bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I did family photos this weekend in front of a very bland gray mottled backdrop. In Indiana, the weather outside was beautiful, but brutally cold. They didn't want to reschedule, so I drug out the old backdrop.

During the shoot, I was told that these 2 were engaged, and they asked if they could get their photo together, so they might purchase some engagement photos from the sitting. I was already doing sub groups, so I did theirs at no extra cost, just a few poses.

I liked how this turned out, but hated it in front of a gray backdrop that was much better suited to a large family photo.
I took a cityscape that I had done a few years ago, (with a lot of playing around in PP), and played around with iris blur, 2 layers one above the cut out of them, and one below with the photo turned 90 degrees, in screen mode and blend if sliders played with, to try to come up with something artsy and dreamy.

To be honest, I'd rather have a beautiful outside photo, but this is what I came up with.

Unfortunately, they are going to Jamaica for the wedding, and paying for me to travel is outside their budget, but I enjoyed working with them.

I also scored a maternity shoot and newborn shoot (when the baby is born) for his sister who was also there.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Once again, disappointed in the color rendition of UHH, but you get the idea.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

You did a nice dreamy job, but Jamaica mon. I think you could have used Dunn's River Falls or something.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

True, but dreamy is easier than a convincing composite, plus, I have never been there, so I didn't have any pictures to use.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

I know, composites are tough to look convincing even if done well. I have not been to Jamaica either but love the way they talk. I like your dreamy cityscape. I would tone down the purple, but suspect that is part of the UH color rendition issue. Bob, good luck with your maternity shoot. There are many ways to get creative and I am sure you will come up with something good.

I have my annual prom coming up and this time it is a garden theme. There is hope that my inner creative side will pull out some ways to make those scenes look dreamy.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Yeah, the uhh compression did a number on the color, but it's still a pretty strong color cast in the original too. They wanted something surreal and dreamy, and their colors are pink and purple, so... that's what I came up with.

Hope you send me some of the prom photos again. What's the date this year?

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

March 25th. I still like the idea of printing 8 x 10s at the venue, but I don't have a printer or helper and I do it for free so not a good idea to invest in a printer. I thought about doing a projected slide show during the prom, but that might distract them from the other activities.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

You can always print 2 5x7’s on an 8x10 sheet. Just have to have a paper cuthere handy.
That, or just get 5x7 or 4x6 paper, and use the inkjet for now, until you make enough for a dye sub printer. You may lose a few customers that don't want to wait, but at least you will make something,& figure out how it would work for other events.
I will check my schedule to see if we have anything going on. She who must be obeyed loved what you are doing, and we may want to volunteer some help. (If we can)

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

You are certainly welcome, but I think I have the normal stuff down. I get their portrait in front of a backdrop coming in and then have fun shooting all the dancing and other interactions. I don't think providing prints and charging for them is going to be practical. For those of you looking in, this is a special needs prom. Their parents drop them off and pick them up much later. I don't think they would have any money on them and I would feel bad charging them anyway. They would probably get all confused. I do provide a link where they or their parents can download the pics. I guess it is just a want of mine to hand them a print at the prom so I can see their reaction, but not real practical because it would require assistants and I would have to eat the cost.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Yeah, I could have been more clear. I noticed when re-reading the post that it is March 25 not May 25. March 25 would cut it close, because I've reserved a spot at our botanical gardens to do 2 more engagement sessions.

My wife and I are still both interested, because of our special needs Grandson. We're kind of hoping to get something off the ground here. I may just have to pick your brains, or get contact info of the coordinators to pick their brains. Our grandson is only 10, but we already see a lot of things where he's excluded. His school has never done "school pictures" so I'm getting that started. The parents will have to pay for the photos, but 100% of the profits will go back into the school for programs (like, maybe a prom)

I did forget that the parents didn't stay, so the booth wouldn't be too practical. You could probably do inkjet prints between when they show up, or during any brief breaks, then have them available for when they leave...
I do think it's an awesome idea.

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

Do excuse me butting in, but it is meant with goodwill. I think that is where you are going wrong. You shouldn't work for free and even covering your own costs i.e. expenses such as paper you would be able to pay for a printer. I know that you are being kind, but no one appreciates being given anything for free. Just think about it. Once you have your printer you would be able to a lot more photos and word will get around and sooner than later you should be able to make a living out of your work.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Heather, you are excused. I want to keep you folks from the UK on my good side as I hope to travel there in the next few years. I could use some good advise regarding destinations and photo opportunities.

Believe me I have considered all the discussions around pricing. I am a relatively new photographer and started free, then cheap, now "reasonably priced". Even for the experienced photographers sometimes there is a place for free, especially when free comes with an opportunity to score paid business from potential clients. Free engagement sessions are sometimes a way for wedding photographers to do that.

The special needs prom that I do is a unique case because these kids and their parents really need all the support they can get. The teachers at the school and their families all volunteer their time. They create some fantastic decorations, buy the food and drink, arrange for the music, etc ... I just don't believe it would fit for me to come in asking for $ in exchange for their picture in print. On the other side of it I would consider buying a $1,000 printer like Bob has for future jobs, but I have yet to work out a reliable assistant to run that part of the operation. Bob has some very capable staff in SWMBO and his daughters. My family has very little interest. Maybe next time. That reminds me, I do have an event coming up in May that I wanted to talk with Bob about ...

Oh, and the photography experience was very enriching. The volunteers get the scene where I photograph done approximately 2 hours before go time and I begin problem solving with the lighting scenario. The theme was "natures garden" and I experimented with backlit gelled speed lights combined with the key. This while posing people who can be a challenge. Sometimes they want to be pictured with their friend. Sometimes they are in a wheel chair. It is wild, but I love it. Of course I made mistakes, but invaluable experience. I did do a wedding last year for one of the teachers so some $ reward has been realized.

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

Jaysnave, my apologies as I didn't realise that you were photographing Special Needs Pupils, so I will direct my comments towards those that can afford to pay for your photos.

With regards your trip to the UK you will be welcomed. Where do I start. There was a thread on here about a month ago with very good information, but I think I deleted this morning, but will have a look through the topics and see if I can spot it and will send you a PM.

Should you decide to come to the UK please PM me as I am in the South West which is a beautiful part of the country and we could meet up.
My partner is a very good photographer with years of experience, but I am only an Intermediate.

I am surprised that there are only the three of us on this thread and wonder why that is, humm as they say. Do the three of us have something in common I wonder?

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

Jaysnave, I have found the thread and here it is http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-443635-1.html - Trip to London by Tinkerbell2 - (dated 21 February 2017). There is a lot of good information and advice here. Stonehenge is within easy reach from me.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Thanks a bunch! I have always been fascinated with Stonehenge.