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11/08/2005 10:45:00 PM · #1 |
I've been asked to do some portraits of a woman and her young twin daughters. She purchased some of my work recently and liked my style so called me for this.
*NOTE* The camera you see listed in my profile is the ONLY photographic equipment (other than a tripod and some white foam board) that I own. Also, I live in a VERY small, rural town - so the expectations are probably not going to be NYC 5th Ave, however, it doesn't mean that I would want my name associated with Purgatory Holler gutter trash either... If you get my drift...
I explained to her that I didn't have the equipment or space for portraits and that I just wasn't set up for that type of shoot. Her response was that she didn't WANT a typical portrait, if she did she would have gone to Olan Mills. She wanted something creative and different and that's why she called me.
Well, that kinda took me off guard. This woman sounds like QUITE a character. I've never done any people portraits before (and I'm really not that comfortable with the idea, but I really could use the money, exposure, & experience). I've done house portraits at an hourly rate + print costs, but not people. She was thinking very casual shoot in & around her house, but with a nice large photo result (probably for over the mantle). She also mentioned the possibility of doing a shot to include on Christmas cards (I could at least print that myself - I do enough note cards and such already).
Questions:
What do you think?
Should I take it?
If so, what should I charge?
If so, should I give my time for free and only charge for the prints (and ask that I be able to use them in my portfolio)?
THANK YOU!
Jimmy
I explained to the woman |
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11/08/2005 10:48:08 PM · #2 |
| I've also considered recommending someone else, that perhaps I could "understudy" with during the shoot. I wouldn't get anything out of it but the experience, but it might be the best thing for all involved... (Am I being a wuss?) |
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11/08/2005 10:52:43 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by SJCarter:
I've also considered recommending someone else, that perhaps I could "understudy" with during the shoot. I wouldn't get anything out of it but the experience, but it might be the best thing for all involved... (Am I being a wuss?) |
Yes, you are. Go for it, but have her sign a contract that there are no guarantees of the outcome and that this is a learning curve for both of you. How old are the daughters? How big a house does she have? Is the weather still decent there so you can be outside as much as possible? How about natural lighting in her house, is it available?
Do it! You have some wonderful shots in your profile and portfolio and you do great work with people as well. Take a deep breath and jump in!
When I am doing a shoot like this, casual, no guarantees, I only charge $30 to $50 depending on the time I spend doing the actual shoot. Then you can charge the stuff afterwards for the prints and such.
Deannda
You can do this! |
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11/08/2005 10:53:18 PM · #4 |
You've got to do it! Don't be a wuss - we all started this way!
:) Or at least I did! |
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11/08/2005 10:54:47 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by SJCarter:
I've also considered recommending someone else, that perhaps I could "understudy" with during the shoot. I wouldn't get anything out of it but the experience, but it might be the best thing for all involved... (Am I being a wuss?) |
yes.
do the shoot. once you're over the initial panic, you'll probably have fun and it will feel natural. make her a deal, but not too much of a deal. I'd say printing + 20%, and labour costs based on time it takes to do the shoot. maybe $20 an hour or so.
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11/08/2005 10:55:21 PM · #6 |
Oh and my first photo shoot was with an Olympus D360 and the woman was thrilled with the shots. YOU CAN DO THIS!
Deannda
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11/08/2005 10:57:59 PM · #7 |
Half of the shoot will be emotion. The other half technical. Make them all comfortable and spend a little time with them, and you are good to go! Take this op, and good luck to you!
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11/08/2005 10:58:38 PM · #8 |
Hi Jimmy! Well, you've explained your situation to her and it doesn't seem to make a difference to her so I say go for it. I don't think you'll have a problem working with "people". You seemed like a very personable, easy going, friendly guy when I met you. ;-) And you do great things with that little camera of yours. If you really really feel uncomfortable about it though.... I wouldn't worry about. Probably mostly nerves anyways being your first time and all. As far as charging, I can't offer much advice. Haven't really been in the situation before. I did some shots of my old boss's kids and she wanted to pay me but I just considered it good experience and she was more than happy to let me use the photos for my portfolio if I ever got serious and decided to go that route. Haven't yet. :-) Good luck to you. I'm sure you'll do a great job. You have to start somewhere. :-D
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11/08/2005 10:59:44 PM · #9 |
| You live in a beautiful area for this time of year. Take the shoot outside on a partly cloudy day ... I have done alot of work like that (see portfolio for an example) that have won the Mom's heart .. most say they are the best photos they've ever had of their kids. I have many return for more photos and many that recommend bringing their kids to me for shoots. One little gal got in a beauty contest because of the photos I took of her, she won most photogenic, 2nd place and best hair LOL It is not the camera, it is the lighting, not forced posing, not looking at the camera and enjoying themselves that will get you your best portraits. Get them all playing in an area with a beautiful background (parks, grassy areas with trees behind them, etc.) Good luck!!! You will do great!! |
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11/08/2005 11:01:42 PM · #10 |
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11/08/2005 11:02:17 PM · #11 |
All right gang... Seems to be an early consensus... I think I knew the answer, I just needed an extra little push. (THANK YOU! YOU GUYS & GALS ARE GREAT!!!)
I'll call her tomorrow and schedule the shoot. I'll let you know how it goes! :-) eeek! LOL
Actually, you're right though... I've been completely up front and honest with her, and she still wants me to do it, so what have I got to lose other than a little of my time. HEEEERE GOES! Whew...
Thanks. |
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11/08/2005 11:07:23 PM · #12 |
| SJ .. you have a blast and enjoy the shoot .. Nerves aren't allowed ... simply put .. HAVE FUN .. your subjects will LOVE you for it!! |
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01/19/2006 12:37:58 PM · #13 |
I just joined today.. reading like mad..
Im curious.. how did the pictures turn out? |
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01/19/2006 12:51:45 PM · #14 |
| I didn't see this when it was originally posted and didn't even notice the dates till I read the whole thing. I too am curious how you did with your first shoot. |
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