melissa_arcuri1

<p>Well, Alec, my question is how common is it to give up the copyright. I am generally happy with the gig just looking for some feedback</p>

<p>I was offered a job photographing an event at a local college. The hours would be 11am-9pm on a Saturday. I would be responsible for candids as well as numerous images of "important" people and specific ceremonies through out the day. The collge requests the following:</p>

<p>1. CDs or DVDs of all images taken, saved as tiff files, at a size of 8x12 inches, 300 ppi, Adobe 1998 color profile. This high resolution size will satisfy most requests for making prints (8x10) and for use in publications.<br>

2. An additional CD of all the images taken, saved as jpg files, at a size of 575 pixels x 805 pixels, 72 ppi, sRGB color profile. This format is good for Web use in general (at the size of the image or smaller; larger jpg images can be made from the tiff files on request).<br>

3. All images become the property of BLANK College. However, if used in a major publication photography credit will be given.</p>

<p>I quoted them $950.00.<br>

The price is the least of my concerns(and theirs). My issue is in regards to number 3. In the contracts for all weddings or other small events I have photographed in the past I state that I grant the client full rights to all the images YET, I retain the copyright as well as the right to use any images for contests, portfolios etc. I do not want to turn the job down especially if what they are requesting is common practice. I would understand if I were their staff photographer but I am not.<br>

Any thoughts?<br>

Thanks!</p>

<p>I have had people ask me to move out of THEIR way as I was shooting a posed shot of the bride and her nieces and nephews, I have had someone REST their lens ON MY SHOULDER as I was shooting, I have had countless friends and relatives ask me annoying questions as I was in the middle of shooting and I have had to ask people to stop telling the bridal party to look at them while I am shooting. I have been so infuriated that I have literally wanted to punch people in their faces and stomp on their cameras. Of course I did not actually maim people or equipment, but I did play out the scene in my head and it always made me feel a little better. I wish I could remember all the crazy scenarios but I think I have blocked most of it out.<br>

This is what I say. "Please let us get the shots we need. The bride and groom are paying us to take pictures. As soon as we are done feel free to shoot." And we always made sure we said to the group being photographed, "OK everyone look at us first than stay where you are so everyone else has a chance." As our style is photojournalistic we tried to keep posed shots to half an hour. By reminding everyone that they could start the party as soon as the photos were done it kept it moving nicely.<br>

It is frustrating, annoying, anger inducing and rude but it happens. Be nice but firm. I have an incredible sarcastic streak which allows me to tell people off and they aren't offended. Dont involve the bride and groom if you dont have to. But, more times than not they knew what was happening and almost always reprimanded their unruly friends and relatives.</p>

<p>Paul Nance,<br>

As soon as I arrive home from my hellish day job I am going to load a pic of my new niece Ella ROSE, who has the SAME crop of black hair as your gorgeous grand daughter! Congrats!</p>

<p>I love everything about this image...except the couple. They appear to have been pasted in, does not look like they were actually there when the shot was taken. The dark and moodiness is interesting, in a good way, but I can't get over the awkwardness of the people.</p>

<p>I would do double sided with that image but put website on back as well. I actually prefer no image at all. But if you def want it use the man and woman OR the image from version 5. Im a sucker for the detail shots</p>

<p>Missy-True! Consider me the laziest <strong>post</strong>-wedding photographer...ever.<br>

As I did so few on my own i did not feel it was worth it. I told my clients what sites to use to order good prints and how they could allow their family/friends to order as well. As a part time photographer this worked well for me. Again, I did not want them calling me, emailing, texting, ANYTHING. I know it sounds harsh but that was our agreement. Of course, I would never expect a full-time wedding photographer to use my "sysyem" 100%. But, I still believe that most photographers "extras" and even their packages are too expensive.</p>

<p>The image is real, natural. No turn your head this way, tilt your hip out, blah, blah, blah...i despide that. The bride is having fun and the photographer captured that beautifully. As most shots like this one, it is done quickly with no time to obsess over lighting and all those pesky technical details. The image is good, thats what matters. Convert to black and white maybe and crop out a bit off each side and be done with it. Kudos Sutejo!</p>

<p>I am sure this is going to be a VERY unpopular answer but here goes. When I shot weddings on my own I charged anywhere between $800-$1000. I was there for as long as they requested(9-12hrs) & I would limit myself to 12-15 rolls of 36 exp(but always carried more of course). This is what they got: a 4x6 proof of all the best images, a cd with everything and the negatives. No retouching, no albums, no reprints. I will tell you why. For several years I shot mostly with a friend. it was her business and I was the second shooter. I liked that because I was not responsible for anything except good pictures. Anyway, back to me. Between shooting my own, shooting with my friend and working fulltime during the week my free time was limited. I DID NOT nor DO I in the future want a couple or their friends and relatives calling me a year after their wedding to order 1 5x7. I have moved on to other weddings. I tell them that for x amount of money they can have EVERYTHING. I dont want to hold back the rights so that I can nickel and dime people, not worth the headache. I found that people were happy with this arrangement. I keep the rights to publish, sell, enter in competitions but that is it. I also feel that it is ridiculous how many photographers essentially rob people when it comes to albums and reprints.</p>

