Monday Message - Success
Photo World I have had a word picking at me the past few months and it seems like everywhere I go and much of what I do I have been presented with a questions. The question of Success. What is it? How do I achieve it? Am I doing everything necessary for it? Am I even ready for it? So many thoughts about this one ideas; this one simple Noun. Yeah, a Noun; Success is a Noun. At least the dictionary says that or an internet search will show that, but I have never thought of Success as a person, place, thing, or even an idea. I always felt it was something more. In today's episode I expand upon my thoughts about Success and hopefully get the gears turning for you as well. I find a simple shift in perspective is all it takes to drastically change your situation for the better.
Happy Shooting Photo World!
Fundamental Fridays - Speedlights set on TTL talking Directional vs Bounce Light.
With all the choices we need to make for exposure, composition, framing, dept of field, etc. introducing flash, and in this case speedlights, adds a huge change to the mix. I want to take the next few Fundamental Friday's and break down little by little how we can use these tools to our advantage. Today I am walking through the TTL and a bit about how it works, what the flash is made to do and a couple tricks on how to override the functions for a more pleasing image. What does on camera directional flash do or look like? What are the benefits or disadvantages to bouncing your flash? Give this episode a listen and let's see what we figure out.
Happy Shooting!
Today’s featured guest is BJ Aguado (ag-wad-o)
BJ and his wife Jen run their photography business throughout the greater Chicago land area. As a family man BJ photographs families and weddings. He captures pure emotion through his photojournalistic and candid style. His business is definitely second to his family but understanding the business side led to his podcast Shutter Sidekick.
As a husband and wife team, our goal is to see how we can help you with your needs. Whether you are looking for a wedding photographer or you need to update the family photo hanging on the wall, we want to guide you in the right direction. Our passion is photography, specifically, weddings and family. We have been shooting for many years now and we are enjoying every minute of it. While we have experience in various genre's of photography such as newborn, club, family, wedding, events. our main focus is weddings and family photography. We have been married for fifteen years. We have three children, ranging in age from 15 down to 7. We live outside of Chicago, IL.
Recommended Resources:
HootSuite - App (free)
Latergramme – App (free)
W: http://www.bjaguadophotography.com/
Monday Message - Who is in my Network
Over the past 5 weeks I have gone over strategies on how to network. We have plenty of options on how to stay stuck behind a screen and I even mentioned ways to get in front of people. There is a problem with Networking though... Who is in my Network? Well...
In today's Monday Message I address this topic and share a brief story one small branch of my network in action. These small exchanges of information, tips, tricks, suggestions, and wisdom from real experiences all add up to being the reason for a vast Network. Think of your Network like a family tree. There are potentially endless branches all inadvertently connecting back to one root cause or starting point. That starting point for your Network is you but consider how many branches you must be on for those in your Network as they are a root to a different tree. This vast forest is the breeding ground for success. It is hardly who you know that will get you places but those who you know, know.
I'm wrapping up this 6th week of Monday Message Networking with an attempt at understanding "Who is in my Network?" Next week we will see a change of pace in the Monday Message topics.
Join the Take & Talk Pics facebook group here!
Happy Shooting!
TTL mode, Auto aperture flash, Non-TTL auto flash, Distance-priority manual flash, Manual mode, and Repeating flash. With so many options how do we know what to choose for each situation we are in? Before we even decide what mode to use we need to consider the need for speedlights at all. See this flash thing can become stressful very quickly when we aren't familiar with our gear. On a basic level, speedlights are an artificial light source and we need light for photography; it's a must! over the next few weeks I will be going over the modes on your speedlights and how to use them effectively. There are a few great take away's from today's, audio only, Fundamental Friday. I'll bring back the YouTube element next week!
Happy Shooting!
Today’s featured guest is Nat Coalson.
Nat runs his business here in the US based out of CO as well as a studio in Hinckley England. Nat starts with photography, both digital and traditional processes, but then woks with mixed media to finalize his art. Some works are embellished with paint, resin, or foil; while others are produced with a combination or a completely different material. His abstract work is sought after for private décor and commercial presentation. Beyond the mixed media photography Nat also has pictorial journeys where his location based fine art photography shines.
