Projector
Apr 1, 2016 13:13:36 #
OK, I'm the first to admit that I struggle with knowing what is what when it comes to technology.
I've been asked a few times now, if we will do a slideshow of old images of the couple as kids, up through now. It must be a new "thing", for the reception.
My answer to any questions like that are "sure" (for a price)
Twice now, the couple didn't arrange to have a projector or TV there. Hence, my idea! I'd like to have a digital projector to offer to rent, or build something into the cost of the slideshow, whatever. As with everything wedding, I'm guessing I need 2. Here's my dilemma. Chinese ones state 3000 lumens, are cheap. Yes, I know you get what you pay for. All the reviews say that they have a good picture, but must be used in complete darkness. That is NOT 3000 lumens. I've purchased 2500 lumen ones that you could use in a fully lit room for work, but I have not really "used" them personally.
Anyway, now, I'm checking for used on ebay, then checking reviews on several sights.
The big question is, have any of you had experience with doing something like this? I figure it will be a fun toy to have around for movie night in the back yard, or possibly use it for projecting images as suggested by a few of the photography marketing gurus. (they say to project a 40x50 image for choosing, then when the client talks about 8x10, you can show them exactly how small an 8x10 is, and you can end up selling more 20x30 and up portraits that way, makes sense, but only if you can get clients to come to you for the proofing session)
My main goal is slideshows, just trying to think of other uses, to convince myself to open up my dusty wallet.
Thoughts? Another harebrained idea? Be honest.
I've been asked a few times now, if we will do a slideshow of old images of the couple as kids, up through now. It must be a new "thing", for the reception.
My answer to any questions like that are "sure" (for a price)
Twice now, the couple didn't arrange to have a projector or TV there. Hence, my idea! I'd like to have a digital projector to offer to rent, or build something into the cost of the slideshow, whatever. As with everything wedding, I'm guessing I need 2. Here's my dilemma. Chinese ones state 3000 lumens, are cheap. Yes, I know you get what you pay for. All the reviews say that they have a good picture, but must be used in complete darkness. That is NOT 3000 lumens. I've purchased 2500 lumen ones that you could use in a fully lit room for work, but I have not really "used" them personally.
Anyway, now, I'm checking for used on ebay, then checking reviews on several sights.
The big question is, have any of you had experience with doing something like this? I figure it will be a fun toy to have around for movie night in the back yard, or possibly use it for projecting images as suggested by a few of the photography marketing gurus. (they say to project a 40x50 image for choosing, then when the client talks about 8x10, you can show them exactly how small an 8x10 is, and you can end up selling more 20x30 and up portraits that way, makes sense, but only if you can get clients to come to you for the proofing session)
My main goal is slideshows, just trying to think of other uses, to convince myself to open up my dusty wallet.
Thoughts? Another harebrained idea? Be honest.
Apr 1, 2016 14:17:03 #
bkyser wrote:
OK, I'm the first to admit that I struggle with kn... (show quote)
I did one slide show using a 40 or 42 flat screen television. IMO the tv offers greater flexibility as I made it a power point with music which kept looping, and it offered greater flexibility in terms of placement. Yes, I'll admit dragging along a 40" LED can be a bit cumbersome, but it works great for those small reception halls.
Apr 2, 2016 03:01:22 #
We've had one for many years but frankly we seldom used it for receptions. Plus it's a pain in the ass to deal with for very little compensation.
People simply don't understand what it takes to create a slideshow from old prints, make a digital file and then lug the equipment to show it. I find not providing it isn't a deal breaker so why bust your butt for peanuts.
OK, I vented 8-)
People simply don't understand what it takes to create a slideshow from old prints, make a digital file and then lug the equipment to show it. I find not providing it isn't a deal breaker so why bust your butt for peanuts.
OK, I vented 8-)
Apr 2, 2016 06:38:13 #
I do not know the answer to your question. I just brought a REALLY cheap one from WISH.COM. There were others slightly more expensive. I wanted it for my daughters wedding where I will be creating a slide show from all her old pictures to the somg 'I loved her first'. I still may lug a TV up to Huntsville with me in Sept.
