veeee

<p> I'm taking a month long trip to India (I'm originally from India and have been there a few times back, last time was 10 years ago!!)</p>

<p> So now I'm going to India with the wife and 2 kids whom have never been. We're going to be staying a few weeks with my uncle in Gujarat so we'll take in the day to day life, village for a few days and then in the city.<br>

After which we have 5 nights in Jaipur and then off to Delhi for 2 nights and 1 Agra for a day trip to the the Taj.<br>

Now being a wedding photographer I go an arsenal of lenses and want to take all of them with the 2 Nikon bodies...but then at the same time don't want to over burden my self and see my trip through the viewfinder constantly. <br>

Here's what I have and the reasoning to taking it ...<br>

<strong>Bodies</strong><br>

2 Bodies--incase 1 goes south I don't want to lose the opportunity of capturing my childhood India<br>

D300<br>

D7000-- Love the video on this baby...<br>

<strong>Lenses</strong><br>

70-200, 2.8 VR: Love the Bokeh, and the ability to shoot discreetly.<br>

17-55, 2.8: Walk around lens<br>

60 mm 2.8 Macro: Macro!!<br>

50 mm 1.4: Low light<br>

11-16mm Tokina, 2.8: The wide shots!<br>

Now you see why I want to take the whole arsenal...I don't want be somewhere and think regret not having the gear....so what's your take guys???</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Thanks folks...I was thinking the same...most brides are not feeling the pressure they will be when their wedding is in the same year as the show. Just was a bit concerned since our portfolio was much better and larger than the Feb show, but the responces are some what mute, even though at the show we where really generating allot of attention.<br>

I just confirmed with a collegue who was at the show also and he said that in the last 2 years many brides have been waiting until the Spring/Feb. shows to book their wedding for the current year.<br>

Since this was our first Fall show ever, we were a bit concerned, coming from a fantastic Feb show I guess we were expecting the similar reactions/bookings.</p>

<p>Just did our fall bridal show for the year.<br>

We were quit busy and engageded all customers, we had 6 of us manning the booth and at times were still overwhelmed.<br>

We colleceted queit a few names who wished to be called/emailed.<br>

But.....<br>

The leads are week, from all the emails we sent none have responded back (been 2 days since we sent the emails)<br>

At this February wedding show it rocked, same strategy but the we were booking from the very next day.<br>

This is our first fall show, so we're not familiar with flow, so do you think the early year show is a stronger show, cause now it's crunch time and brides are getting married in the current year? </p>

<p> I had a potential client come to see my work last week, they found me from a website we advertise on and which also hosts other photographers.<br>

Both bride and groom loved my work, they've been to the competition and it's but never both had a consesus on the work, either the bride like this one and groom didn't or vice versa, but they both loved my work.<br>

During the meet, they asked about names of my competitors, I told them to check the site they found me on and most of the photogs there are good and reputable. Then they mentioned a photog, I worked with a few times, I said he's really good also. They asked how long I've been doing this, I said a few years 4-5. (although wedding we really hit them hard this year with the wedding shows, our first wedding experiance was 3 years ago and shooting other events and school was 4 - 5 years in the making so that's why I say 4-5 and our portfolio took us that long to create) So as they were really pleased with our work buy they just needed time to check other photogs out, the bride said she wanted to be sure when they sign and not a doubt in her mind. She said she will contact us in a few days after she when they'sv made their minds up, and if they decide to go with another photog, they will still let us know just so we aren't left hanging, which I think is very thoughful of them, especially for feedback purpose.<br>

Well I got a call from them yesterday evening stating they've decided to go with us, but had one question, although it really didn't matter since they like our work. They said that one of the photogs said we were in the business just for one year. Yes true we signed up with a particual wedding mag for a year but our site has been up for 3 and we've persuing this for around 3-4 with the earliest interest 5 years ago. This is our biggest year. I told the bride that yes we've signed up with this directory for since this year, but no we've been persuing this for the last few years and our portfolio shows that.<br>

I also mentioned to her that we don't badmouth our competition to procure clients, we find it in bad taste. Just as in the intial meeting she asked about my competition I gave her positive input on one of the photogs, and said most photogs out ther are awesome, it's just what style you see your self in and what style you prefer. She then mentioned that even they are weerie of vendors who bad mouth other vendors.<br>

So it goes to show that bad mouthing your competition just verifies your own incompetence and lack of confidence in your own work and negative personality.<br>

