Business Model?
Aug 29, 2018 14:55:27 #
In this day and age of cell phone cameras, it looks like the business model of shooting weddings needs to change.
In the old days of expensive film cameras, the money came from the prints. The photographer could assume that, if he were hired as the wedding photographer, he would be the exclusive photographer of the event, and the only source of prints for sale to the bride and groom or anyone else interested in buying a print. The photographer would own the negatives. A few modern wedding photographers still attempt to use this old business model by using contracts which ban all other photography from the event, and then they hold the prints hostage for (what seems like) an unreasonable sum of money from anyone who wants prints, or albums, or canvases, etc.. This kind of print piracy should quickly be driven out of business. In this day of everyone having a digital camera (or cell phone camera) everyone sees it as their right to have, or take, a free picture. Knowing this, perhaps the contract could include providing a photo web-site exclusive for the guests which would allow them to download some free (lower-resolution) photos of the wedding (which would look good on a 4x6 inch print, with the opportunity to buy higher resolution downloads).
As a groom who stood through 100 degree heat for 20 minutes of formal wedding photographs, only to have the photographer claim the film was “lost in the mail”, I have no sympathy for this exclusive-right-to-photograph model. And when the photographer does not even show up, what are the bride and groom supposed to do?
I do have a lot of sympathy for those hard-working wedding photographers who have amateur snapshot-takers interrupt their formal poses. Perhaps all formal poses could be shot before the ceremony in a private room? The sign at the door should clearly state the rules: 1. The professional photographer will pose and photograph each group first; then one minute will be allowed for others to photograph that group. 2. Anyone interfering with the professional photographer will be removed from the room. (And maybe tape a line across the floor, behind which all other photographers must stay?)
And I understand that the ceremony itself should be free from the distractions of flashes and waving cell phones. Can you imagine what Princess Diana’s wedding in Westminster Cathedral would have looked like with half the audience waving cell phones or jumping up with cameras to catch their own photographs of the bride coming up the aisle? It would have destroyed the formal beauty of the event. The sign at these doors should say: 1. No flash photography. 2. Turn off your cell phone rings now. 3. No Standing or moving from your seat during the ceremony. Please do not raise your camera or cell phone above your head.
And if you are throwing a large and expensive wedding, it looks like you should hire professional security to politely enforce the rules, or escort-out those “guests” who are so impolite as to create a disturbance. Does the photographer need to hire the security to protect his equipment and protect his ability to get the required shots? Any large enough event usually has security personnel to protect the players, and the audience, and to ensure the smooth running of the event.
At least, the contract for the wedding should well-compensate the Photographer (or company) for the job, and the Photographer should provide all the albums and photographs the contract calls for. But there should be an option/release for unexpected disasters (People jumping in front of the Camera etc.) Any money paid for extra prints should be icing on the cake, not expected revenue.
In the old days of expensive film cameras, the money came from the prints. The photographer could assume that, if he were hired as the wedding photographer, he would be the exclusive photographer of the event, and the only source of prints for sale to the bride and groom or anyone else interested in buying a print. The photographer would own the negatives. A few modern wedding photographers still attempt to use this old business model by using contracts which ban all other photography from the event, and then they hold the prints hostage for (what seems like) an unreasonable sum of money from anyone who wants prints, or albums, or canvases, etc.. This kind of print piracy should quickly be driven out of business. In this day of everyone having a digital camera (or cell phone camera) everyone sees it as their right to have, or take, a free picture. Knowing this, perhaps the contract could include providing a photo web-site exclusive for the guests which would allow them to download some free (lower-resolution) photos of the wedding (which would look good on a 4x6 inch print, with the opportunity to buy higher resolution downloads).
As a groom who stood through 100 degree heat for 20 minutes of formal wedding photographs, only to have the photographer claim the film was “lost in the mail”, I have no sympathy for this exclusive-right-to-photograph model. And when the photographer does not even show up, what are the bride and groom supposed to do?
I do have a lot of sympathy for those hard-working wedding photographers who have amateur snapshot-takers interrupt their formal poses. Perhaps all formal poses could be shot before the ceremony in a private room? The sign at the door should clearly state the rules: 1. The professional photographer will pose and photograph each group first; then one minute will be allowed for others to photograph that group. 2. Anyone interfering with the professional photographer will be removed from the room. (And maybe tape a line across the floor, behind which all other photographers must stay?)
