Traditional Senior Class Portraits: A Thing of the Past

Just recently, I was hired to shoot high school senior portraits on the beach.  I learned that one of the nationwide companies has already taken some indoor senior photos; however, they were not only very "stuffy", but packages ranged from $150 to $200 for a couple of 5x7s and an 8x10.  As a photographer, I can tell you that I would never pay that amount for only a few photos.  These are two of the many reasons why people hire me to shoot on-site photos.

Let me tell you the benefits of shooting on-site as opposed to in a studio.  Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy time within a studio.  Frankly, it's easier to control lighting in a studio, you don't have to worry about outdoor elements, and there is no need to lug your equipment anywhere.  However, the benefits of on-site photography greatly outweigh the benefits of studio shots, in my own opinion.  The studio is a controlled environment.  Clients immediately look to the photographer for direction on where to stand, what to do, where to look, etc.  There's a time for that type of photography; however, it can sometime limit the range of emotions, energy, realism within a shoot.  More often than not, people feel comfortable within an area that is "normal" or "neutral".  Call it human nature.  For this reason, the range of emotions are escalated tremendously, providing for more natural photos.  Smiles are more real, especially in children.  Creating a fun and natural environment brings out the best energy and greatest rewards.

My final advise:  when you inquire about senior, family, or group portraits, check with the photographer to determine whether outdoor or on-site photographs are included with the studio shots.  And, unless you want to take out a second mortgage, pass on those high priced photos and shop around before the first shot is taken.  

Customer Service is SOOO Overrated!

I can already hear your response to the title. Fact of the matter is, I think some people in the "customer service" industry truly believe that customer service IS overrated. Let me explain what prompted me to write this blog. Before I start, the photos are from the trip itself, which was fantastic. I would highly recommend this same trip to anyone.

Just recently, my wife and I traveled to the wonderful Lake Tahoe and San Francisco area for vacation. What we found, along with a beautiful crystal clear lake, beautiful mountain ranges, and crisp air, was a combination of people who enjoyed their job, and those not vying for an "employee of the year" award. As we boarded the plane and headed west, we were faced with, what has become, standard flight delays and lost luggage. I, like many, understand that mistakes happen. It's how you handle those mistakes that can make a lasting impression, whether good or bad.

After we landed, we waited for our luggage only to find that a piece was missing (go figure, it was mine). We naturally proceeded to the 'lost and found' location only to find the door closed and locked and no customer service rep to be seen. The door lied with a sign that displayed, "Customer Se rvice Representative available 20 minutes after each flight." We look at our watch which indicated that we had been waiting for at least 40 minutes. Our next course of action, and one we didn't expect to work, was to go next door to a competing airline. The customer rep, let's call her Jane with US Airways (I have no problem naming them), immediately called the luggage gods (probably an outside tarmac manager) to see if she could locate our square container of home apparel. Nothing. Not to be defeated by her newly assigned quest, she paged our "real" assigned customer service agent. Nothing. She didn't stop there. As she turned to walk away, she said, "I'll be right back. I'm going to check the plane." Wow! This was good, no...GREAT customer service. Unfortunately, Jane's search was to no avail, but her effort has left a lasting impression.

Now that you've heard the story of great customer service, let me tell you about the contrasting bad customer service. Finally, and an hour late, our assigned person, let's call her Bertha with Smelta Airlines, arrived. No eye contact was made. She immediately took the position behind her assigned desk area. Finally, she spoke, "ticket number?" I handed her our claim ticket which she snatched with authority from my hand. "Ok, I've put a trace on your luggage. You'll be contacted," she said, again with no smile or emotion. "Next!", she said, ending our one sided conversation. I began to ask additional questions, "this will be delivered when?". Annoyed, she said, "I don't know. When they find it." She immediately reach past me to grab the next ticket. Which airline do you think we'll use next time we travel?

As a small business owner, I understand the importance of "treat others as you would want to be treated." If my business was operated in the same manor as was represented by Bertha, I'd be out of business faster than I could say, "Say Cheese!" Aside from the business aspect, people should treat people with respect and unintentional errors need to be corrected while treating the unfortunate party with a sense of "understanding".

Perhaps I'm just venting; however, I will promise you one thing: if you and I should cross paths in life, you can be confident that I will treat you as I treat my friends and family. Life is way too short live life any other way. Our goal should be to make more friends than enemies, and smile while doing it. That is the way I treat my clients and operate my business. With that I say, "Bertha, my friend, smile!"

Let me close by saying that not all employees at Smelta provided the same service as Bertha. Unfortunately, Bertha's was the person who made the lasting impression.

Creating Interesting Photographs

Just recently, I taught a photography class to a group of kids from the ages of 10 to 12 years old for the Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition, of which I am a member. The assignment was to teach them how to be photojournalists and capture pedestrian dangers, those they experience everyday walking to school, in an interesting way. Now, I don't know about you, but making sidewalk cracks, potholes, low lying tree branches, and other similar hazards interesting, is not my idea of a fascinating day of photo taking. However, because this was a national campaign through the Safe Kids Coalition, we had to make them interesting.

