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I'm offering "free" holiday pet photos as a way to practice...your opinion?
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Nov 29, 2016 08:39:18   #
xman222
 
Please listen to Gene51, he gives you the best possible advice.
I repeat, NEVER give your work free to the public, it damages the profession and hurts those making a living in photography.
If you need practice shoot YOUR OWN dog in a hundred different locations, then your family's, etc.
I'll enclose a couple of my own dog here to show what's possible.







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Nov 29, 2016 08:40:02   #
tracs101 Loc: Huntington NY
 
Gene51 wrote:
There is another alternative, and you will be doing the shelters a big service - contact the local SPCA, private shelters and fosters and offer them your services. I have been doing that myself for a few years - and it doesn't get more rewarding than when a dog or cat that you photographed gets adopted on the basis of the evocative image you created donated to the shelter. When your images are eye-catching, they will generate buzz and sometimes a pet can have a home in a few days - and you just might have made a life and death difference. I target the kill shelters more often than the no-kill ones for obvious reasons.

Usually shelters are more than grateful for the offer, and very welcoming and accommodating. One even let me bring a portable studio (background, lights, stands, etc) and gave me a room and a helper/handler.

I can think of no better way to get to where you want to be as far as your pictures are concerned, and at the same time do the adoption community a big solid.

Here are a few images that have resulted in quick adoptions. The MinPin below was adopted three days after the image was posted. It got over 200 likes.

You'll find that attempting to approach both parts of your dilemma, making better images and learning to deal with people - at the same time may result in some missteps along the way - unless you're the type that lives for challenge of it all. I suggest you get your photo skills solidly under your belt - regardless of whether you take documentary stuff like the images below - or you go for a more stylized and personal look, or the Kitty Kitsch look where you dress up the cats (or dogs) in outfits and use cute props. Once you have the confidence you need, you can then start charging what the jobs are worth. Check to see what others are doing in your area, and charge as much, or more, as they do. Charging more is a little trick that I use when I think there will be some pricing sensitivity - charging more implies better quality - and pet owners often respond to that with their checkbooks. Make sure you have liability insurance, your equipment is in good working order, you have backup gear, and your gear is insured. Having a good contract goes without saying, and collecting your shooting fee up front - half when they reserve the date, and the rest when you arrive with your gear to take the shot - will ensure that you won't get stiffed. Making watermarked, low res medium quality images available for viewing and selection can work, but it is always better to do that in person so you can guide them through the process and help them with any questions about what the will be getting.

Never ever do work for otherwise paying clients for free just because you are new at this. It will be hard to charge them or anyone else later. Never give stuff (prints, albums, coffee mugs, greeting cards etc) away either. Do not provide electronic versions of your images, for them to print poorly at Walgreens. You do want to maintain control over the finished product.
There is another alternative, and you will be doin... (show quote)


Great photos. You've got your stuff together.

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Nov 29, 2016 08:42:14   #
tracs101 Loc: Huntington NY
 
xman222 wrote:
Please listen to Gene51, he gives you the best possible advice.
I repeat, NEVER give your work free to the public, it damages the profession and hurts those making a living in photography.
If you need practice shoot YOUR OWN dog in a hundred different locations, then your family's, etc.
I'll enclose a couple of my own dog here to show what's possible.


What a great looking dog. The first photo is my favorite. Very well done!

Reply
 
 
Nov 29, 2016 09:08:00   #
Djedi
 
Gene:
Great photos and great advice. I wound up shooting for a breeder of Bengal and Siamese show cats at one point in exchange for a couple of beautiful felines. But once I started asking for real money, he was no longer interested. So you are correct in suggesting shelters which would never be your future market.

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Nov 29, 2016 09:22:33   #
viscountdriver Loc: East Kent UK
 
Take many shots at different angles.one is likely to stand out.

Reply
Nov 29, 2016 09:27:08   #
CatMarley Loc: North Carolina
 
Annie B wrote:
I'd like some opinions from all you seasoned photographers please...I've decided the only way I'm going to take better pictures is to practice so I've posted free holiday pictures on my local FB "free" yard sale website. I will be taking a few pictures and sending them thru email. They can choose to print them. I have explained I'm an amateur photography trying to get better at my craft. People have been very responsive to my ad but I'm worried they don't see that my pictures may not be as "professional" as they expect (some may not come out or be worthy to print out) even though I'm not charging for my services. How do I explain this to them without saying anything negative about myself?

Please don't tell me I should be practicing on friends and family. I am doing this to help interact better with people who are not friends and family. The only way I'm going to feel comfortable if I want to do street photography is to get used to working with people I don't know.