And I understand that the ceremony itself should be free from the distractions of flashes and waving cell phones. Can you imagine what Princess Diana’s wedding in Westminster Cathedral would have looked like with half the audience waving cell phones or jumping up with cameras to catch their own photographs of the bride coming up the aisle? It would have destroyed the formal beauty of the event. The sign at these doors should say: 1. No flash photography. 2. Turn off your cell phone rings now. 3. No Standing or moving from your seat during the ceremony. Please do not raise your camera or cell phone above your head.
And if you are throwing a large and expensive wedding, it looks like you should hire professional security to politely enforce the rules, or escort-out those “guests” who are so impolite as to create a disturbance. Does the photographer need to hire the security to protect his equipment and protect his ability to get the required shots? Any large enough event usually has security personnel to protect the players, and the audience, and to ensure the smooth running of the event.
At least, the contract for the wedding should well-compensate the Photographer (or company) for the job, and the Photographer should provide all the albums and photographs the contract calls for. But there should be an option/release for unexpected disasters (People jumping in front of the Camera etc.) Any money paid for extra prints should be icing on the cake, not expected revenue.
Aug 29, 2018 22:27:52 #
I will simply say isn't great that we live in a land where there are choices. Different photographers have different requirements from others .... isn't it grand that a Bride and Groom have choices to hire a photographer that best meet their individual needs/requirements.
It doesn't matter if it's the professional photographer or a guest .... the rules set up by the Bride and Groom with the blessings of the venue should be upheld. Typically the Bride and Groom invite guest to be witness to their big day, not the photographer.
Furthermore it is very difficult to have guest firing away taking pictures during the formal portrait time. Allowing guest to have time to snap off pictures even after the pro has his or hers pictures take valuable time up. Unless the Bride and Groom want to allow it I prefer to not forfeit the the time for the guest to snap pictures.
I remember on more than one occasion when a relative of the Bride got up during the ceremony, walked around behind the officiant and the took his iPad and placed it right next the officiant's head. Even when the Bride and Groom say turn off your phones and cameras there are always a few who thing it doesn't apply to them. It's very sad when guest assume they have the right to do what they want.
As I said before .... what should go down is what the wishes are of the Bride and Groom with the blessings of the venue/officiant.
Nuff said
It doesn't matter if it's the professional photographer or a guest .... the rules set up by the Bride and Groom with the blessings of the venue should be upheld. Typically the Bride and Groom invite guest to be witness to their big day, not the photographer.
Furthermore it is very difficult to have guest firing away taking pictures during the formal portrait time. Allowing guest to have time to snap off pictures even after the pro has his or hers pictures take valuable time up. Unless the Bride and Groom want to allow it I prefer to not forfeit the the time for the guest to snap pictures.
I remember on more than one occasion when a relative of the Bride got up during the ceremony, walked around behind the officiant and the took his iPad and placed it right next the officiant's head. Even when the Bride and Groom say turn off your phones and cameras there are always a few who thing it doesn't apply to them. It's very sad when guest assume they have the right to do what they want.
As I said before .... what should go down is what the wishes are of the Bride and Groom with the blessings of the venue/officiant.
Nuff said
Aug 30, 2018 08:15:04 #
I never have a problem shooting weddings. I take the wedding party somewhere away from the guests to shoot those photos without distraction. Doing them before the ceremony is a great idea. At the church, I ask the officiant to make an announcement before the ceremony that guests should please refrain from taking pictures but rather allow the official photographer to do their job - has always worked. Remaining guest photos, family photos after the ceremony don't present a problem - if anyone's in my way, I politely ask them to move - they always do. It just takes a little preplanning, polite interaction and respect. The finished set of pictures are sent to the bride and groom first. It is up to them who else sees the set or a partial set. They are downloadable as low-res, non-printable shots. High-res printable shots are available for purchase.
Aug 30, 2018 08:59:46 #
Hey Logan, thanks for the post.
I agree with Beercat, it's great that we all have the option to model our business the way we want.
