tony_palmieri4

<p>Hi Beca,</p>

<p>One easy way to create more visibility for your name, if you have a couple hundred dollars, is to create some tasteful window decals for the vehicle you drive. They're cheaper than an ad in the local paper and they continually work provided you're about and about town. I invested in a huge decal for the back of my SUV and one for each of the back side windows. I can still see out of the windwos because the material is a 50/50. Whether I'm driving or parked, people read them. I'd also consider investing in a blast e-mail program. They're not super expensive. The creative thought goes into acquiring the e-mail addresses. You could always print 4x6s at your local Costco, Sam's Club, etc. and ask local businesses if you can merchandise them. $.13/ea is cheap. You can purchase cardboard holders through a host of online supply store for $.50 each. Just a few ideas for you. Good luck.</p>

<p>How about FedEx Kinkos or your local printer for a vinyl banner with grommets so you can secure it with mini bungee cords (Walmart) if the wind kicks up. They'll stretch instead of snap like string does. You can also secure it to the fence at the ballfield. Don't make it tournament specific...make it Connie Wagner specific so you can use it for other gigs you photograph. If you go this route, I suggest large block letters that can be read at a distance. Don't even think of "cutsie lettering" since the main goal is to read and remembered. Decorative, cutsie stuff tends to be hard to read. I have one outside my studio that's been hanging for over a year. White background with red block letters. Just a thought.</p>

<p>Hey Tom,<br>

I'm not into a marketing activity unless I really think it's going to produce results since I don't want to waste time or money. If you're serious about advertising your availability, whatever it is you specialize in, consider window decals for your vehicle. I have a Navigator that I designed and purchased decals for from my nreighborhood printer (the kind you can't see in but can see out from the inside). I have a cool wedding image on one side, a high school senior on the other, a very cool image of a child encompassing the entire back window and my web address going across the top of my windshield. I have contact info on each of the 3 images, too. I'm not shy about trying to get exposure. I learned a long time ago that I wasn't going to rely on someone else for my success (a gatekeeper, decision maker, boss, etc.) So I make my availability known to everyone. It's too easy for someone to decide NOT to let you through to the next level just because. Why let someone have control over your success like that? This may or may not apply to your niche seeing as how you're focused on magazine work but it may help others who decide to read this. Lastly, not sure if you're into shooting people but if the magazine route isn't panning out there's a billion + people out there who need images at one point or another for different reasons. Good luck!</p>

<p>I'm not sure if this will work but what if you were to lay your items on a piece of clear acrylic that was suspended above your white seamless a couple of feet or so? Have a strobe firing across the white seamless to blow it out while having your camera shooting down on the product. You could block the light from flaring into your camera lens with some black material or a piece of black foam board. Just a thought. Someone shoot me down if this is a moronic idea.</p>

<p>Thanks so far everybody. I appreciate the help. Also, thanks Garry for setting me straight on the forum. I didn't know those existed. I may repost this there and see what I get.</p>

<p>I just had a customer leave my studio who wants to create a gift for a co-worker. He wants me to print a file that contains his friend's family crest and creativley custom frame it. <br>

Here's the question: He wants the paper and printed crest to look "old". I'm wondering what my options are to achieve this end result. Does anyone have any experience with changing the appearance of paper after an image has been printed on it? Does it make more sense to attempt something in photoshop? If so, what and how? What about printing the crest on an art/matte paper and giving the printed item a tea bath? HELP! Thanks for reading. Tony</p>

<p>Hi Folks,<br>

There isn't a forum for product photography so, since the stemware I have to photograph is somewhat fashionable, I'll post it here.<br>

I have been asked to photograph 24 different wine glasses for an importer. I normally photograph people and have heard that shooting product is a completely different animal. I'm looking for advice regarding a setup of studio lighting from someone who has done this sort of thing. Am wondering if it makes sense to shoot on white or black and any other help you can provide. I don't want to get into purchasing a "product tent" as I have access to white materials and some acrylic. Thanks, in advance, for your help. Tony</p>