If your work is steller than let it speak for itself, clients will comeback to you after checking the competion out, I even gave her names of few of the other photogs, that I think are steller competion because I'm confident in my stlye and work, and want clients to come to me out of a desire of my work rather than not seeing whats out there and being blind sighted or tunnel visioned by just seeing a few of them.<br>

I once sent a couple home after the groom said the bride never saw my site and blog, she was just trusing the the finace, and the finace is a friend of a friend. I told her to not sign today go home and check the site and blog out and then come back if they like my work, and it's not like I gave a massive discount or anything. But yes they came back to sign.<br>

So after a client returns from making rounds of your competion, you feel a satisfaction, a content and a new selfworth emerges from procuring this client amidst a storm of competetion.</p>

<p>Hey Melisssa, slowly you'll get better and more efficient at writting smaller and tighter blog posts that are more richer in context. Just like shooting more you'll do it the better and more faster you'll get. Trust me....just read my older posts they were longer but now I'm getting into righter smaller tighter posts. Read novels if you get the time and you'll get better.<br>

Remember practice makes perfect!<br>

I would not tade my blog in for the website..it's my primary concern now, its my embrasure to the world! :)...(was dying to use this word...:) )</p>

<p>Hi Mark, thanks for the feedback, you must be using a larger than 20" widescreen, on that it does look narrow, but I've designed it with the majority in mind, most people have a 19-20" square monitors and some even have 17" plus those who don't even have monitors in their home they just have laptops with 15"-17" sceens, on thos screens this takes up most of the room. On my 24" iMac it seems narrow also but my square 19" PC monitor it takes up allot of real-estate.</p>

<p>Thanks for the thought!</p>

<p>In March I posted a this regarding adding a blog to my website. <a href="../wedding-photography-forum/00VxHT">Here's the original post. </a></p>

<p>I was hesitant not sure if I knew how to write..(I love novels and read when I get the chance), but was not sure about writing on a blog, My inner self kept scolding me "just because you love to read doesn't mean you can write....!"</p>

<p>Well you folks persuaded me into doing the blog... when I was just looking for some excuse <strong>not </strong>to do the blog.</p>

<p>Well the blog was put up in March and now....... I'm loving it....!! I love it more than my website, if I had to choose one...I would choose the Blog! My clients love it cause I post some sneak peaks of their event, and write a blurb about it...my writing skills are getting better...(well for someone like me...believe me I suck at grammer and spelling at times).</p>

<p>But I love giving my insight on events and just commenting about the event, couples are loving that I put their stories up, It gives them an avenue to express their story, to be written about, they give me their story just for the blog!</p>

<p>It's almost as I found another avenue to let my creative juices flow..not just photography but now writing! I found another outlet I never knew I needed...!! I'm just loving it!</p>

<p>Well just want to express my Thanks! you folks were force behind my decision to blog..It could've gone the other way and I would have never found this outlet I now crave...</p>

<p><strong>YOU GUYS ALL ROCK!!!</strong><br>

<strong><br /></strong><br>

Ooops...almost forgot to post my website and blog for your review/critic...any feedback would be appreciated!! photo wise or write up wise, www.vijaypatelphotography.com/" target="_blank</p>

<p>In March I posted a this regarding adding a blog to my website. I was hesitant not sure if I knew how to write..(I love novels and read when I get the chance), but was not sure about writing on a blog, My inner self kept scolding me just because you love to read doesn't mean you can write....</p>

<p>Well you folks persuaded me into doing the blog... when I was just looking for some excuse not to do the blog.</p>

<p>Well the blog was put up in March and now....... I'm loving it....!! I love it more than my website, if I had to choose one...I would choose the Blog! My clients love it cause I post some sneak peaks of their event, and write a blurb about it...my writing skills are getting better...(well for someone like me...believe me I suck at grammer and spelling at times).</p>

<p>But I love giving my insight on events and just commenting about the event, couples are loving that I put their stories up, It gives them an avenue to express their story, to be written about, they give me their story just for the blog!</p>

<p>It's almost as I found another avenue to let my creative juices flow..not just photography but now writing! I found another outlet I never knew I needed...!! I'm just loving it!</p>

<p>Well just want to express my Thanks! you folks were force behind my decision to blog..It could've gone the other way and I would have never found this outlet I now crave...</p>

<p><strong>YOU GUYS ALL ROCK!!!</strong></p>

<p>Ooops...almost forgot to post my website and blog for your review/critic...any feedback would be appreciated!! photo wise or write up wise, www.vijaypatelphotography.com, www.envogueimages.com.</p>

<p>Hi does anyone know of company in Canada that does Acrylic Prints? or even in the US other than the usual suspects, Mpix, Miller (sister company of Mpix), Bay Photo...<br>