BTW, my daughter is a control freak and I am doing this without her knowledge, SURPRISE. The reaction will be precious!!!! My daughter, wife and son-in-law-to-be know. Daughter will be pissed and crying at the same time.
BTW, my daughter is a control freak and I am doing this without her knowledge, SURPRISE. The reaction will be precious!!!! My daughter, wife and son-in-law-to-be know. Daughter will be pissed and crying at the same time.
Apr 2, 2016 14:59:26 #
Beercat wrote:
We've had one for many years but frankly we seldom used it for receptions. Plus it's a pain in the ass to deal with for very little compensation.
People simply don't understand what it takes to create a slideshow from old prints, make a digital file and then lug the equipment to show it. I find not providing it isn't a deal breaker so why bust your butt for peanuts.
OK, I vented 8-)
People simply don't understand what it takes to create a slideshow from old prints, make a digital file and then lug the equipment to show it. I find not providing it isn't a deal breaker so why bust your butt for peanuts.
OK, I vented 8-)
good to know. That's what I wanted to find out. If it won't pay for itself, then it may just be another thing taking up space.
Apr 2, 2016 15:00:52 #
superpijak wrote:
I did one slide show using a 40 or 42 flat screen television. IMO the tv offers greater flexibility as I made it a power point with music which kept looping, and it offered greater flexibility in terms of placement. Yes, I'll admit dragging along a 40" LED can be a bit cumbersome, but it works great for those small reception halls.
I hate to admit this, but I just don't get into TV enough to pay for one that big. My one and only tv is a $99 Walmart, day after thanksgiving, sale model. I believe it is 30"
Apr 2, 2016 15:02:29 #
Bobbee wrote:
I do not know the answer to your question. I just ... (show quote)
Which model, and have you tested it out in the light that it will be used in?
"really cheap" may be a way to dip my toe into the water. Even if I don't use it for slideshows, maybe I can use it for the "projection sales"
Apr 2, 2016 16:29:42 #
A good projector system is a wise investment as long as you can "amortize" its usage and make it pay off.
Years ago, I used to produce "slide" shows with real SLIDES, multiple carousel type projectors, taped soundtracks and dissolve controls. I did theses mainly for my commercial customers for their sales presentations and corporate events. Then I decided to produce a few presentation for my own wedding promotions at bridal fairs and shows. I would do a ten minute show in various venues just before the bridal fashion shows in a darkened theater setting with lots of romantic and dramatic music and imagery. The audience would laugh, react and even cry- to say the leat there was tremendous viewer impact and this boosted sales significantly.
Evan at the studio, when couples came in for a wedding inquiry, I would let them view the "show" for 10 minutes prior to our meeting and this would just eliminate any kind of "sales resistance". It was just a matter of determining a budget and creating a contract. I still do this with digital projection!
Some couples opt for the kind of show you mentioned at their reception. I charge them an "audio-visual" fee to scan in their images, create a show with a musical soundtrack and supply a technician (projectionist) to look after the presentation at the reception. The fee is $1,500.
I still use my system to produce commercial slideshows as well. I am on my second projector- the first one finally died from overwork!
Years ago, I used to produce "slide" shows with real SLIDES, multiple carousel type projectors, taped soundtracks and dissolve controls. I did theses mainly for my commercial customers for their sales presentations and corporate events. Then I decided to produce a few presentation for my own wedding promotions at bridal fairs and shows. I would do a ten minute show in various venues just before the bridal fashion shows in a darkened theater setting with lots of romantic and dramatic music and imagery. The audience would laugh, react and even cry- to say the leat there was tremendous viewer impact and this boosted sales significantly.
Evan at the studio, when couples came in for a wedding inquiry, I would let them view the "show" for 10 minutes prior to our meeting and this would just eliminate any kind of "sales resistance". It was just a matter of determining a budget and creating a contract. I still do this with digital projection!
Some couples opt for the kind of show you mentioned at their reception. I charge them an "audio-visual" fee to scan in their images, create a show with a musical soundtrack and supply a technician (projectionist) to look after the presentation at the reception. The fee is $1,500.