I guess I'm one of those photographers who hold the "negatives hostage" and I'm still in business after over 30 years. I don't work with, and don't want to work with people who want to pinch pennies, and they aren't paying me for paper and ink, they are paying for artwork, and albums. I often go to museums, and can't imagine the art there should only cost $20 to cover the cost of the paint and canvas. If you don't consider photography as art, then you are doing it wrong. Google, Ketchup on Canvas. Some have sold for close to $50 million. Now take an artistic photo of a bride and groom, capturing the love in their expressions on the best day of their lives. Which is more meaningful?
Have you seen "photoshop fails?" That's what happens when you give your "negatives" to everyone. Someone will take it, butcher it, and share it, staining your reputation as a wedding photographer.
I keep reading how people say "wedding pictures that nobody will ever look at again." Again, if nobody ever looks at them again, you are doing it wrong. My kids, and now my grandkids still look at my wedding album from 33 years ago, to me, that's priceless. How many times do you insert a disk and look at old photos, how about your kids and grandkids? When your day comes and you are no longer here, do you think those kids, grandkids, and maybe great grandkids will still insert that disk and look at the images? I can tell you from an uncle who recently passed, my cousin just tossed all the disks in the trash without looking at them. I don't think an album would get the same treatment. In my humble opinion, doing an album is actually doing the couple a favor. Disks or thumb drives get tossed in a drawer, never to be looked at again. An album, or a nice photo on the wall, stays for years.
I do offer a package with digital images, but it costs MORE than getting something that they will use. If the couple understands and appreciates that, then they are the couple I want to work with. If they say "I can make an album at walgreens" they are not. (and, I would bet that 90% of the time, that Walgreens album never gets made. Again, you are doing them no favors.
I know several on this board do give digitals, and that's fine with me. Their opinion is different, but that doesn't make mine any more or less "correct." I just wanted to let you know that what some see as predatory, is appreciated by some brides and grooms, which are my target audiences.
I agree with Beercat, it's great that we all have the option to model our business the way we want.
I guess I'm one of those photographers who hold the "negatives hostage" and I'm still in business after over 30 years. I don't work with, and don't want to work with people who want to pinch pennies, and they aren't paying me for paper and ink, they are paying for artwork, and albums. I often go to museums, and can't imagine the art there should only cost $20 to cover the cost of the paint and canvas. If you don't consider photography as art, then you are doing it wrong. Google, Ketchup on Canvas. Some have sold for close to $50 million. Now take an artistic photo of a bride and groom, capturing the love in their expressions on the best day of their lives. Which is more meaningful?
Have you seen "photoshop fails?" That's what happens when you give your "negatives" to everyone. Someone will take it, butcher it, and share it, staining your reputation as a wedding photographer.
I keep reading how people say "wedding pictures that nobody will ever look at again." Again, if nobody ever looks at them again, you are doing it wrong. My kids, and now my grandkids still look at my wedding album from 33 years ago, to me, that's priceless. How many times do you insert a disk and look at old photos, how about your kids and grandkids? When your day comes and you are no longer here, do you think those kids, grandkids, and maybe great grandkids will still insert that disk and look at the images? I can tell you from an uncle who recently passed, my cousin just tossed all the disks in the trash without looking at them. I don't think an album would get the same treatment. In my humble opinion, doing an album is actually doing the couple a favor. Disks or thumb drives get tossed in a drawer, never to be looked at again. An album, or a nice photo on the wall, stays for years.
I do offer a package with digital images, but it costs MORE than getting something that they will use. If the couple understands and appreciates that, then they are the couple I want to work with. If they say "I can make an album at walgreens" they are not. (and, I would bet that 90% of the time, that Walgreens album never gets made. Again, you are doing them no favors.
I know several on this board do give digitals, and that's fine with me. Their opinion is different, but that doesn't make mine any more or less "correct." I just wanted to let you know that what some see as predatory, is appreciated by some brides and grooms, which are my target audiences.
Aug 30, 2018 10:58:37 #
Actually I'm considering a slight tweak of my primary package to resemble bkyser's way of doing business ;)
Aug 30, 2018 12:41:11 #
Beercat wrote:
Actually I'm considering a slight tweak of my primary package to resemble bkyser's way of doing business ;)
Jerry is a world class wordsmith, and does a great job of explaining why he does what he does. I tend to drone on too long.