Anyone with Better prices than Mpix Pro?</p>

<p>Hi looking to introduce Metal prints to my clients this year, I like Bay Photo's printing, especially their finishing looks good and their floating prints. Has anyone ordered from them?<br>

Also does anyone know who offers something similar in the Toronto area?</p>

<p>Wouldn't blogs become a " Kiss of Death" if your not shooting somethng for 1 month between your next shoot? Kinda like putting out your calendar for everyone to see? sure if your busy like shooting every other day, it's awesome but some one like me just getting momentum I'd be shooting my self lol !<br>

Alot of brides want someone who's in high demand no matter what there work is like.</p>

<p>Hi Ian & William, wow that was allot thanks!...</p>

<p> I guess yep I'm looking for permission but at the same time I want to know how effective this is, as I said I don't want scuander my resources/time on ineffective marketing, plus with only 5 bookings currently therefore not updating as much as my fellow photographers ( remember the indian bridal show has only a handfull of good photographers which the brides make rounds to by foot and fingers) I would seem less busy, therefore maybe less attractive. The Blogs would expose this and I know that this shouldn't matter if your work is at calibre but some brides want what everyone other bride wants or can't have regardless of quality, I've seen this many times. It's as opening up your year calendar at your booth and say I've got no bookings in Aug.</p>

<p>This is my third year of getting serious about wedding photography, well you can say first cause before this I never advetised, and this Feb I did 2 wedding shows, and currently have 5 weddings booked (not allot compared to those who have blogs and are constantly updating with new photo shoots, these are the fold who do 30 weddings a year).<br>

The five weddings I have are kinda spread out...like some of the engagement shoots in April, some of the ceremonies and weddings in May some in Sept and Oct.<br>

A few things I want to ask is:</p>

<ol>

<li>If I do start the blog and update with shoots, I'd have some time between them were I don't have a shoot wouldn't that seem off putting compared to those shooting every day/week and updating. I'm in the South Asian-primary Indian Market. All the brides at the Indian wedding shows are scoping each site so they know who's really busy is not (if I did the bog).</li>

<li>I'm using Photobiz for my website I have a decent portfolio, but compared to those with a Blog I think I'm missing out on the spontaneous excitement, I can give my clients by putting up their most recent shots, and them in turn flipping it to their friends and family who can be potential clients.</li>

<li>Is blogging essential now a days in our field?</li>

<li>I do create a gallery for them which I leave on for a few months for them to flip to family and friends, would that suffice?</li>

<li>I find the photography bloggers out there are constantly in touch by facebook groups and their blog site, would I be missing out alot if I don't jump in the blog thing?</li>

<li>How much of an importance do you think brides put on a photographer who has a blog vs one who doesn't? </li>

<li>I'm really not a facebook person I do have a Facebook account for my business, but hardly update it that much, should I be scoundering my resources/time/effort on facebook and blogging? I woud say I'm a friendly person but not all that chatty and that's why facebook doesn't really attract me....I don't contantly like updateing my status...eg. I'm sleepy, going here there, doing this that...</li>

<li>At the end to be successful is bloggin absolutly neccessary to attract this face book nation now?</li>

</ol>

<p>Yep Ossgood is nice I've done some shots there, also Yorkville is awesome in the evening.<br>

I'm also looking for some nice big coloured brick walls any come to mind in the GTA?</p>

<p>Hi I have a couple that wants their pics taken at any of the local Toronto area airports, has anyone here done a shoot like that?<br>

If so than which airport and do they give permits for these kind of shoots?</p>

<p>Thanks folks,<br>

I'm just not about calling like Daniel said I hate to pester them with a phone call. I have a show this week-end and I'm thinking of having a book to get people's name, date of event, and email of those who seem interested, to write them down myself<br>

I did book 2 people within a week of the show, and had 2 inquiries. I was thinking maybe because of the cold February month and short days people are still lazy and in spring the will come out.<br>

In the show 2 weeks ago, I was thinking of having pads for people to write down their info and put into a draw of a free Engagement shoot, but scraped the idea, Shall I do this for this next show? maybe give them free 20x30 Canvas print if they book a package draw?</p>

<p>Hey..thanks for the advice...I know your giving good advice..but I already have my 9x6 post cards ready with prices on the back 4 packages starting from $1300 to $5300. Plus as I said even when people contacted me in the past through an older Ad they first ask about packages, on the card I state I offer custom packages.<br>

