Comments for Photography

Comment on Commercial Photography Habits to Embrace by Miss M

Miss M — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:09:50 +0000

Thanks a mil!
This actually happened to me on the very first wedding i shot!
I actually waited three months before the couple got the courage up to phone me to ask me if i still had the pictures for them…
I hate confrontation like this but a lesson well learnt!!!

-M

Comment on Commercial Photography Habits to Embrace by Samir Bhanji

Samir Bhanji — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:33:54 +0000

Yep! There are a lot of people like that around. I’ve had many in my career ,when I was an upcoming photographer. Now my policy is advance first, balance on collection of goods, and they pay without arguements.Most of the time without even looking at the final products!
I’ve even sent friends , friends packing if they come without the balance. If they feel bad too bad. We put in alot of effort and these people expect miracles at times for loww fees.
I’ve also come to notice that the photographers seem to be the hardest hit from all industries,even that, all over the world .
I even had an apprentice once and who would grumble that he wouldn’t do any assignments in his community as they were bad paymasters. I taught him how to talk and negotiate with his clients and he had more work than he could handle, and lot of spare cash, in time to come.
And as you say………..stay focused.

Comment on Commercial Photography Habits to Embrace by Administrator

Administrator — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:18:16 +0000

Wow – thanks. That’s excellent advice Art. I wish I had attended a school like that instead of learning the hard way.

If you haven’t read Art’s comment (above) you should if this is a subject that interests you.

…stay focused, Roy

Comment on Commercial Photography Habits to Embrace by Art

Art — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:59:40 +0000

Roy,
My heart really goes out to this photographer. And your advice is spot on. Get it in writing. But even if you, it doesn’t guarantee people won’t try to emotionally work you over.

I would suggest one more possibility that may make her feel better about her work: This customer may have been denigrating the work not because they didn’t like it, but because they were setting the stage for a negotiation — decreasing the apparent perceived value of the work.

It’s sad that there are people like this, but there are plenty. And they often prey on targets they view as weak – artistic types like photographers often being easy marks.

It’s incredibly hard for someone who is sensitive to deal with these folks, so it’s important to remember these customers are, at heart, manipulative liars. Once you have that in mind it gets easier to smile thinly, ignore the negative slams, and discuss pricing and (as you suggest) no more than 5% price reduction.

Still no progress? I’m reminded of the tactic taught to school photographers’ assistants years ago, when photographers’ sent a rep back to the school with a full pre-printed packet for each child. They would meet with each parent, in hopes of up-selling them to the “wow” package. The rep would sit down with the parent, show them the pictures. If the parent select the cheapest package and didn’t seem willing to budge, the rep was taught to dismissively slide the rest of the pictures of the child into the trash can at the end of the desk. They would then check their “cold” coffee, and debate dumping the rest in the trash before “getting some fresh.” I’m told this worked at least 25% of the time – the parent couldn’t bear the thought of their child’s photo being trashed and dowsed.

So next time your wedding photographer is similarly stung, she might carelessly fold and “stuff” most of the proofs back into her case, leaving just one or two (of the best) for the bride to “think over.” And then walk out “to her next appointment”.

Who says turn-around ain’t fair play? It might even be a little bit fun!

You’re right – get it in writing, but be prepared for the jerks lurking around the next corner.

Comment on Commercial Photography Habits to Embrace by Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:09:52 +0000

thanks for the information, I think that every Photographer should have all client’s read and sign documents pertaining to what shoot they want the Photographer to do for them. Again very good information…..

Comment on 31 Photography Quotes by Ansel Adams by umer babry

umer babry — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:06:31 +0000

these are just great. thanks for spreading to the world.

Comment on Photography Equipment: 8 Tips for a Successful Landscape Shoot by FotoStan

FotoStan — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:45:21 +0000

“Oh for the good old days of photography”.. Back then, one wondered about specific things like: Depth of field, or focus.. Composition.. the proper time for shooting (morning or afternoon).. and film ASA speed, as well as which to shoot B&W or color Chromes or Negative print film.. I laugh at the present day so-called photographers, and wonder what would happen, if their camera’s battery stops working?? FotoStan@msn.com

Comment on 5 Key Ideas for Creating a Photography Website by Peregian Surf Shop

Peregian Surf Shop — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 04:48:36 +0000

Just checked a page 3 ranked Squidoo site that you left a favourable comment on:- http://www.squidoo.com/planet-x-nibiru and the photography tips that it linked to were invaluable to what I will be doing with my Surfing Blog where uploading great photo’s is essential. Thanks for the tips.

Comment on Portrait Photography Lighting Tips by Ray G

Ray G — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:42:25 +0000

great ideas to think about, thanks. But, when you are using two or three sources of light, how does it affect the setting of the aperture setting? Do you set it as if the mail light was the only source? then set the other light or two at about 20 to 30% of the main light as mentioned above.

Comment on 10 Tips on Making Money as a Photographer by Administrator

Administrator — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:42:20 +0000

Hi Roxy There are a lot of people who read this blog who can give you some great ideas. Perhaps they will. While you're waiting I suggest you consider my eBook on starting a photography business. You can also find some tips in this category section on photography business. They don't provide as much as the eBook but they are helpful. Roy