His "tweaks" look really good to me. (for what that's worth)
Sep 2, 2018 12:32:15 #
Mostly every time the subject of wedding photography comes up in he UHH forum, especially in the non-wedding sections, there is quite a volume of "PRO-BASHING.- horror stories of incompetent pros and who failed to perform properly, became rude and intrusive, got drunk, didn't show up and shooting without film in the camera AND!!!... the amateurs came to the rescue! There are also incessant complaints about what I jokingly call the "cellphone Paparazzi" and how amateurs interfere with the professionals- get in the way, distract everyone-. ect.! Then there is the army of reactionaries- "Things ain't what the used to be...can't make money anymore, everybody is a photographer"!...more complaining from so many practicing, former, disgruntled and ex-wedding photograhers. My "favorite" is "the digital age has killed the business"! Let's not forget the chorus of other photographers exclaiming that they would never shoot weddings because it's "photography HELL"! Oh- and of course, more horror stories about weddings that turned into drunken brawls, uncooperative brides, insane schedules and every unmitigated disaster that can befall a wedding shooter. There is always the "comic relief" and awkward circumstances like "pregnant brides...irate mothers-in law...and othere things that really ain't all that comical. My questions are: Where do the clients fined these dreadful photographers?...and... Where do theses photographer find theses customers? Perhaps I am just lucky- I have seen little or nothing of theses situations. Yet- It's 2018 folks- get ready- f you're gonna encounter many expectant brides, ladies with copious tattoos, multicolored hair, and lost of non-traditional garb and guys with "different" hairstyles and long beards- just find the beauty in it all!
So many photographers are playing the "BLAME GAME", holding all of the aforementioned, everyone and everything, responsible for their consternation, downturns in their bookings, lack of profitable potential, loss of business and financial failures. Seems that few blame themselves and attempt to remedy the issues. Well, introspection can be painfail- ask any psychologist!
Also- folks who know little or nothing about the wedding photography business harbor many serious misconceptions of how successful photograhers operate their businesses, construct contracts and deal with and prevent some of the potential difficulties that can arise during a wedding coverage. They profess that professional photographers are paranoid, worried about amatures "stealing" their business and want to banish cell phones from weddings"! Many opine that pros are "sticks-in-the-mud, cookie cutter artists and that many amateurs are more creative. That may be true in rare cases but certainly is the exception rather than the rule. In today's business environment, lackluster prose simply won't sustain their businesses. Profession photography is not a hobby- it requires creativity and performance on demand. When one's livelihood and that of their families depend on the professional's consistency and frequency of performance, we are talking about a very serious demand.
Any experienced, savvy and successful wedding photographer, worth their salt, will not undertake a major wedding assignment on speculation with the hope of "selling prints" or whatever, after the fact. Regardless of the their fee structure or package pricing, they make certain that all their costs, and overhead expenses are covered including the necessary profit margin to continue in business and make a living. They work by contract, are usually paid up by the wedding day and are not there to compete with amateurs or anyone else.The are not working like competing photojournalists vying for the shots, The are commissioned to produce results and ar acting on behalf of their clients. In wedding work there is a kind of fiduciary obligation to deliver excellent results- the event can't be restaged and has enormous emotional and financial importance to the clients.
Commensurate professionals take every precaution to avoid and negate technical or equipment failures. The cary ample spare cameras, lenses and lighting gear, an abundance of spare memory cards, batteries, connector cables or anything else that is prone to malfunction. Many ork with assistans and second shooters. All cards are completely backed up on a laptop computer as the day progresses and before leaving the venue. All the professionals I know never drink alcoholic beverages or do anything that will impair the performance at a wedding- let alone their driving skills!