Nathaniel Coalson is an American visual artist living in England. Nat works primarily in fine art photography and abstract mixed media, with a business emphasis on creating custom decor for luxury hotels and private residences. He's also a well-known photography teacher and author, having written five books published by Wiley, including the series Lightroom: Streamlining your Digital Photography Process and Nature Photography Photo Workshop. To see Nat's work, visit NatCoalson.com and PictorialJourneys.com.
Meetup Groups
I have been talking about networking and several options for improving your network. Tools to building connections and strategies on forming habits to continue growth in this area.
Well Photo World this week I wrap up the how to better your network topic with Meetup Groups. I share a couple stories and the lessons I learned from Meetup Groups experiences.
Get out there Photo World and Network with Meetup.com
Happy Networking and Photo World… Happy Shooting!
Fundamental Fridays
Culling Your Photos
There are several tools for Culling Your Photos. I prefer to use Bridge and give a 1 star rating to the images I do not want to edit. More often than not they are a duplicate or variation of another image right next to it. The truth is we just don't have a need for every picture.
If you make the images smaller, not as small as the contact sheet style shown here, but smaller than even half the screen you will be able to quickly analyse the image and choose to keep or throw.
I rarely Cull my photos on the same day I shoot them. You need to give your eyes and mind a rest before reliving what you just did. We see differently every day, so why not see things one way and make great images and then view the images on a different day with fresh eyes.
Move fast each photo will be edited soon enough so move quickly through deciding one what to keep.
Happy Shooting!
Abe Robinson - Dark Glamor
Today’s featured guest is Abe Robinson.
Abe runs a photography studio called Blind 7 Photography. He is based out of Cleveland Ohio and specializes in dark glamor with a commercial fusion. Over the past 18 years Abe has been published in several magazines and these publications span across the world. With a Special effects makeup artist on staff Abe brings the depths of his imagination to life for a wide range of clientele.
Network with LinkedIn
Their slogan is “LinkedIn: World’s Largest Professional Network”
This is the one popular social media site that is mainly for networking.
- Start by completing your profile!
- So many people get it set up and never return to fill in all the blanks.
- You can be vague about your skill set or extremely detailed. – do yourself a favor and just make sure you complete everything that is valid.
- The little things matter!
- You have more experience than you might think.
- Volunteer work
- Work history
- Certificates
- Degrees
- Individual classes
- Seminars
- Publications
- Having a web site
- Running a regularly posting blog
- First sync up to your contacts you already have
- Connect with those in your email accounts
- Existing in a social space doesn’t do anything
- Having an account and setting up your page is useless until you personally connect with others.
- Find, Follow, & Lead.
- When on Linkedin are you really “In”? Join groups and follow organizations or associations that make sense for your business.
- Lend a hand and offer help and information to those around you. Remember this is on a much more personal level than the casual facebook or twitter interaction.
- Update early and update often
- Like facebook, twitter, and Instagram the things you post become lost in the shuffle seconds after you post. You must be diligent about your posts to keep at the forefront of the network you are immersing yourself in.
- Ask. Just ASK!
- We hate to look less educated than those around us but if you don’t know ask! There are endless possibilities for finding an answer to a question but if you ask someone directly there things go on:
- 1 you have a reason to connect with this individual
- 2 you are allowing them to be the authority and generous helper with your problem/question
- 3 you find out if there connection is a worthwhile resource for you in the future where you can either call upon them again or find a way to help them with your knowledge and experience.
- Elevate your connection to a higher level.
- If you can work your way to meeting the person face to face or get them on a phone call you are making yourself real and you’re offering them the chance to see if there is a mutually beneficial purpose for your connection.
- We hate to look less educated than those around us but if you don’t know ask! There are endless possibilities for finding an answer to a question but if you ask someone directly there things go on:
Get out there Photo World and Network with Linkedin.
Happy Posting, Happy Networking, and Photo World… Happy Shooting!