Before I schedule anyone it would be good to reiterate to them I'm taking this pictures to "practice". FYI, I posted on the ad that I was looking for people willing to take some time with their pets in hopes that I can take better pictures down the road. In the conversation though I also don't want to put myself down in the process. I'm not charging them, I'm just asking for a little of their time and their pet.
I'd like some opinions from all you seasoned photo... (show quote)

Reply
Nov 29, 2016 09:30:31   #
gsmith051 Loc: Fairfield Glade, TN
 
Gene51 wrote:
There is another alternative, and you will be doing the shelters a big service - contact the local SPCA, private shelters and fosters and offer them your services. I have been doing that myself for a few years - and it doesn't get more rewarding than when a dog or cat that you photographed gets adopted on the basis of the evocative image you created donated to the shelter. When your images are eye-catching, they will generate buzz and sometimes a pet can have a home in a few days - and you just might have made a life and death difference. I target the kill shelters more often than the no-kill ones for obvious reasons.

Usually shelters are more than grateful for the offer, and very welcoming and accommodating. One even let me bring a portable studio (background, lights, stands, etc) and gave me a room and a helper/handler.

I can think of no better way to get to where you want to be as far as your pictures are concerned, and at the same time do the adoption community a big solid.

Here are a few images that have resulted in quick adoptions. The MinPin below was adopted three days after the image was posted. It got over 200 likes.

You'll find that attempting to approach both parts of your dilemma, making better images and learning to deal with people - at the same time may result in some missteps along the way - unless you're the type that lives for challenge of it all. I suggest you get your photo skills solidly under your belt - regardless of whether you take documentary stuff like the images below - or you go for a more stylized and personal look, or the Kitty Kitsch look where you dress up the cats (or dogs) in outfits and use cute props. Once you have the confidence you need, you can then start charging what the jobs are worth. Check to see what others are doing in your area, and charge as much, or more, as they do. Charging more is a little trick that I use when I think there will be some pricing sensitivity - charging more implies better quality - and pet owners often respond to that with their checkbooks. Make sure you have liability insurance, your equipment is in good working order, you have backup gear, and your gear is insured. Having a good contract goes without saying, and collecting your shooting fee up front - half when they reserve the date, and the rest when you arrive with your gear to take the shot - will ensure that you won't get stiffed. Making watermarked, low res medium quality images available for viewing and selection can work, but it is always better to do that in person so you can guide them through the process and help them with any questions about what the will be getting.

Never ever do work for otherwise paying clients for free just because you are new at this. It will be hard to charge them or anyone else later. Never give stuff (prints, albums, coffee mugs, greeting cards etc) away either. Do not provide electronic versions of your images, for them to print poorly at Walgreens. You do want to maintain control over the finished product.
There is another alternative, and you will be doin... (show quote)


We have eight photographers working in our shelter and it is very rewarding work. Thanks for the great shots.....George

Reply
 
 
Nov 29, 2016 09:35:45   #
catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway
 
Things will happen in stages. you are far better off spending your time studying the mechanics of photography and post editing. As you practice the art of photography with Family, nature, landscapes, travel and events you can offer images to people that have merit and value and can build a resume. The one thing I agree with here on the forum is going to a shelter and capturing images for a good cause. Confidently picking up the camera as a tool and understanding the functions of light, dof, composure and post editing out weigh trying to fly the plane untrained. There are so many youtube and on line educational tutorials available that can give you the insight needed to step up the game. Most important is being able to confidently set up, shoot, and offer something of value. Never beg to get noticed!

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Nov 29, 2016 10:02:39   #
Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC
 
Annie you've received some excellence thoughts on your query... and some which unfortunately lack credibility with marketing realities...

Food for thought... success on the commercial side of photography typically comes from marketing efforts to create perceived worth... Please keep in mind there are retail clients (those which you are interested in) and commercial clients where entities are asked to submit bids on jobs (think advertising agency work). As so many others have mentioned that to offer services pro bono is virtually counter productive to establishing a viable revenue stream... Experience is a brutal teacher yet countless continue to pursue the flawed logic that clients will in time provide recompense for one's efforts which previously was available sans a fee...

Anne the very best and sincere advice I can provide is to immediately begin assisting other commercial photographers in your marketplace... This was my path and ultimately yielded priceless wisdom on the very essence of working commercially.

It's common that newly emerging artist earnestly believe that the quality of their work is the ultimate vehicle for success... With time you will come to realize that this is not the case a.k.a. their are superbly gifted hobbyist who shoot at a commercial level albeit are unable to successfully work within the industry for lack of market savvy...

Assist commercial shooters to learn the industry... And master your craft long before you even consider entering the marketplace...

My very best wishes for success on your journey...

Reply
Nov 29, 2016 10:13:30   #
Toby
 
Annie B wrote:
I'd like some opinions from all you seasoned photographers please...I've decided the only way I'm going to take better pictures is to practice so I've posted free holiday pictures on my local FB "free" yard sale website. I will be taking a few pictures and sending them thru email. They can choose to print them. I have explained I'm an amateur photography trying to get better at my craft. People have been very responsive to my ad but I'm worried they don't see that my pictures may not be as "professional" as they expect (some may not come out or be worthy to print out) even though I'm not charging for my services. How do I explain this to them without saying anything negative about myself?