I started my career in wedding photography, as an assistant, in 1957 and shot my first solo job in 1959. Believe me- amateurs, hacks, wannabes and folks with cameras (at weddings) are nothing new- they were THERE back in the day and ain't going away any time soon. Nowadays, of course, the advent of digital technology has brought about a proliferation of more amateur photographers and has enabled them to take better pictures and emboldened many to take on wedding work without experience, show up in hoards, as guests, at weddings and become omnipresent with cell phone cameras.recently, I have covered a few weddigs where the bride and groom request "no cameras or sell phones" at the ceremony in their invitations or specified that on the ceremonial program at the church or othere venue. This is up to the couples- not me. Of course,some churches and venues have their own restrictions. Although I prefer to work without the potential interference, I usually manage to work around it if it arises. Most importantly, I thoroughly discuss this with each client and explain the advantages and ramifications or and leave the final allowances or restriction up to them. Usually a happy compromise is agreed upon.
Yes, times have changed but perhaps that is a good thing. It places the REAL PROFESSIONALS in a position where they need to stand out and well above the hacks and produce outstanding work, offer superior service and come up with new ideas, innovations and products- just like the rest of the commercial and business world.If your work ain't a heck of a lot better that the amateurs- why shoud anyone pay you handsome fee? You need to educate your potential clients. If some can't see the difference, you need to move on the the next customer- many folks will pay generously for what they perceive as artistry and top-quality service! Again, like in every business or service- it's survival of the fittest.
I've been at this for over half a century and have covered weddings in many socioeconomic, ethnic and religious communities. Some of the jobs are calm and easy going others were raucous chaotic and near riotous. Y'all know what?- most folks are nice and respectful. If you know how to get along with people, approach them with care and kindness and are a good "director" you can navigate through just about any situation. Frankly speaking, I do have an exclusivity clause in my contract just so I can exercise some control if, just in case, things get really obnoxious and actually and seriously interfere with my work. In all theses years I NEVER once had to "enforce" that clause. Perhaps I garner more "respect" because I am old, big and ugly and age has endowed me with a significant case of "perma-frown". I, however, like to smile at folks- it's infectious! A smile, a handshake, a hug and a kind word will work better that a grouchy reprimand or harsh direction.
Most rushed schedules and interference issues come from poor planning. If everything as to location and time allotments for formal photography is intrinsic in the wedding schedule along with margins for delays or errors- everything should run smoothly. A good shooter, however, knows how to "shift gears" and think on his or her feet if there are delays or othere encumbrances.
Many photographers are just too preoccupied with gear and what other or newer photographers are doing. I have shot weddings starting off with a 4x5 press cameras, went to medium format, shot 3-D slides with stereo cameras, did work with rangefinder (mirrorless) and reflex systems and currently with DSLR. Makes no difference! The success is in the skills. Nowadays, my advice is just select a digital system that suits your budget, works reliably and fits your hands ergonomically. Make sure to have have spare and overlapping gear and you are good to go- concentrate on your technique, you people skills and be ready to capture spontaneous and emotional expressions.
So... some guys and gals are shooting thousands of images at weddings- some are more precise and shoot less. It's a matter of shooting ratio and how much volume each shooter needs to come out with a good job under their belt.
Truthfully,my equipmet and shooting ratio are not of my selling points- I rarely discuss this with my clients. I do explain about shooting ratio and the fact that I don't need 2,000 images to create a perfect coverage. I simply show my potential clients what my finished albums and other media look like and make certain that they are duly impressed- they are not usually concerned as to how I produce it.
More unsolicited advice from this old guy- Y'all- STOP wasting time complaining and blaming. Use your energy to come up with new ideas, revive old concepts that become new again, create kicks-ass portfolio and do some selling and get booked up. If you have grown to dislike wedding photography- don't burn out- just do something else! Believe me- your enthusiasm will be reflected in your pictures and in your bank account!
With kindest regards, Ed
PS- Here in the section we are a small core group. We do discuss gear and talk lots of shop but we do tend to be more positive and exchange ideas, methods and techniques. We agree and disagree on many issues but we respect one and other and learn from our different points of view. We always agree on professionalism and doing the job right. We encourage others, who are interested, to join us, contribute and ask questions and always try to accommodate folks with a comprehensive answer.
So many photographers are playing the "BLAME GAME", holding all of the aforementioned, everyone and everything, responsible for their consternation, downturns in their bookings, lack of profitable potential, loss of business and financial failures. Seems that few blame themselves and attempt to remedy the issues. Well, introspection can be painfail- ask any psychologist!