Fundamental Friday - Focal Length and Choosing a Lens
Zoom Lenses, Prime Lenses, Wide, Telephoto, Macro, Tilt Shift, Fish Eye, etc. With so many lens options what do we choose for our cameras and photography? Well I don't know if I have a sure fire answer to that question but I wanted to discuss focal length and a few things to think about when it comes to lens choice. In this episode I shed some light on focal lengths, zoom and prime lenses, and understanding the aperture's sweet spot. The video with the sample pictures on location are a great example on this topic and why this is definitely something to consider when choosing a lens for your photography.
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2015 © Take&TalkPics
#HeyPhotoWorld
Today’s featured guest is Rebekah Nemethy - Pet and Product Photographer
Rebekah and her business Reflective Photos began as a photography career with weddings and after doing one she knew it wasn’t her calling for her photography. After some exploration in different areas of this visual art Rebekah found her stride in pet photography. Aside from her pet photography Rebekah has been with the photography department at Consumer Reports for the past 5 years.
Good take away's from this episode:
Transparency! be clear about the details with your clients. It is easy to be caught up in the big picture stuff.
"You're only as good as your last photo." - making new work will always lead to improvements and the lack of attempts for better work is only settling.
Small an manageable goal will be of great practice for the big ones but they will also be the building blocks for what you may one day call success.
My path to pet photography was definitely not on a straight, high-speed highway; I took the back roads and got lost several times along the way.
I think, in the back of my mind, I always knew I wanted to be a photographer. In my junior year of high school I learned to shoot, develop, & process black and white film. Those were the days before Photoshop became my dark room of choice.
In college, I decided to major in the visual arts with a focus in photography, which went well until I started to think about what I would focus my career on. I thought that weddings would be the most lucrative and sensible career choice… actually I figured it would be my only choice because I knew everything at 19.
It was during my second year of college that a friend who was getting married asked me to shoot her wedding. It was the first wedding I ever attended, the last wedding I ever photographed, and the straw that broke the photographer’s back.
I switched my major to journalism within the year. I wrongly assumed that if I didn’t want to do weddings, I’d never make it as a successful photographer. Like I said, I was 19 and I knew everything!
After diligently studying the New York Times, I had my first news quiz in my Journalism I class. I think I got a 30 (yes out of 100), totally embarrassed myself by disputing one of the answers and revealing my total ignorance of common geography, went to my car after class, and cried.
Journalism was not for me. Nevertheless, I toughed it out for the next two years and got my degree. I tried to write for a while after college. I even started an online literary magazine with a friend of mine. Then I tried to make some money writing online articles, but the writing went painfully slow and I was still working as a waitress and bartender to pay the bills.
I became desperate to find a career that I would love to wake up to, but I knew I had to make money too. That’s when I found my camera again. I mean, it had been there all along, and had even evolved to a digital body… but this was when I started to look at it as an opportunity once again.
I printed up 50 fliers about my soon to come portfolio building month: free photo sessions in June only. Although the flier said I would shoot babies, kids, couples, families, and dogs, (everything but weddings) I found myself handing them out at dog parks.
Before I knew it my portfolio was barking at me! So I guess I can’t really say I decided to get into this line of work… but I decided I needed a job I could love… and this is where my heart took me.
I will continue to let it lead the way!
Recommended Resources:
Networking with Instagram
Have some fun with your personal Instagram live and your business life!
The mix will allow for a following to see the serious posts
We hear it in blogging, podcasts, at seminars, workshops, or in a classroom; content is key. Have relevant and current content or in this case popular current hashtags.
Being an active part of your Instagram community is important. Like I discussed for facebook groups and how you need to be an active listener and pro-active with critiques, it is the same here. Follow, favorite, and create buzz about the posts that interest or inspire you. Chances are, there are others waiting to be inspired by it too.
It’s no secret with video being standard on DSLR’s and Mirrorless systems that motion picture plays a pivotal role in our world. Instagram offers the same opportunity. One, for an additional way of delivering content and two, this helps in cultivating connections. Instagram has now been competing with Twitter in this arena and it can only help you to have two spaces to cash in from.
Hashtags are still important! They become the gateway for new followers and as visual people we can quickly determine if we would like to follow back. A quick glance at what they share and we can see if we are beating to the same drum or not.