Please don't tell me I should be practicing on friends and family. I am doing this to help interact better with people who are not friends and family. The only way I'm going to feel comfortable if I want to do street photography is to get used to working with people I don't know.

Before I schedule anyone it would be good to reiterate to them I'm taking this pictures to "practice". FYI, I posted on the ad that I was looking for people willing to take some time with their pets in hopes that I can take better pictures down the road. In the conversation though I also don't want to put myself down in the process. I'm not charging them, I'm just asking for a little of their time and their pet.
I'd like some opinions from all you seasoned photo... (show quote)


I have 3 comments. First, virtually everyone can learn something to better their craft. The practice will be excellent for both your photographic education and developing your interpersonal relationships with customers.
Don’t apologize for your work. You might say you normally shoot scenery, the moon or whatever and now wanted to do a few animals for charity but don’t apologize. People generally believe what you tell them and if you say it may look unprofessional they will see it that way. A friend once told me “perception is reality”. That is true. Also, don’t be so paranoid.
Third, handle the “free” issue as your donation to charity with the emphasis on charity. You are making a donation of your skills to help the charity not because you are less skilled. As for price, just because you make a donation to a charity once does not mean you have to do it again. Every business lowers their prices or even gives things away occasionally to get attention and generate future business without everyone expecting it from then on. Several local caterers have a dinner a couple times a year free for prospective wedding clients. The clients do not walk away expecting to have their wedding catered for free. Quite down about the inexperience, you are a pro making a donation. If a particular person dominates your time tell them in the interest of helping others you must limit your time with each animal. Good Luck

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Nov 29, 2016 10:16:01   #
buckbrush Loc: Texas then Southwest Oregon
 
[quote=Gene51]There is another alternative, and you will be doing the shelters a big service - contact the local SPCA, private shelters and fosters and offer them your services.

What a wonderful idea. I never would have though of it but I'm going to try doing what you suggested.
Thanks

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Nov 29, 2016 10:48:47   #
TeeKay
 
Make sure you ask people for permission to use shots of their animals as publicity material.

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Nov 29, 2016 11:01:20   #
Szalajj Loc: Salem, NH
 
Szalajj wrote:
I volunteer my photography to a local MSPCA, shelter. I shoot their barn animals because of my past experiences with farm animals. They had enough photographers to shoot the cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and what they call smalls which encompasses the rest of their small animals and reptiles!

Where I have a problem is after the shoot, sitting down to check and edit the shots before I send them to the shelter! That's a time consuming process when I shoot 200 to 300 shots each time that I go to the shelter.

They're a good sized shelter, and I end up submitting most of the shots I take, so that they'll have a good variety to choose from and to be able to post multiple angles of each animal. The last time that I shot there, I covered their horses, goats, pigs, roosters, geese, and ducks!
I volunteer my photography to a local MSPCA, shelt... (show quote)

Here are some of my favorite shelter shots!

Just a note, all 3 of these shots were essentially taken through or over fences. I hadn't gone through the volunteer training program at the time they were taken. That happened about 5 months later. Now I get to shoot from inside most of their pens and paddocks. Contact the shelter volunteer coordinator and express your interest in taking photographs for them to use to list their adoptees on their website. Most of the time, they won't turn down free photography services, and it doesn't hurt to list your volunteer services on your resume!

...

They named me Einstein!! I wonder where they got that idea?
They named me Einstein!!  I wonder where they got ...
(Download)

Just hanging out in the shade
Just hanging out in the shade...
(Download)

Pick me, Pick me, I’m looking for a lovin’ home!
Pick me, Pick me, I’m looking for a lovin’ home!...
(Download)

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Nov 29, 2016 11:27:16   #
Djedi
 
xman222 wrote:
Please listen to Gene51...
I repeat, NEVER give your work free to the public...
I'll enclose a couple of my own dog here to show what's possible.


Great advice and really great pet photos! Impressive.

Reply
Nov 29, 2016 12:35:20   #
cameranut Loc: North Carolina
 
That should be "photographer", not photography. Gene51 hit the nail on the head. THIS is where you should go to get an extreme amount of animal/pet practice. When you get to where you want to go with your photography, and you know that your shots are "professional" in quality, then you can start thinking about how much to charge and what sells. When someone spends thousands of dollars on a wedding (that they will be paying on long after the divorce) they will probably pay very well for high quality wedding photos. In order to sell something, you have to have equal or better than the buyer can get by and for himself. There are thousands out there with professional cameras, gear, etc. and are very skilled at PS, Lightroom, etc. Getting professional quality photos does not necessarily require being a professional. Good luck and God bless

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