Month: December 2016
Telling Clients About Your Other Job
One of the articles that caught our attention recently was written by a UK based cinematographer and videographer for Fstoppers, detailing the dilemma that photographers face in deciding whether to tell their clients they have another full-time job. While predominantly angled towards part-time photographers, the reality is, even full-time photographers might find themselves in a position where they work on other tasks or jobs as a part-time commitment. What one needs to consider in addressing the issue, is that photographers often step into the industry and proceed courtesy of a slow and gradual rise. Rarely, if ever, can a photographer command the sort of work volume that would allow them to commit themselves entirely to a career that often relies upon making a name for yourself and word of mouth. There will also be periods where for a more established photographer there is less volume of work, or personal goals… | Read the full article
A Cautionary Tale on Work Released into the Public Domain
Earlier this year, the photography industry looked set for one of the most high profile legal cases in recent times. Getty Images found themselves the subject of a $1bn claim, with photographer Carol Highsmith accusing the company of copyright infringement by licensing and selling her publically available work without permission. Furthermore, the media company also demanded the photographer pay to use the photos which she had in fact created. Sounds like a pretty clear-cut case, right? Another example of big companies pushing their weight around? The case was indeed clear-cut – but not as you might see it. You see, in this instance, notwithstanding the fact that Getty had no legal right to claim copyright ownership or exclusive licensing, the company did not infringe on any rights by selling the photographers work. And this is exactly how the courts saw the matter when they sided with Getty. Now, let me… | Read the full article
Building Rapport With Your Clients For a Photoshoot
Regardless of the industry one works in, building rapport with your clients is one of the most important considerations. Not only do you increase the effectiveness of your output, but you also increase the prospects of repeat work from said clients. In turn, you’re also positioning yourself well to generate work from new clients, as word of mouth is one of the most effective forms of marketing for any business. How then can one build rapport with their clients? We discuss a few of the considerations that photographers should be mindful of. Pay Attention While the opportunity won’t always be available, any instances you do have to meet your client informally for a quick chat will do wonders to let them know that you’re accessible. This opportunity is also valuable to ask questions and understand the specific requirements of each client. After all, because every project is different, you… | Read the full article
What Role Can Self-Portraits Play to Help You Improve Your Photography Skills
In every professional photographers’ career, they reach a point where they decide to focus their skills on a particular category within the industry. This could range from wedding photography, to baby photography, portraits, or one of many other prominent categories. What’s often overlooked is the benefit that experience within other categories can bring to your chosen field through the insights and techniques that can be gleaned. Perhaps eve n less recognised, self-portraits are one such area that can help a photographer hone their photography skills, particularly with respect to categories that deal with clients. One of the greatest facets that photographers can draw from self-portraits is the difficulty that accompanies their creation. After all, one has to have the foresight to predict what their specific appearance will be at the moment the photo is taken, yet alone gauge the necessary requirements for lighting, focus, timing and many other considerations…. | Read the full article