Instagram is actually an incredible editing software. Yea there are limitations but for a small, mind you FREE, platform this app can set the mood for your work you may not have contrived at the time of capture.
Mix it up a bit. This filters and edit options are a tool. So try to change up what you use and how often. Having all the same look will only attract the same small audience. If we are Networking with Instagram then we need to play to a larger audience.
Those rare occasions where you meet someone face to face try to find them on the social sites and continue the conversation or exchange.
Take this one step further and incorporate Instagram Direct. It is similar to Snapchat where you send a photo or video privately.
The most valuable direction for growth in anything we do is due to constructive feedback. Instagram is a platform where the potential for critique is sometimes overwhelming. Think of it as Paying it Forward. Followers or others in the community should be sharing and educating others, just as we all should, for Instagram, Twitter, and facebook.
Lastly connect to your facebook. That is a free additional post without doing a thing!
Happy Posting, Happy Networking, and Photo World… Happy Shooting!
Fundamental Fridays - Metering
Metering for a proper exposure seems easy enough. However, should we follow the meter in our cameras? I say yes... well... no... kind of both. Use your meter. understand that your camera meter is always lying to you and learn the strategies to over come the issues of manual metering. Camera priority modes are great for learning but the offer an out from the education process of trial and error. Listen to today's Fundamental Fridays episode to understand how to meter your camera correctly under any lighting situation.
Happy Shooting!
Click here to register for the first ever Take & Talk Pics/Rob Krueger Photography FREE workshop!
Today’s featured guest is Tony Sweet.
I had a blast interviewing Tony and getting to bring his story to you Photo World. Living through the interview, editing the interview, and now listing to it... I am still inspired. Tony reminds me that persistence and forward motion is the best path. No matter the turns you take or the learning experiences you have if you Keep an Even Keel you can look back to see your success but not get hung up on any ups or downs throughout the journey.
"When the Student is ready the Teacher Appears." - Zen Buddhists - Tony Sweet
After successful careers as a jazz musician/educator, and professional magician, Tony settled on photography as his chosen means for personal expression. Tony has become an in-demand speaker throughout the United States and Canada on creativity in the digital age.
Tony and Susan Milestone conduct Visual Artistry photography location workshops in the United States, Canada, and Iceland. Tony maintains an active speaking schedule to photography organizations, industry trade shows and PPA schools across the continental United States and Canada. He also conducts an annual Visual Artistry Creativity Seminar series.
Tony’s photography is published worldwide in every medium and is represented by Getty Images. His iPhone photography is represented by Aurora Photos. Tony’s images are also used by Nikon, MacPhun, Singh Ray, Alien Skin, Topaz, Lensbaby and others for national ad campaigns.
An interview with Tony on macro photography was published in The New York Times.
Tony is a Nikon Legend Behind the Lens and a GuraGear Pro.
Tony has authored five books on the art of photography: Fine Art Nature Photography (’02), Fine Art Flower Photography (’05) Fine Art Nature Photography: Water, Ice, Fog (’07), Fine Art Digital Photography (’09) and HDR Photography (2011). He and Masterphoto Workshops have co-produced four photography DVDs: Visual Artistry, HDR Made Easy, Visual Literacy and Flower Photography Artistry, as well as an iPhone instructional video series. His Creativity Seminar lecture series and On Location-Cape Cod will be released for digital download, April 2015.
Recommended Resources:
Snapseed - ios
Snapseed - android
blog: tonysweet.com/blog/
http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/tonysweetphoto/likes
Click here to register for the first ever Take & Talk Pics/Rob Krueger Photography FREE workshop!
Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!
2015 © Take&TalkPics
Hey Photo World! Like last week I'm discussing real networking options with your social media. It's no secret that success can come through the connections you make on social media mixed with the effort you put in in maintaining those relationships. Just like last week when I talked about networking through the use of Facebook; Facebook groups and making lists, I discuss the importance of Twitter in a few strategies on how to make your connections meaningful.
If you're not voicing what it is you'd like to discuss then there is no network to follow along in that discussion you have to know what you'd like to talk about so that others can see what it is you're saying.