<p>Good luck Amber! You're making the right move. One thing to remember regarding the "yikes" comment...in my opinion, it's better to invest in your own company with marketing $$$ than to invest $$$ in the market. Where else can you put $500 and make $10,000...in direct marketing to high school seniors, in wedding advertising, etc...... but not in the market. I don't have anything in a 401 because I chose not to roll it over when I left my last job. I'm happy I didn't becasue I would have lost a good % of it. So it sits in a reserve fund if I need it for my business. I took the penalty but it still outweighed the loss I would have taken in recent events.<br>

Personally, I've come to the decision that I'd rather be growing a photography company that will continue to suppply revenue for me as I age (The Goose That Lays The Golden Egg) rather than "bet" money on other companies in the market and "hope" they provide a return to me based on their performance (The Golden Egg). I guess I'm saying that I'm much more confident in my ability to provide myself with an income than someone else. The last 2 market adjustments taught me a valuable lesson...rely on yourself for your own income and future! <strong>Don't forget to tell everyone you meet what you do for a living</strong> . Everyone has pictures to be taken and they'll appreciate knowing you can help them. If you ever have questions, drop a line. Good luck!</p>

<p>Hey thanks for the replies everyone!<br>

I had a recent meeting with this person and this is how it played out. Before we met, I mentioned via e-mail to this person what our typical rate was and that we don't have a primary and secondary shooter when we send 2 photographers on a wedding. His $650 was based on being a primary shooter. I told him we like for our photographers to work in tandem by choreographing who will be taking what shots throughout the day. That takes the stress off one person thinking they're responsible for the key images. It also alleviates any tension between the 2 if the primary doesn't think the secondary is pulling their own weight. I asked if he was agreeable to this and he said he was. Funny thing was that when we met, the issue of pay never came up. I think he was "high balling" Aimee....he'll be good to work with...young, energetic and seemingly talented.<br>

<strong>Here's another question:</strong><br>

If you can book a wedding, send 2 very capable professionals to shoot it, they provide you with high quality images that satisfy your client...at the end of the transaction (all payables completed....photographers, prints, albums, yada yada yada...), what is the minimal $$$ figure you would be happy with as a net profit? I have a number in mind and am wondering if it's too high..or too low for that matter.<br>

Thanks again for your replies. Tony</p>

<p>Thanks Sam. Good idea I think I found what will work best. I found 4 x 8 sheets of wood underlayment at my local Lowes. I think it's 1/4" Still fairly light and very smooth. Van paint with a primer and wallpaper. No warp and still moveable. Thanks for everyone's help and input.</p>

<p>First, thanks for reading.<br>

I'm in the process of expanding my business so I'm going to have to rely on others to photograph for me. I'm at a point where I want to "work my business" rather than constantly "work in my business". This is the only way for it to grow and for me to get to the next level I'm shooting for.<br>

Here's the question: For wedding photographers, is there a general % or fee that you pay your shooters I have 3 teams of 2 people and each person is +/- $50 from each other. They're all around the $400 mark for an 8 hour day, all make their living with a camera and are dependable. They shoot the wedding, provide the images to us and their work is done. <br>

Here's my problem. I spoke to another potential prospect and his number was $650 for an 8 hour day. He works in another industry (not photography related) and shoots wedding on weekends for extra $$$. I'm wondering if there is a rule of thumb, based on wedding package prices or something else, to be paying the photographers who help us. I realize that everyone should be paid for their talent but I'm wondering when that talent may be overpriced. See where I'm going?<br>

Looking forward to your replies.</p>

<p>Hi Amber,<br>

Personally. I would take the plunge. Sounds like you've already checked out of your current position anyway. I was faced with this same decision 2 years ago. My wife and I had a physical retail studio that was operating part time (I was the photographer, working 8-5 for another comapny and shooting on weekends.) I got to the point you're at right now. I was the sole income earner and it was a HUGE decision.<br>

One of my wife's friends asked why I had another job. She said my work was good enough to compete withothers in the area. I thought about how my business would grow if I took the 40-50 hours/week I was putting into someone else's company and invested it in my own. Another friend told me she would never bring her daughters to me for senior pictures (if she didn't know me) because there was something "creepy" about a guy photographing high school seniori in his house. Just her opinion but I valued it. That was what kicked me out of the house and into the retail location.<br>