Also- folks who know little or nothing about the wedding photography business harbor many serious misconceptions of how successful photograhers operate their businesses, construct contracts and deal with and prevent some of the potential difficulties that can arise during a wedding coverage. They profess that professional photographers are paranoid, worried about amatures "stealing" their business and want to banish cell phones from weddings"! Many opine that pros are "sticks-in-the-mud, cookie cutter artists and that many amateurs are more creative. That may be true in rare cases but certainly is the exception rather than the rule. In today's business environment, lackluster prose simply won't sustain their businesses. Profession photography is not a hobby- it requires creativity and performance on demand. When one's livelihood and that of their families depend on the professional's consistency and frequency of performance, we are talking about a very serious demand.
Any experienced, savvy and successful wedding photographer, worth their salt, will not undertake a major wedding assignment on speculation with the hope of "selling prints" or whatever, after the fact. Regardless of the their fee structure or package pricing, they make certain that all their costs, and overhead expenses are covered including the necessary profit margin to continue in business and make a living. They work by contract, are usually paid up by the wedding day and are not there to compete with amateurs or anyone else.The are not working like competing photojournalists vying for the shots, The are commissioned to produce results and ar acting on behalf of their clients. In wedding work there is a kind of fiduciary obligation to deliver excellent results- the event can't be restaged and has enormous emotional and financial importance to the clients.
Commensurate professionals take every precaution to avoid and negate technical or equipment failures. The cary ample spare cameras, lenses and lighting gear, an abundance of spare memory cards, batteries, connector cables or anything else that is prone to malfunction. Many ork with assistans and second shooters. All cards are completely backed up on a laptop computer as the day progresses and before leaving the venue. All the professionals I know never drink alcoholic beverages or do anything that will impair the performance at a wedding- let alone their driving skills!
I started my career in wedding photography, as an assistant, in 1957 and shot my first solo job in 1959. Believe me- amateurs, hacks, wannabes and folks with cameras (at weddings) are nothing new- they were THERE back in the day and ain't going away any time soon. Nowadays, of course, the advent of digital technology has brought about a proliferation of more amateur photographers and has enabled them to take better pictures and emboldened many to take on wedding work without experience, show up in hoards, as guests, at weddings and become omnipresent with cell phone cameras.recently, I have covered a few weddigs where the bride and groom request "no cameras or sell phones" at the ceremony in their invitations or specified that on the ceremonial program at the church or othere venue. This is up to the couples- not me. Of course,some churches and venues have their own restrictions. Although I prefer to work without the potential interference, I usually manage to work around it if it arises. Most importantly, I thoroughly discuss this with each client and explain the advantages and ramifications or and leave the final allowances or restriction up to them. Usually a happy compromise is agreed upon.
Yes, times have changed but perhaps that is a good thing. It places the REAL PROFESSIONALS in a position where they need to stand out and well above the hacks and produce outstanding work, offer superior service and come up with new ideas, innovations and products- just like the rest of the commercial and business world.If your work ain't a heck of a lot better that the amateurs- why shoud anyone pay you handsome fee? You need to educate your potential clients. If some can't see the difference, you need to move on the the next customer- many folks will pay generously for what they perceive as artistry and top-quality service! Again, like in every business or service- it's survival of the fittest.
I've been at this for over half a century and have covered weddings in many socioeconomic, ethnic and religious communities. Some of the jobs are calm and easy going others were raucous chaotic and near riotous. Y'all know what?- most folks are nice and respectful. If you know how to get along with people, approach them with care and kindness and are a good "director" you can navigate through just about any situation. Frankly speaking, I do have an exclusivity clause in my contract just so I can exercise some control if, just in case, things get really obnoxious and actually and seriously interfere with my work. In all theses years I NEVER once had to "enforce" that clause. Perhaps I garner more "respect" because I am old, big and ugly and age has endowed me with a significant case of "perma-frown". I, however, like to smile at folks- it's infectious! A smile, a handshake, a hug and a kind word will work better that a grouchy reprimand or harsh direction.
Most rushed schedules and interference issues come from poor planning. If everything as to location and time allotments for formal photography is intrinsic in the wedding schedule along with margins for delays or errors- everything should run smoothly. A good shooter, however, knows how to "shift gears" and think on his or her feet if there are delays or othere encumbrances.