Are you selective about who you follow? Are you selective about who follows you?
Most people would tell you it doesn't matter who's following you it's actually a benefit regardless of who they are and what it is they are doing with their network on Twitter. It's arguable that it is a good idea but I can see the reasons why it wouldn't be beneficial to have followers that you disagree with on many levels. The more important task here is who you select to follow. There are a few different strategies on that particular topic that I discuss in today's episode.
Why are you tweeting what are you saying is it important?
Who are you following are there specific people you look up to? Do you only follow anyone who follows you that more automated responses a follow back? When you follow someone do you tweet directly to them to start a conversation? When someone follows you do you engage with them as a new active follower of your account?
Few months ago I interviewed a photographer and ask them how do I get in touch with so and so? They suggested to me start retweeting what it is they have to say to show that you're interested in their topics then have something reasonable to discuss the question to ask and engage them directly.
Something that most of us forget about Twitter if we want to have a large amount of followers we want to appear to be a Rock Star. The problem with that is we become very secluded in our network thinking that it should be about us our pictures, ideas, quotes, things we find, and what we feel is worth sharing. (Retweeting) that solo act can only grow your network so far. Movie stars and music legends have no problem gaining followers but for the average user we need to put in the work for building a strong and relevant network.
Include your network tweet directly to them or tweet mentioning them. Building a strong relevant network is letting go of the idea that we are popular or above others. The reality is in business there's room for everyone and that means we're all in it together.
For a long time I thought the only thing to do with Twitter is favorite, tag, and retweet what are you have to say. Twitter is way more intense as far as the work involved to engage conversations with others. Perhaps there's an article you read or maybe a post on Facebook you related to. Tweet about that specific information and LINK BACK! The truth is information is vast and accessible. We're crazy if we think we have some sort of knowledge that others do not or could not acquire.
The purpose of Twitter is to: within 140 characters; express an idea, connect to others, or share what you have.
You can use that in building your network or build others networks. Playing middle man has always been a lucrative business. With Twitter a wealth of connections could be that income you are seeking. Use your network to be a stepping stone for others to connect with fellow business owners and photographers. I began Take & Talk Pics by cold calling for interviews. Now, because of my network, I build the chain of people I am introduced to. Same thing on Twitter. Build your network and expand by searching your network's network.
On a daily basis have invoking post that can engage others with questions, comments, or debate.
Happy Shooting & Happy Networking!
Click HERE to register for the next Take&TalkPics.com webinar!
Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!
2015 © Take&TalkPics
#HeyPhotoWorld
We set our exposure, compose our frame, and release the shutter. Sounds easy enough. However, the complexities of making a great photograph are not so easy. There are dozens of things to consider in making such an image. One of those things to think about is the White Balance.
The White Balance ultimately controls the color temperature based on the lighting conditions. In reality it is correcting the difference in color temperatures to deliver correct color exposure to better match what you see with your eye.
A nice little problem photography will always have is the subject of the way you see with your eyes. Each person will interpret color a little differently from the next. What this means is when I see green you may not quite see the same green but you can look at or be a little bit more yellow or slightly cooler. Typically we don't find such severities in the difference of how we see colors however, in a minute but measurable difference there is a change from person to person.
Same story goes from camera to camera. Not just the maker but the camera models as well. As technology advances we find better specifications to automate the corrections for color temperature versus what is available due to the light situations.
In this episode I discuss white balance and how to custom white balance can make all the difference. Although many photographers would argue that auto white balance is the best choice and corrections later will make up the difference I strongly disagree. Many situations do well with auto White Balance but when you have the time I urge you to receive the gift that is "getting it right in camera" - enjoy!
Next week I will go in depth on the power of the gray card.
Starting Monday September 28th I will be offering a FREE Download on 3 exposure metering tricks to use anywhere any time!
Happy Shooting!
Click here to register for the first ever Take & Talk Pics/Rob Krueger Photography FREE workshop!
Today’s featured guest is Kathleen Clemons.