Your biggest challenge is going to be having the descipline to think of and perform revenue generating activiteis everyday (based on a marketing/business plan you create) and not sit and wait for business to come to you. That would be certain death! If you can convert the time you're wasting in your current job into activities that generate money in your new business, you should be fine. You'll also find that you're in it alone so be prepared to "put the blinders on" and forge ahead no matter what the economy is doing, how many of your friends are losing their jobs and what the "naysayers" have in store for you and your decision. If you're an emotionally based person this may be tough but if you really believe in yourself you'll tune those things out.<br>

I wake up ever day doing something I love. I've made a good name in the community because I decided to use my last name in my business' name. I can't wait to get to work to play the game of going after my competitors' business and improving my talent. If you're serious about going after it you can't let up one minute or doubt yourself. It really is "sink or swim"; "fly or crash". If you have the will to survive you will. But only you know if you have that inherent "will"....or if you're just dreaming and know deep down it's the wrong move.If you're the least bit doubtful, wait until you know it's the right time. It may just be right now!<br>

Good luck with your decision.</p>

 

<p>Thanks Craig! My goal is to wallpaper a number of sides so I'm going to need something smooth that won't warp too much. I'm thinking of framing some thin veneer....not sure what kind though...still have to make my way to the uber big box store.</p>

<p>Hi Chas,<br>

Thanks for the reply. I'm thinking of going to my local big box store and seeing what they have in terms of paneling....I'm going to need something smooth on both sides so I can wallpaper both....the goal is to have 5-10 panels that, when opened, have the same wallpaper on opposing sides so I can separate 2 panels at a 45 or 90 degree angle and have a corner immediately configured. Make sense? The hard part is making sure the material is light enough to easily move. That's why I went with the foamboard originally. Any ideas on a lightweight, flat material that's somewhat inexpensive and can be wallpapered? Looking forward to more replies from others.</p>

<p>Aftir reeding oll uv the bantir I theenk that this sight nedes a spell chek opshun......just mi opinyun!</p>

<p>Yo John,<br>

Great idea.....I knew someone like you was out there...thank you! I'll take a look and see if these will serve my purpose. Enjoy the rest of the day!</p>

<p>Does anyone have any suggestions regarding constructing faux walls in a studio for creating versatile looks? I wallpapered a 48 x 96 piece of 3/16 inch foam board but the board warped drastically. I expected it to happen but was bummed when it actually did. I was hoping to be wrong. Still looks very cool when I use it but am thinking there's a better method out there. I want to be able to have a stack of "?" available in my studio so I can easily position them to create corners and small venues. I thought the foamboard idea would work well and it still might if I paper the other side to possibly balance the warpage. Just curious what other "outside the box, creative individuals" are using to keep their studio images fresh and creative without constructing permanent walls. Thanks, in advance. for the ideas. Much appreciated!</p>

<p>You shouldn't have to worry about the color temp differences if you custom white balance. If you don't know about www.shootsmarter.com give it a look. They sell a collapsable custom white balance item that will make it easy to do. Just read your camera manual and give it a shot. You'll alleviate a ton of headaches. Good luck.</p>

<p>Jim, I laughed out loud when I read the guy was doing #2 during the group portrait, also!!! I thought it was very unprofessional but, evidently, when ya gotta go, ya gotta go! (We do need help!)<br>

Hey David, thanks for the link to the flash helmet. I'm going to make one! That guy thinks like me...scary!<br>

On a serious note, can you build a ceiling out of foam core? Grab a couple of used Bogen Boom stands, a couple of superclamps, brass nipples (watch it Jim!) and a couple of Bogen Spring Clamps and you can create your own ceiling or uber bounce surface. Not sure how portable it needs to be but it's a thought.<br>

I have to say this is the most entertaining thread I've read this morning. I have to go to see my therapist now. Then nap nap time!</p>

<p>If you still need help, call Canon Customer Service...800-828-4040. They have all the answers!</p>