I still use my system to produce commercial slideshows as well. I am on my second projector- the first one finally died from overwork!
Apr 3, 2016 10:55:55 #
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
A good projector system is a wise investment as lo... (show quote)
ED,
Happy if you get couples to hand over $1500 for a projector show but in reality most of us are just trying to snap a wedding for about that same price. Your the exception, yes one we all wish we were but never less the exception, it' isn't the norm ......... IMO ........... love ya ED 8-)
Apr 3, 2016 11:39:04 #
I am oftentimes surprised what wedding clients spend lots of money on- all kids of disposable "one-night stand" items and services for their wedding receptions and the balk at the prices asked by their photographer for the production of lifetime keepsakes- the wedding photographs. When it comes to the photographer, sometimes it seems that the customers want everything for next to nothing!
As far as the projectors show are concerned, I get about 3 requests per year and, as I have alluded to, I would not have invested in the projectors if I did not have other uses for them where the are bringing in money. It usually takes me or one of my staff, at least, a day to scan and assemble a decent show and the a bit more time to incorporate a soundtrack. Of, course the customers get to keep the product on a DVD and it becomes part of their wedding package.
Also, I do not to be running around at the wedding like a one armed wallpaper hanger trying to run a projector show and even shoot video. I bring in and pay people to do theses services and they gotta get paid as well.
I decided a long time ago that if I could not get paid decently for wedding photography and the related services, I would just drop the entire department from my business. Let's face it, it's damn hard work, it requires keeping "burglar's hours" - weekends and evenings precludes any decent family time and takes its toll on the old body! So...I just raised my rates and look for a market that that will accommodate my fees. There are guys and gals in my city that a going ou on weddings for 1/8 of my price and I am still working- truth be told- I can't figure it out!
All I do is provide all the stuff that my competitors don't!
As far as the projectors show are concerned, I get about 3 requests per year and, as I have alluded to, I would not have invested in the projectors if I did not have other uses for them where the are bringing in money. It usually takes me or one of my staff, at least, a day to scan and assemble a decent show and the a bit more time to incorporate a soundtrack. Of, course the customers get to keep the product on a DVD and it becomes part of their wedding package.
Also, I do not to be running around at the wedding like a one armed wallpaper hanger trying to run a projector show and even shoot video. I bring in and pay people to do theses services and they gotta get paid as well.
I decided a long time ago that if I could not get paid decently for wedding photography and the related services, I would just drop the entire department from my business. Let's face it, it's damn hard work, it requires keeping "burglar's hours" - weekends and evenings precludes any decent family time and takes its toll on the old body! So...I just raised my rates and look for a market that that will accommodate my fees. There are guys and gals in my city that a going ou on weddings for 1/8 of my price and I am still working- truth be told- I can't figure it out!
All I do is provide all the stuff that my competitors don't!
Apr 3, 2016 19:16:58 #
Bob, I will follow your progress as I am in the same spot as you. I don't know that much about technical aspects of projectors, but have enjoyed using them for Power Point presentations at work and presentations for our church. I have shopped briefly for my own projector thinking it would be a nice toy for movie night or football games, but not comfortable with the quality of different brand offerings.
One alternative to the slideshow ... For my daughters wedding we collected pictures of the bride and groom at each age (age 1, 2,3 etc...) I printed them and my wife made table markers of them. They were a big hit, however took a lot of time. Not sure what people would pay for it, but you or your "staff" could prepare them ahead of time and would not need to bring equipment or technician to operate.
One alternative to the slideshow ... For my daughters wedding we collected pictures of the bride and groom at each age (age 1, 2,3 etc...) I printed them and my wife made table markers of them. They were a big hit, however took a lot of time. Not sure what people would pay for it, but you or your "staff" could prepare them ahead of time and would not need to bring equipment or technician to operate.
Apr 4, 2016 06:05:14 #
bkyser wrote:
Which model, and have you tested it out in the light that it will be used in?