Kathleen is a photographer based out of Harpswell Maine. She is represented worldwide by Corbis and Getty Images. Lensbaby.com has named her a “Lensbaby Guru” and describe her as the “Geogia O’Keeffe of Flower Photography”. Kathleen is a photography instructor at The Bryan Peterson School of Photography where she teaches five online classes. She is also an instructor for the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops and CreativeLive.com.
Kathleen Clemons is a photographer from the coast of Maine. Primarily a nature photographer, Kathleen is known for her creative use of natural light and unique compositions. Her work is represented worldwide by Corbis and Getty Images. Lensbaby recently named her the "Georgia O' Keeffe of Flower Photography". She is an instructor at The Bryan Peterson School of Photography and also teaches for the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops. She recently filmed classes forCreativeLive.com and Craftsy.com. With a degree in education, and a passion for both photography and teaching, she loves to teach others how to improve their photography skills. Kathleen's photos may be viewed at www.kathleenclemons.com.
Recommended Resources:
w: kathleenclemonsphotography.com
blog: kathleenclemons.blogspot.com
Instruction: kathleenclemonsphotography.com/instruction
Click here to register for the first ever Take & Talk Pics/Rob Krueger Photography FREE workshop!
Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!
2015 © Take&TalkPics
Today's Monday Message addresses the Networking topic. More specifically: How to Network With Facebook!
I say it on the show often enough or a guest will bring it up during an interview question and we all know a bit about Networking and the importance of doing so for our businesses and our work. I am breaking down How to Network With Facebook on today's show because with a small amount of direction we can achieve greatness. Rather than simply suggesting to "go out and Network", I am laying out a few steps to take to improve your Facebook Networking skills.
Please share how you use Facebook to network in the comments below.
Happy Shooting!
Click HERE to register for the next Take&TalkPics.com webinar!
Be sure to Subscribe to our newsletter!
2015 © Take&TalkPics
#HeyPhotoWorld
For today's Fundamental Friday I go over Compositional Elements in Photography.
There so many I am sure I am missing a ton. However these are a few worth...
Today’s featured guest is Lewis Kemper.
Lewis Is a Fine Art nature and wild life photographer and has been for over 30 years. His travels throughout 47 states from Alaska to Florida are the scenes for his subjects. Lewis still does color work with a 4x5 camera as well as digital work and is a Canon Explorer of Light Emeritus.
Lewis Kemper has been photographing the natural beauty of North America, and its parklands for over 30 years. During his extensive travels, he has been to 47 states from Alaska to Florida. His work has been exhibited and published in magazines, books, and calendars worldwide.
Lewis teaches photography for many organizations including Palm Beach Photographic Centre, Santa Fe Workshops, Light Photographic Workshops, Aspen Workshops and Betterphoto.com. He is the author of “The Yosemite Photographer’s Handbook”, and “The Yellowstone Photographer’s Handbook.” He was the photographer for, “Ancient Ancestors of the Southwest”, published by Graphic Arts Center Publishing. His monograph, “Capturing the Light” won the People’s Choice Awards in Fine Art in the 2009 Photography.Book.Now competition. His latest publication “Photographing Yosemite Digital Field Guide” was voted in the top 20 field guides. And he produces the acclaimed training DVD’s “The Photographer’s Toolbox for Photoshop®” and "The Photographer's Toolbox for Lightroom®".
Hey Photo World!
I have done over 200 weddings in my 6 years as a photographer and I get one common questions from people I end up sharing what I do with. "Oh I bet you have some stories... What was the craziest thing you've seen?"
The truth is, every wedding has some hick-up. Sometimes big but most are small. I have seen family drama where the cops have been called, The wrong DJ showing up, and even the florist never delivering the flowers at all. Thins happen and we need to adjust quickly. Every once in a while it is a situation where we as photographers need to make a choice on what to do or how to handle this situation. Those times where we are Walking a Fine Line. Those small fight or flight occurrences. In this episode I walk through a story from this past weekend and awesome wedding. Not a big deal situation but enough to feel this is worth talking about.
here is the image I was referring to. Shot at: f6.3, 1/200, ISO 100
Click HERE to register for the next Take&TalkPics.com webinar!