I think I'm gonna deviate away from the lounge part, I'm now thinking like a Apple store concept and 4x6 table inbetween the the booth with all my albums on them so people can stand around the whole table just like the Apple store.<br>

I'm still brainstorming I like the shooting idea..but just kinda scared of the fact being tied up with shooting, plus my 9x6 cards are ready, so giving another card out would be useless..unless I just give 4x6 out to everyone with my logo on it...but I like your idea I may just go for it....even if I'm not shooting all the time...I can shoot couples who seem more interested....and show them the my capabilities of photoshop and editiing.</p>

<p><em> You need to WOW, not be an accommodating pit stop. 2 canvases? You need more.</em></p>

<p>I thinking of getting 2 Banner stands 32"x72" with my Logo and some samples printed on Vinyl.<br>

So I'll have 3 LCDs and 2 Banner stands. and maybe I'll put the canvass up...still debating on that.<br>

<em> t</em> <em>hey'll believe they have all the package info they need to take to the next guy to see if he can beat your price.</em><br>

Putting the packages on the flip side is kinda essential here cause when I visited this same show in September everyone had their packages listed on their postcard hand out..<br>

<em>Stage a photoshoot.</em><br>

The shooting idea is good I even thought about but wouldn't that just create a line up free loaders who may not even care about the packages or anything remember this is a Indian Wedding show...so now I'm tied up with shooting maybe some free loaders and now I'm not able to explain my package or anything else to whom may be waiting, or serious clients.<br>

The lounge area won't be very big, actually it's just an area to sit and view the books and we invite those to it who seem interested in seeing more. Instead of having the albums on the table like all the photographers who stand behind their table and hand out their post card.</p>

<p> Ok,,,Now since I've registered for our local Bridal show I'm in the phase of designing my booth.</p>

<p>Particulars.</p>

<ul>

<li> Booth is 20' wide and 10' deep</li>

</ul>

<ul>

<li> Rented 3 - 47" LCD with with stands to show my photos on (possibly make an imove with music and transitions)</li>

</ul>

<ul>

<li> 2 24"x36" Canvass prints. (maybe print one more)</li>

</ul>

<ul>

<li>Going to get a carpet for the floor.</li>

</ul>

<p>What I'm thinking of doing.</p>

<p>I've been reading up on the set up of booths on various other forums and the web, (not particularly wedding/photo).<br>

Allot of them say don't put the tables between your and the attendees, this creates a barrier, open that up and your have an inviting open concept booth.<br>

I'm thinking of going that route. So here's what I'm thinking</p>

<ul>

<li>Rent 2 lounge sofa ( light weight preferably white to stay with the theme)</li>

<li>couple of coffee tables white for the photo books/albums</li>

<li>have some nice ambient track lighting from top </li>

</ul>

<p>I'm going to have 3 ladies dressed up nicely (wife, cousin, sister-inlaw) and me plus my brothers (2 of them) handing our post cards 9x6 (one side has images and other side has our package), and inviting couples to come in and have a look at the books. Remember there will be 3 47" LCD playing my photos at the back so that should get some attention onto the photography now we just need them to browse the albums.<br>

It's going to be February and therefore cold (Toronto) so going through all the booths at shows people can get worn out and to see an inviting nice cozy lounge maybe enticing and comforting.<br>

What's your guys take on this?</p>

<p>Has anyone used these guys...their prices are incredible compared to retail and their service seems good, I did a chat session with their rep, going to call them Monday.<br>

So just wanna know how their quality is...<br>

here is their website..http://www.uvcards.com/</p>

<p>I did a show last year, I didn't have to pay anything for the booth cause I did some photography for the organizer, although the show was not a success due to several reasons..(long story), but I did get two customers who later came to my home to check out my samples although they didn't book me for various reasons, it did show me that this works.<br>

I was thinking in the line of having maybe a 2-3 50" LCD sceens playing an imovie of my pic, plus a few large 30x40 prints hanging and on easels.</p>

<p>I'm on a waiting list for a local bridal show here in Toronto, set for Feb. In the meantime I gotta get my home office ready over the winter also.</p>

<p>I'm thinking of making some prints for the show and home office, and am eyeing the canvass prints at a 20x30 or 20x24 sizes.<br>

What's your guys take on this..<br>

I like how canvass looks and plus it needs no frames or matting so it can blend nicely to selected background.<br>

I find Canvass puts more emphasis on the photography as there are no distractions like frames and matting, would this be better suited for samples therefore?<br>

On the other-hand nicely framed photos appear very regal and sophisticated if matched right, but be very costly as well and moving them around can be more harder.</p>

<p> </p>