

Thanks

October 18, 2008

Thanks, guys, for all your help! I truly appreciate it.

October 17, 2008

Hi guys,

Amateur here with a basic question. I had a low-priced website built recently and by design my website photos have

to be 800x500 pixels. What's the smartest way to take a photo from a large JPEG and whittle it down to those

specs with CS3? This goes without saying, but I want to keep as much resolution integrity as possible.

Thanks

October 9, 2008

Anyone need an assistant/2nd in the Indy/Chicago geographic from November '08 on? I'm reliable, creative,

experienced and available. I don't sell myself at your gigs nor steal images from your gigs for my site/portfolio.

Studio and client references available.

It appears that I'm prohibited from posting a link to my portfolio, so please reply for more info.

Thanks

June 10, 2008

Thanks, guys.

I'm going to try the Maha batteries and see what success I have. I kind of suspected that the "weak link" might be the AA batteries.

Bob

June 7, 2008

Guys,

I'm using a year-old SB-800 and new Quantum 2x2 Turbo. I'm told that I should

have very quick regeneration of my flash (< 2 seconds), yet for some reason, my

SB will give me (even with fresh batteries) multiple ready light blinks and between

flashes, the ready light can take 5-6 seconds to light. I really haven't yet done any

serious continuous flash shots with this setup. I usually shoot single flash shots,

maybe two at the most, but this problem happens regardless. I'd really like the

confidence of knowing my flash is going to work, and every time.

My understanding of the AA batteries is that it keeps the LCD screen operational

and completes the circuit for the 2x2. With a 2x2, I should have more power than I

need, but what is the relationship to flash regeneration? Are the AA batteries in

the unit something special? I'm using Kodak 2400Ma rechargables that are about

4 months old. The cable from the 2x2 to the SB-800 was new with the battery and

appears to be in working order, it just takes far too long to regenerate.

Also, I've tried moving from A to B socket on the 2x2 and I have 2 SB-800s.

Am I doing something obviously wrong and/or am I missing something?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks

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