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2015 © Take&TalkPics
#HeyPhotoWorld
Today’s featured guest is Lee Holt.
Lee is a Google trusted photographer based out of Jacksonville Florida with his company Holt Media Productions. While the application to become a Google verified business is simple, being selected is extremely difficult and it becomes even harder each day. The process is based on merit as well as location availability. Being unofficially backed by Google is a great accomplishment and will boost to any business. Lee has a range of work and covers many genres of photography due to his location. The work available is a bit less than a major city and that makes it tough to niche down to one area of photography. Having been a pro photographer for only 3 years Lee has a lot to share with you Photo World.
3 key things to be open about with your clients.
Who will be the photographer?
Depending on how your studio runs it may appear that you are the only photographer and not have any others available to shoot for you. This can also raise some concerns in certain industries, with the fear that you may be sick and therefore who will cover for you? The answer to this subject has come up in more than a dozen episodes here on Take & Talk Pics. Get those systems in place! If you aren't the photographer for your business, you must have friends and network option to call upon someone else that could, in a bind, help you out and take over that job. Be prepared to pass most if not all of the money involved on that job for taking on such a task with short notice.
If your studio includes more than one photographer be upfront about how things run. With additional photographers included in your brand you are stating that they are just as capable as you, including your skill set and personality when working with the client. Regardless of what you call your studio at the end of the day if you are the owner of that business, it is your name on every job that passes through. Honesty, be upfront and deliver correct information right out of the gate. I do my best to say as much about what they may be thinking as clients and the questions they might have for me so that way when I ask them: "do you have any questions?" They come back with "I'm pretty sure you answered everything we could have thought of." This approach shows you are transparent and willing to be completely honest with your client. It also shows your level of knowledge in your industry that you know the answers to every question they may be thinking before it's brought up. Getting to the point where it's comfortable and easy to state so much in a clean concise format is no simple task. It takes a lot of research and even more practice.
What they are going to end up paying? (total)
Photo World you know what your job is worth for you. Your clients may not know all the details. It is your duty to layout the expectations for your client and honestly inform them on the pricing. No hidden fees Photo World! It makes me sick when I sit down with a couple to discuss their wedding and after we get through everything they tell me about a photographer they recently met with and question after question from them unveiled a multitude of fees they did not have an understanding about until they asked. That approach may earn you a little bit more money per job, but it will have the opportunity to scare the hell out of 90 percent of the people you meet with. As people, we fear the unknown. Think about when a bill shows up that you were not expecting. It seems like everything changes in a bad way for a little while. Don't become a reason for your client to be stressed. Many relationships are lost over the whole financial discussion, so don't add that to a client who may be setting up their relationship for the rest of their lives (a wedding).
What is included with that fee?
Now that your client knows who the photographer is exactly how much they're going to be investing in this particular job. They are going to want to know what they get. Up until about 2003/2004 it was very easy to sell your time for a large amount. The client understanding for film photography the way light works and the inability to see the product until days later was largely respected in comparison to today's photographers. Not to say that people don't appreciate what we are capable of in the digital age, but to be realistic the format of photography has changed so much that we can't always or easily cash in on our time, our prints, usage rights, and storage. Perhaps the expectation today, now that we are in 94% digital throughout the world (by the way I made up the stat), is to be a shoot and burn photographer where your images are captured and the delivery of everything that was taken as a high res file with endless usage rights is the common expectation from the unknowing client. There are many photographers who combat this in an extremely effective way and that comes with education and expectation.
Not only is our job to be photographers, to understand light, to use the correct gear, take classes, attend seminars so we can learn what current and to date, have the appropriate post production software, and be able to deliver a pleasing product... (Take deep breath in and out) pause... We are now left with the task to educate these clients on the process. You must remember just about every client you have has been photographed digitally at some point. In those situations it is typically instantaneous for them, a quick selfie and the instant gratification that there we are in the still moment. To be honest in a client's mind a professional photographer should be as fast about delivering their images in an effective way.
Education is key and a saving grace for working with new clients. Photo World go out and inform your clients, make great work, and Happy Shooting!
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