No doubt you've experienced this same situation during family events, vacations, or taking business photos. In this blog, are a few general photography tips that I taught to the kids to help them photograph subjects that are sometimes less than exciting.

• Everyone loves the view of an American flag; however, no one enjoys having the pole that holds it up, sticking out of your head. Make sure you are aware of EVERYTHING that is in the picture and its relation to your subject.
• Don't be afraid to angle your photo to make it more interesting. A straight photo with the subject in the middle all of the time can make your photos boring.
• Get down low and get up high. Try laying on the ground to show a different perspective. Conversely, take photos from the top of a ladder.
• Most importantly, tell or create an interesting story that people want to view.
  

One thing to remember..."there are no bad photos; there are only more interesting photos."

Choosing the Best Photographer for Your Taste

As you read the heading of this section of my blog, you might wonder, "why would he want to do anything but market his own photography?" Better yet, your thought may be, "here comes an advertisement for his services." You would be wrong on both counts. Let me explain...

First, I must say that I hope that my skills as a photographer wins over those who visit my site in search of such services. However, I also understand that hiring the right photographer for your taste is often the most important part of your event planning (wedding, class reunion, quince, etc.). The one question I ask potential clients is, "have you checked out other photographers and viewed their photos." If not, I highly recommend that they do so. Not because I want to loose a sale, but because I want those who hire me to be perfectly sure that I produce the style of photographs that they'll always be happy with throughout their lifetime.

Before you choose your photographer, it is important to note that while each of our goals are to capture traditional, photojournalistic, artistic etc. photos, each and every photographer has their own style. Every photographer is different. We like different lighting styles, poses, and effects. Personally, I prefer the black and white landscapes, capturing hands during a wedding, and getting down low to take group photographs. I also like to try new and different things. Take caution when meeting a photographer who says they can handle any type of photograph you want. Most likely, that is not the case.

Another cautionary note: As I was perusing Craig's List (an online classified web site) the other day looking for individuals searching for wedding photographers, I noticed a common theme among other photographers offering their services. Often, an ad would read: "Wedding Photographer Available. Will take up to 500 photos and place on a disk for your use. All for the low price of $150." That may sounds like a great deal. Let me explain why it is not. First and most likely, the photographer will shoot photographs without any thought to their shots. Second, the photo CD will probably be filled with large, unedited and unorganized file sizes. A "real photographer" takes pride in his or her work and is willing to take more personal time with each photo and with every client. For that, the price is usually higher, but the quality is remarkably better. For example, if I shoot 1200 digital images (typical for a wedding), I go through EACH and EVERY ONE and pick out the very best shots. I then go back through, checking for color balance, photo density correction, etc. I have complete control over the output of my clients' photos which leads to happy clients.

All of that said, I would love for you to use my services, however, before you sign on the dotted line, it's important to make sure that the photographer has the "eye" that you are looking for.

Which Style of Photography?

Just recently, I met with newly signed clients and they asked a question that I, and I imagine many other photographers don't really think about. That questions was, "What are the different styles of photography? What is photojournalism? What is traditional photography?" As a photographer, I know the answer as it pertains to my style of photography. For that reason, let me attempt to explain the two different styles that I shoot based on my own preference.

What is Traditional Photography?
Traditional photography is simply that...traditional. They are your typical posed shots that include photos of the rings, bouquet within the bride's hands, shoes, family photos, etc. Generally, these types of photos, although great memories, do not evoke immediate strong emotions. For examples, take a look at the photo to the left. It may bring back detailed memories of the day, which is very important to a couple, however, individual situations require a different type of photographic style.

What is Photojournalism?
Photojournalism is a completely different type of photography. In my opinion, it brings back specific feelings of a time and place. Photojournalism photos are those that create the question "when did he/she take that photograph?" They immediately take the viewer to the place in time at which the photo was originally captured. For example, the couple to the right may look at this photo and remember the statements that were made during their very first dance together as husband and wife. Many times, photojournalism photos bring tears to a bride's eyes as she re-lives the day, the actions, and the feelings.

When you are choosing a photographer, it is important to realize that each has their own style and definition of traditional and photojournalism type photos. Visit many web sites, make many calls, and meet face to face with the photographer, so that you can get their definition of each type of photography. Your reward for choosing a photographer (hopefully me) for your wedding, will be a lifetime of wonderful Photographic Memories (sorry, I just couldn't resist inserting the subliminal message).

Florida Event and Wedding Photographer's Assoc. Meetup Group

I attended my first Wedding and Event Photographer's Association Meetup group this evening. It was great to meet other talented photographers and share some tips and tricks of the trade. Another perk was that I won an Event Photography Award for the Spring 2008 Photo Contest. I received a classy certificate which I will be placing on my wall. The photograph that won the prestigious award is to the right. Feel free to let me know what you think.