<p>Never heard of them. My suggestion, based on what I did when I was in your shoes, was to lock in on a quality brand of lighting recommended by other pros and continually kept an eye out for used equipment on e-bay and craigslist. There's a new site called searchtempest.com that searches e-bay and multiple craigslist databases for keywords that you enter. Almost 90% oy my gear is used because I purchase what has been well taken care of by other pros who want to sell and move on to something else. I settled on Photogenic because of recommendations and I wanted monolights for ease. I rarely buy anything new unless I just can't find it used and I'm in a time crunch. Just a thought.</p>

<p>I just photographed a home interior (basement, kitchen and family room) the other day using ambient light. I brought my Photogenics but realized they would have been more of a headache to use. I resorted to using my camera (5d) on my tripod, shutter release cable, hand held meter, bracketed all my shots in manual mode, shot in raw, used both my 28-70mm and 20mm. Took multiple photographs of the same image metering for shadows, midtones and highlights so I can combine layers in Photoshop to ge the image that looks best. What will probably happen if your friend does this herself is she'll end up with images that she'll be dissatisfied with. My suggestion is to have her trade talent with a professional photographer. Bartering has a cool way minimizing dollars out of pocket and sometimes professional working relationships can be formed. Hopefully both of them can walk away satisifed. Just my opinion.</p>

<p>I second Charles' suggestion as that what I currently do. I use the small binder clips from an office supply store to clip multiple neutral density filters to the inside of my soft boxes. Works wonders without affecting the color of the light. You can buy them in sheets at your local camera supply store. Very affordable way to solve your problem. I found that it made sense to take an Avery label and mark the exposure factor in one of the corners of the filter since the printing on the labels is usually so dang small. Good luck.</p>

<p>Hi Tim,</p>

<p>I made it through your post because I wanted to see if I could help. Here are my suggestions.<br>

Create and employ a marketing plan that requires very few dollars. The plan is work through referral sources or become a speaker at meetings to create awareness of your availability. I contacted the 2 main Preschool PTA groups in my area and asked to be a speaker at ne of their meetings. They asked what was in it for them and I told them I would give their meembers tips about taking better photographs of their kids and answer any photo related questions they had. I spoke at one (membership 300) and about 120 were in attendance. They contatced me later and asked if I would participate ina fundraier by providing Holiday portraiture for interested familes. I said sure.<br>

I contacted local pediatrician's offices and offered to hang (at no charge) framed, maternity or new born images to improve their wall decor. Again, more exposure. I have a bit of an edge because my basement is a frame shop. Speak to a local framer and see if they have an interest in bartering the framing for a family pic.<br>

Contact your local high school booster organization and ask how you can donate to any fundraising activities. Provide a certificte for $x off one of your services. Tonight, my local high school booster org. is displaying 6 certificates supplied by me for $50 off any senior picture packages. If no one bids, I still get the exposure. If someone bids and uses the cert, I still make $$$ and ask for them to refer me.<br>

I wear a coat that has my company name and web site on the back.<br>

I have a large decal on the back of my SUV that displays my business' name, web address and phone....$160 and it never stops working!<br>

I made tee shirts ($20 set up and $8/shirt) and I wear them, my kids wear them and I give them to my kids friends who wear them.<br>

I give out cards in the grocery store to expectant moms and moms with new borns. I say I don't intend to intterupt their shopping but could I give them a business card in the event they decide to have their baby or maternityprofessionally photographed. It drives my kids crazy!<br>

Ebay! Ebay! Ebay! Tons of great deals. Buy used because the guys who need the l"latest and greatest" will dump their good stuff to raise money to buy the newest. They babied their gear so get it for a steal.<br>

If you can't buy then rent.<br>

Shoot available light and forget the expensive lights. Use reflectors.<br>

The list goes on and on. You need to sit and think logically and put as many ideas on paper as you can.<br>

It'll happen. Just lose the emotion and employ logic. Keep forging ahead. I'm making a good living as a photographer. I'm self taught and learn every day.<br>

Gotta run!<br>

Good luck and I apologize for any type-os....I really can spell!</p>

<p>Consider attending one of Sandy Puc's Bellies & Babies Seminars. She has the mother folder her arms in front (like Barabra Eden did in I Dream Of Genie..hope you're not too young to remember...if you are ask your mom) and then she places the baby in the "cradle" that's created. She calls it a "nest". Good luck!</p>