This is a great podcast from Getty Images that greatly explains not only why images are licensed and copyrighted, but why pictures are not free. Please give this a listen in order to better understand all that goes into an image:
Podcast
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Now listed on WeddingWire.com as a vendor!
Calling all clients!
We need your help......
Please follow this link and leave a review on our services:
http://www.weddingwire.com/shared/Rate?vid=f7bfd76dbf68ff6d
You don't have to be a wedding client to comment - all clients comments are welcome!
We need your help......
Please follow this link and leave a review on our services:
http://www.weddingwire.com/shared/Rate?vid=f7bfd76dbf68ff6d
You don't have to be a wedding client to comment - all clients comments are welcome!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Beware of scams and ameteurs!
It is truly disheartening to see reports of bridal scams and amateurs who ruin wedding days with their lack of education and quality equipment.
Every day, I log onto Craigslist.com to look for some work and every day I find amateurs who claim to be professional but will work TFCD (Time for CD)/TFP (Time for Prints) A.K.A. Free. This is the equivalent of illegal immigrants working under the table and taking jobs from Americans - I know, blame the hiring party, not the immigrant, right? Well, the consumer IS the hiring party and makes the decision as to whether they want cheap labor or professional knowledge.
How is a hardworking person supposed to compete with someone who gives away their talents for free...especially when the general public hasn't realized that you truly do get what you pay for and if you pay $0, you get disappointed.
One bride took her photographer to court on Judge Joe Brown:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js7RzcdDcMs&feature=sub
The next question that comes to mind is: how do you know that you're not getting ripped off when you elect to pay $1300 for a wedding photographer? If you don't know much about photography, you probably won't be able to tell the difference; most people just know a pretty picture when they see one. Here is what I was able to tell from the segment (even in the compressed low-quality video that YouTube offers):
-The images were very pixelated. I've worked with many levels of digital cameras and can comfortably say there is a HUGE difference between the entry level and professional cameras. While it is true that a really good photographer can get good shots even on a box camera, not every shot will be gold; consistent quality work demands consistent quality equipment. For this, I refer to the old adage: "Crap in, crap out." When you start with a pixelated image at 5x7, it only decreases in quality the larger you get.
Here is a little info on what the judge is talking about with camera models:
Canon camera models are as follows:
-> 300D (three # series like the Rebel XTi) = not professional/ consumer level
-> 30D (two # series) = Semipro/ "prosumer" level
-> 5D (single # series) = Professional level
System guide: http://downloads.canon.com/cpr/software/camera/eos_sys_bro1208.pdf
Another good bit of info is knowledge about lenses. This photographer should have used a "faster" lens with better glass. The lens that comes with the Digital Rebel is the one she used for the wedding - this lens is regarded by knowledgeable photographers as a waste of money and pretty much disposable because it offers so much distortion and poor glass quality (think about looking through the bottom of a coke bottle vs prescription glasses). A lens is considered fast when it opens up to a larger aperture (opening that allows light in to the processor chip). The lens she was using did not have the capability to shoot in low-light conditions (as she tried to do) and not only did she not comprehend that little fact, but she also failed to understand the church rules (which any pro would know ahead of time and have either packed the right equipment or rented it).
Now that I have sufficiently vented about the amateur in the video, now I'd like to turn your attention to scams centering around brides and bridal vendors......
It was recently reported that thousands of brides and vendors paid money in hopes of either participating in or being admitted to a bridal show in Boston. The bridal show turned out to be a hoax that was perpetrated by a Facebook promotion and false phone number. Here is the full story link:
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/22710108/detail.html
I guess my point here is to not only bring it to your attention so that you know such scams exist, but to also educate the masses so that less people should fall victim to these things. While it was almost impossible to spot the scam before it was too late, please take heed: only pre-register for events that allow more than 1 way to pay and only attend such events that have been backed/planned/produced by reputable sources. I know in Denver, we have two major bridal shows every year....I would be leery of any new ones that just happened to enter onto the scene. Attend a new show first before becoming a vendor or paying customer the second time around - this way you know what to expect for your money.
The more you know....
Every day, I log onto Craigslist.com to look for some work and every day I find amateurs who claim to be professional but will work TFCD (Time for CD)/TFP (Time for Prints) A.K.A. Free. This is the equivalent of illegal immigrants working under the table and taking jobs from Americans - I know, blame the hiring party, not the immigrant, right? Well, the consumer IS the hiring party and makes the decision as to whether they want cheap labor or professional knowledge.
How is a hardworking person supposed to compete with someone who gives away their talents for free...especially when the general public hasn't realized that you truly do get what you pay for and if you pay $0, you get disappointed.