<p>I suppose what equipment you use depends on what "look" you are going for. So if you are more concerned with obtaining "perfect" lighting than go for all the extras. Unfortunately those tools do not make for an exciting image. I firmly believe that ANYBODY can be a pro photographer. With adequate equipment and a bit of knowledge just about anyone could shoot a wedding, set up a studio shot or pose some kids in front of a backdrop. Does that make any of them intriguing photographers? Emotionally moving photographers? Does this strengthen their ability to "read people" or anticipate a moment? HELL NO! I am, quite obviously, a documentary photographer. I despise studio work. I despise cumbersome equipment. I believe that all you need is a decent camera, knowledge of that camera and the passion to capture life as it happens...unrehearsed. I am a snob. I have never considered most of what I see genuine photography.<br>

Therefore, I agree with Mr. Ben. Impress us with your images not with what overpriced, obnoxious accessories.</p>

<p>After several months of looking, I have finally decided to join my fellow Nikon lovers. You guys are amazing!!! This was taken at our cities World Refugee Day Celebration in June. I had just acquired my first digital camera after much deliberation. Excited to test it out I volunteered my services to the Refugee Center. I shot 400+ images and had a great time!<br>

I somehow caught these two girls at just the right moment.<br>

<img src="http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr283/essejeroom/WRFresized.jpg" alt="" /><br>

<strong> D90 Nikon 50mm/1.8 </strong></p>

<p>Bob,<br>

Thank you for your input. I am sorry if my question has caused any strife. I will upload some examples when I get home(can not do from my office :))<br>

Please note: the church had hired a photogrpaher for the communion ceremony and did not allow others to shoot. I was hired by the parents to shoot several family portraits at the church afterwards. Most importantly i was hired to go to the party afterward and "capture the day)</p>

<p>Thanks Aimee for all your thoughts and advice. Plus, your response to Bob's comment was worded perfectly. I understand what he was asking but you are 100% RIGHT!</p>

<p>THANKS EVERYONE! I realize I can not continue to be so casual about the jobs I get. Just because this isn not what I do full-time doesnt mean my talent and my time are not worth it. I nee to tell them the price ahead of time and if its not what they are looking for than I guess I am not the photographer for them.<br>

Once again, THANKS! I am so grateful this site exists! I am going to incorporate all of your suggestions into a formula that works for me!</p>

 

<p>You would think, right? I know I know! I have done work for these people for years. Unfortunately because I do not enjoy doing these events and I apparently devalue my work I usually undercharge them. THIS IS COMPLETELY MY FAULT. I am always afraid they are going to say "thats too much".</p>

<p>I shot a first communion two weeks ago. I worked for approximately 3 hrs, produced 300+ images(all on a cd for the customer) and printed 200 4x6 proofs for the customer.<br>

How much would everyone charge?<br>

thanks</p>

<p>THANK YOU JOHN!!!<br>

WOW Matt! I just want a place to display my work, with the possibility to grow. But thanks for taking all the time to ask those pertinent and important questions. (Im not being sarcastic).</p>

<p>I NEED to start a website and have no idea where to begin.</p>

<p>Greg,<br>

Thank you so much for all the info. I work part time for a photo lab so I do have access to scanner but I do not like the quality and I dont have the time to do it. Honestly, I would rather pay someone else to do it. It would take me months if I did it on my own.</p>

<p>Thanks Steve. I was refering to your second response. I have ALOT of negs since I continue to shoot film(although switching to dig soon) and need them scanned. Thanks again!</p>

<p>I am trying to locate a reputable lab for scanning negatives to cd. Any suggestion?</p>

<p>pentax k1000 my uncle found in his basement. no frills. as i always say, the camera is inconsequential...its the person using it.</p>

<p>Dolly,<br>

My work is much better than "just ok", I have been developing my talent for the past 18 years so it is definately time for me to move on to digital. That is part of my problem, I am a bit scared to have to "start over" because that is what it fells like.<br>

I will upload some stuff as soon as I have the chance. I have used a digital slr while working my part time photo lab job, some studio and outdoor portraits. It is a lower end Canon Rebel, unfortunately I wasnt able to take it home for any extended period of time to become familiar with it and comfortable using it.<br>

"Most aspiring wedding newbies have no clue as to what they are getting into... and I mean this respectfully... I think you are one of them"...HAHAHAHA!!! I shot weddings for 5 years...I DO know what I am getting into and I am not sure why I am doing it again!! Basically they are friends or friends of friends. I dont want to make them my career but if I want to make photography my full time career, which is better than all the junk jobs I have had, I need to "restart" somewhere.</p>

<p>hahaha!!! I agree!!</p>

<p>Hey guys! Thanks for all the input. You did lose me for awhile, only because it became hard to log on at work and my boyfriend has been monopolizing the computer when I am home.<br>

Thanks for all your input, it has been quite helpful and it is great to see so many photographers offering their advice AND their opinions.<br>

"WHY do you feel the need to go digital?"<br>

I dont. Only for weddings. I LOVE film and will never give it up. But, after shooting film at weddings for 5 years I want and need to move to digital.</p>