"really cheap" may be a way to dip my toe into the water. Even if I don't use it for slideshows, maybe I can use it for the "projection sales"
"really cheap" may be a way to dip my toe into the water. Even if I don't use it for slideshows, maybe I can use it for the "projection sales"
I am not home, could not tell you the model. Maybe next week. It was like $23. It was cheap and it is cheap, but it does work.
Apr 6, 2016 09:39:21 #
Sorry, I was away with an emergency. My grandson who is nonverbal was in the hospital. Very hard to diagnose what is wrong, when the little guy can't communicate.
Anyway, here's the update for my situation. I was asked again to do this for a birthday party that I will be doing the portrait booth for (not photo booth, no props, I try to keep them as family portraits, for reasons I can explain if anyone is interested in)
So, not being anywhere near Ed's caliber or pricing, I got the quantity of slides in advance, (65) and came up with a price of $200 for the slideshow, and told them that since I would be there, I would "rent" my projector and screen that I already have for $100.
Went on a mad search for used projectors on Ebay, and checked out the specs that would work. Found out that 2500 lumens is the suggestion for presentations done where there is some ambient light. I got a NEC VT695 2500lm 600:1 contrast, up to 300" viewing size projector for....wait for it.... $29, plus $14.95 shipping. (also comes with a warranty) Average life of the bulb per the reviews is 3000 hours, and this one has 1000 hours on the bulb timer counter. I don't trust this, so I also ordered a spare bulb from Amazon for $30 (free shipping with prime, and 100% positive rating)
Even if I use it for nothing other than this one party, it paid for itself, and I can use it as a home theatre projector for outdoor movies!
This was one of those situations where the timing just worked out.
Anyway, here's the update for my situation. I was asked again to do this for a birthday party that I will be doing the portrait booth for (not photo booth, no props, I try to keep them as family portraits, for reasons I can explain if anyone is interested in)
So, not being anywhere near Ed's caliber or pricing, I got the quantity of slides in advance, (65) and came up with a price of $200 for the slideshow, and told them that since I would be there, I would "rent" my projector and screen that I already have for $100.
Went on a mad search for used projectors on Ebay, and checked out the specs that would work. Found out that 2500 lumens is the suggestion for presentations done where there is some ambient light. I got a NEC VT695 2500lm 600:1 contrast, up to 300" viewing size projector for....wait for it.... $29, plus $14.95 shipping. (also comes with a warranty) Average life of the bulb per the reviews is 3000 hours, and this one has 1000 hours on the bulb timer counter. I don't trust this, so I also ordered a spare bulb from Amazon for $30 (free shipping with prime, and 100% positive rating)
Even if I use it for nothing other than this one party, it paid for itself, and I can use it as a home theatre projector for outdoor movies!
This was one of those situations where the timing just worked out.
Apr 6, 2016 09:44:03 #
bkyser wrote:
Sorry, I was away with an emergency. My grandson ... (show quote)
We paid $1200 about 7 years ago when we purchased a new one, hasn't paid for itself yet.
Apr 6, 2016 11:49:40 #
BK- That was a great deal- good value for the money for sure!
Hey- just because I charge more money than some of my colleagues and competitors does not mean that I don't look at bargain prices. Before I make a major purchase of equipment I always check out the used market. I am a frequent visitor to a number of charity stores, thrift shops and various "junk" emporiums, always on the lookout for studio props, office stuff, and other miscellaneous items at cheap prices. It is surprising what some folks toss away or donate to the charity shops. I certainly don't mind getting a good price and supporting local charities at the same time.
Unfortunately enough, top-of-the-line digital gear does not show up at theses stores- gotta bite the bullet on that kind of gear!
Hey- just because I charge more money than some of my colleagues and competitors does not mean that I don't look at bargain prices. Before I make a major purchase of equipment I always check out the used market. I am a frequent visitor to a number of charity stores, thrift shops and various "junk" emporiums, always on the lookout for studio props, office stuff, and other miscellaneous items at cheap prices. It is surprising what some folks toss away or donate to the charity shops. I certainly don't mind getting a good price and supporting local charities at the same time.
Unfortunately enough, top-of-the-line digital gear does not show up at theses stores- gotta bite the bullet on that kind of gear!
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