Many photographers are just too preoccupied with gear and what other or newer photographers are doing. I have shot weddings starting off with a 4x5 press cameras, went to medium format, shot 3-D slides with stereo cameras, did work with rangefinder (mirrorless) and reflex systems and currently with DSLR. Makes no difference! The success is in the skills. Nowadays, my advice is just select a digital system that suits your budget, works reliably and fits your hands ergonomically. Make sure to have have spare and overlapping gear and you are good to go- concentrate on your technique, you people skills and be ready to capture spontaneous and emotional expressions.
So... some guys and gals are shooting thousands of images at weddings- some are more precise and shoot less. It's a matter of shooting ratio and how much volume each shooter needs to come out with a good job under their belt.
Truthfully,my equipmet and shooting ratio are not of my selling points- I rarely discuss this with my clients. I do explain about shooting ratio and the fact that I don't need 2,000 images to create a perfect coverage. I simply show my potential clients what my finished albums and other media look like and make certain that they are duly impressed- they are not usually concerned as to how I produce it.
More unsolicited advice from this old guy- Y'all- STOP wasting time complaining and blaming. Use your energy to come up with new ideas, revive old concepts that become new again, create kicks-ass portfolio and do some selling and get booked up. If you have grown to dislike wedding photography- don't burn out- just do something else! Believe me- your enthusiasm will be reflected in your pictures and in your bank account!
With kindest regards, Ed
PS- Here in the section we are a small core group. We do discuss gear and talk lots of shop but we do tend to be more positive and exchange ideas, methods and techniques. We agree and disagree on many issues but we respect one and other and learn from our different points of view. We always agree on professionalism and doing the job right. We encourage others, who are interested, to join us, contribute and ask questions and always try to accommodate folks with a comprehensive answer.
Sep 2, 2018 12:56:55 #
Well said Ed. Your professionalism is evident. That post ought to end the discussion but I expect the diatribe will be ongoing.
Sep 2, 2018 13:45:15 #
DebAnn wrote:
Well said Ed. Your professionalism is evident. That post ought to end the discussion but I expect the diatribe will be ongoing.
Thanks! Nice cat you have in your avatar
Here's our Zack.
Sep 2, 2018 13:49:42 #
He's a beaut. Unfortunately, Jessie in my avatar has passed on. She was a sweet and pretty cat. It's nice that they're not forgotten, thanks to photography.
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
Thanks! Nice cat you have in your avatar
Here's our Zack.
Here's our Zack.
Sep 2, 2018 16:09:42 #
I'm processing a bunch of Jason Lanier workshops and interestingly he address this topic often. If you have the skills and business savvy you should have no problem staying busy. What often happens wedding photographers get a bit lazy and bitch and moan about the cell phone paparazzi .....
Jason said the pro needs to find ways to do everything solid but to do things cell phones and P&S can't do. He focuses on off camera flash and his stuff is considerably different than the average wedding photographer. As many produce nice photos they often resemble what a high end cell phone can produce with someone that may know a thing or two about photography ...
But ..... cell phones and P&S's can't produce incredible off camera flash photos using HSS and knowing how to balance ambient light and off camera lighting.
As I love off-camera flash I will continue to experiment and get better and producing images that the others at the wedding can not produce. I want my portfolio to be different than the vast majority of other pros and the cell phone paparazzi ....
Jason said the pro needs to find ways to do everything solid but to do things cell phones and P&S can't do. He focuses on off camera flash and his stuff is considerably different than the average wedding photographer. As many produce nice photos they often resemble what a high end cell phone can produce with someone that may know a thing or two about photography ...
But ..... cell phones and P&S's can't produce incredible off camera flash photos using HSS and knowing how to balance ambient light and off camera lighting.
As I love off-camera flash I will continue to experiment and get better and producing images that the others at the wedding can not produce. I want my portfolio to be different than the vast majority of other pros and the cell phone paparazzi ....
Sep 2, 2018 16:58:33 #
DebAnn wrote:
He's a beaut. Unfortunately, Jessie in my avatar has passed on. She was a sweet and pretty cat. It's nice that they're not forgotten, thanks to photography.
Sorry to hear about Jessie. We lost Chuck over 10 years ago and still miss him. Pets are therapeutic!
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