One bride took her photographer to court on Judge Joe Brown:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js7RzcdDcMs&feature=sub
The next question that comes to mind is: how do you know that you're not getting ripped off when you elect to pay $1300 for a wedding photographer? If you don't know much about photography, you probably won't be able to tell the difference; most people just know a pretty picture when they see one. Here is what I was able to tell from the segment (even in the compressed low-quality video that YouTube offers):
-The images were very pixelated. I've worked with many levels of digital cameras and can comfortably say there is a HUGE difference between the entry level and professional cameras. While it is true that a really good photographer can get good shots even on a box camera, not every shot will be gold; consistent quality work demands consistent quality equipment. For this, I refer to the old adage: "Crap in, crap out." When you start with a pixelated image at 5x7, it only decreases in quality the larger you get.
Here is a little info on what the judge is talking about with camera models:
Canon camera models are as follows:
-> 300D (three # series like the Rebel XTi) = not professional/ consumer level
-> 30D (two # series) = Semipro/ "prosumer" level
-> 5D (single # series) = Professional level
System guide: http://downloads.canon.com/cpr/software/camera/eos_sys_bro1208.pdf
Another good bit of info is knowledge about lenses. This photographer should have used a "faster" lens with better glass. The lens that comes with the Digital Rebel is the one she used for the wedding - this lens is regarded by knowledgeable photographers as a waste of money and pretty much disposable because it offers so much distortion and poor glass quality (think about looking through the bottom of a coke bottle vs prescription glasses). A lens is considered fast when it opens up to a larger aperture (opening that allows light in to the processor chip). The lens she was using did not have the capability to shoot in low-light conditions (as she tried to do) and not only did she not comprehend that little fact, but she also failed to understand the church rules (which any pro would know ahead of time and have either packed the right equipment or rented it).
Now that I have sufficiently vented about the amateur in the video, now I'd like to turn your attention to scams centering around brides and bridal vendors......
It was recently reported that thousands of brides and vendors paid money in hopes of either participating in or being admitted to a bridal show in Boston. The bridal show turned out to be a hoax that was perpetrated by a Facebook promotion and false phone number. Here is the full story link:
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/22710108/detail.html
I guess my point here is to not only bring it to your attention so that you know such scams exist, but to also educate the masses so that less people should fall victim to these things. While it was almost impossible to spot the scam before it was too late, please take heed: only pre-register for events that allow more than 1 way to pay and only attend such events that have been backed/planned/produced by reputable sources. I know in Denver, we have two major bridal shows every year....I would be leery of any new ones that just happened to enter onto the scene. Attend a new show first before becoming a vendor or paying customer the second time around - this way you know what to expect for your money.
The more you know....
Monday, February 1, 2010
All Photographers Were NOT Created Equal
Q: How should one go about hiring a photographer?
A: Very carefully. See below for tips and pointers on how to help make your experience the best possible.
Q: Aren't they all the same?
A: Definitely not!
Before cruising the latest Craigslist.com ads for photographers or just blindly picking one off the Google results page or phone book, you should consider a number of different topics....other than price.
Why? Well, the short end of it is that photography is an art and there are as many styles of art out there as there are artists. Ask yourself this: Would you just pick any 4 pictures and hang them together to decorate your home? Probably not.
Step 1: Determine your needs.
Hiring a photographer to take a picture of your house for a real estate listing is completely different than hiring a photographer for family portraits; likewise, a photographer who can pull of portraits might not bode so well with your wedding.
Step 2: Determine your wants.
What are your expectations when it comes to a photographer? Are you wanting someone with a creative eye or someone who is more photo-journalistic? Do you want any post processing done (airbrush/effects/editing)?
Step 3: Determine your price range.
There are a ton of photographers out there with just as many price ranges. If you've decided to just select a novice from the many craigslist ads who will work TFCD or TFP, you'll get exactly what you pay for. Any photographer or artist worth their weight in salt will expect payment for their services - some more meager than others, but still some sort of payment. Often times you will find the price to be function of the size of a photographers portfolio, their experience and their talent; those who work for free or next to nothing have no reputation to lose and only a portfolio to gain (IF your pictures even turn out!).
Step 4: Do your research.
Gone are the days of thumbing through a hard-copy portfolio and here to stay are the days of internet. With the help of your trusty internet-connected device and Google, you'll find reviews, portfolios and directories...all of which will help you decide if the photographer you just saw an ad for will be worth your time.
If a purported photographer doesn't have their own website or markets their main portfolio through Flikr or other similar service, they're most likely not a true pro; I will strongly suggest finding (at the very least) someone who cares enough about their work to market it correctly.
If the portfolio is nice but scarce, email them and ask for more examples. Make sure the style is consistent; there is a definite problem online with people stealing images and marketing them as their own.
Check online for reviews.....or look for testimonials on their website (at the very least)! This way you can at least have some peace of mind that other customers have used this photographer with great results.
If everything else seems to check out, don't be afraid to ask for a resume! A photographer who considers this their profession will either have their resume posted online (for transparency reasons) or will have one handy to send you.... would you hire a secretary or other contractor without a resume?
Step 5: Trust your gut.
If at any time you feel the photographer is flaky or unprofessional, they probably are. I make responding to clients a Priority #1.
Also, if the photographer doesn't ask to meet with your prior to the shoot to visually determine the style of photography you're looking for or your needs, how can you expect them to deliver what you need? There should be a clear and consistent line of communication between the client and photographer - this is one aspect of professionalism.
A: Very carefully. See below for tips and pointers on how to help make your experience the best possible.
Q: Aren't they all the same?
A: Definitely not!
Before cruising the latest Craigslist.com ads for photographers or just blindly picking one off the Google results page or phone book, you should consider a number of different topics....other than price.
Why? Well, the short end of it is that photography is an art and there are as many styles of art out there as there are artists. Ask yourself this: Would you just pick any 4 pictures and hang them together to decorate your home? Probably not.
Step 1: Determine your needs.
Hiring a photographer to take a picture of your house for a real estate listing is completely different than hiring a photographer for family portraits; likewise, a photographer who can pull of portraits might not bode so well with your wedding.
Step 2: Determine your wants.
What are your expectations when it comes to a photographer? Are you wanting someone with a creative eye or someone who is more photo-journalistic? Do you want any post processing done (airbrush/effects/editing)?
Step 3: Determine your price range.
There are a ton of photographers out there with just as many price ranges. If you've decided to just select a novice from the many craigslist ads who will work TFCD or TFP, you'll get exactly what you pay for. Any photographer or artist worth their weight in salt will expect payment for their services - some more meager than others, but still some sort of payment. Often times you will find the price to be function of the size of a photographers portfolio, their experience and their talent; those who work for free or next to nothing have no reputation to lose and only a portfolio to gain (IF your pictures even turn out!).
Step 4: Do your research.
Gone are the days of thumbing through a hard-copy portfolio and here to stay are the days of internet. With the help of your trusty internet-connected device and Google, you'll find reviews, portfolios and directories...all of which will help you decide if the photographer you just saw an ad for will be worth your time.
If a purported photographer doesn't have their own website or markets their main portfolio through Flikr or other similar service, they're most likely not a true pro; I will strongly suggest finding (at the very least) someone who cares enough about their work to market it correctly.
If the portfolio is nice but scarce, email them and ask for more examples. Make sure the style is consistent; there is a definite problem online with people stealing images and marketing them as their own.
Check online for reviews.....or look for testimonials on their website (at the very least)! This way you can at least have some peace of mind that other customers have used this photographer with great results.
If everything else seems to check out, don't be afraid to ask for a resume! A photographer who considers this their profession will either have their resume posted online (for transparency reasons) or will have one handy to send you.... would you hire a secretary or other contractor without a resume?
Step 5: Trust your gut.
If at any time you feel the photographer is flaky or unprofessional, they probably are. I make responding to clients a Priority #1.
Also, if the photographer doesn't ask to meet with your prior to the shoot to visually determine the style of photography you're looking for or your needs, how can you expect them to deliver what you need? There should be a clear and consistent line of communication between the client and photographer - this is one aspect of professionalism.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to our first post! My goal with this blog is to not only educate consumers (like you) about photographic topics, but to also use this blog as an open forum for discussion; please feel free to comment candidly and honestly - the integrity of my work depends on it!
Also, I plan to introduce you to all of the many intricacies of our services. Trademark Photos is a multi-talented service that knows no bounds. If you are ever unsure if we offer a service or if we can do something, just ask! (email: info@tamimckenney.com) We will always do our best to serve your needs to the best of our abilities; rest assured that we will not take a job we aren't confident we can complete in a timely and professional manner.
If you are looking for us on the web, look us up on Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, and DeviantArt. The links to our profiles on the respective pages are listed under the "Links" page of our website (www.TamiMcKenney.com).
I look forward to the future and whatever this blog may bring....
Say Cheese!
-T
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
Also, I plan to introduce you to all of the many intricacies of our services. Trademark Photos is a multi-talented service that knows no bounds. If you are ever unsure if we offer a service or if we can do something, just ask! (email: info@tamimckenney.com) We will always do our best to serve your needs to the best of our abilities; rest assured that we will not take a job we aren't confident we can complete in a timely and professional manner.
If you are looking for us on the web, look us up on Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, and DeviantArt. The links to our profiles on the respective pages are listed under the "Links" page of our website (www.TamiMcKenney.com).
I look forward to the future and whatever this blog may bring....
Say Cheese!
-T
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
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