| Author | Thread |
|
|
07/22/2008 11:22:32 AM · #26 |
| Damn... what happened to you? When did you become so bitter? You seem almost giddy in some of these posts. Now, you are like the grumpy old man who hates all the young whipper snappers... Did less than three years of being a "professional" make you a crabby know-it-all? You need to take a look in the mirror and find some inner peace or you are going be a mess in a few years. |
|
|
|
07/22/2008 10:38:34 PM · #27 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Been a busy week - last saturday did a senior picture session, for free, for expereince.
|
Yup, experience is important... even if it's for free. |
|
|
|
07/22/2008 10:51:26 PM · #28 |
What's wrong with you? What happened? Look how far you've strayed; I'm still angry at your actions, but now pity is my overwhelming emotion towards you.
|
|
|
|
07/22/2008 11:14:27 PM · #29 |
Awwww come on....
I didn't like 99% of what the prof had to say in an already locked thread. Some of you may have had stronger reactions than I.
But the point has already been made, over and over.... So is the point now to hunt him down and run him off the site? How does that make us any better? I don't believe he went from thread to thread, hunting the kids down.
Can we go back to something we all agree on, like politics and religion? |
|
|
|
07/22/2008 11:20:28 PM · #30 |
Man this thread sure brings a side of Chris I dont think I've ever seen. This Chris actually did stuff for free, asked for help, recieved it and didnt talk down to everyone in the process. Man I could have liked this Chris.............
Matt
|
|
|
|
07/22/2008 11:52:15 PM · #31 |
I didn't become bitter, I grew up. Ask any 18 year old about life - anything's possible, they're gonna change the world, yada yada yada. See them at 30 and ask them again - you'll get a whole different story.
In the preceding three years i've taken my business to a whole new level, to quote an oft used phrase.
I've learned that running a business can be expensive. It takes money to get it started and keep it running and more to grow it. See this weeks' accounting below.
Bitter? I don't think so. I'm wiser, bud. (sorry for the pun) Had I been told a few things I might have moved farther faster, but who's to say I'd have listened? I was a hard sell on L glass. Once I experienced it's benefits I was sold. I'm not all L - yet. But when the choice is given I choose the better glass. So I tell people get better glass - it's expensive but worth it. I've tried PW imitations and found them fine for some things (a home studio perhaps) but when your reputation is on the line and your getting paid use a PW - it's worth every penny. You don't have to listen to me - go learn on your own. Lets talk in a few years and see how you're POV has changed.
I've learned it takes more than pretty images or great plans to bring in the customers. It takes more than shooting good detail images at weddings to get referrals. And it's not that easy to get seniors. I wanted 50 a year! I've not shot 50 in 3 years! Weddings, yeah those I can get. The most fun has been HS reunions -they're a blast! I got two sports leagues this year - high art it's not, money it is - but it's also full of potential headaches. I got a call this week - "My son didn't get his bag tag." Yep, you didn't order one. So what? I shot them the first week of MAY! Why wait over 2 months to call about this? I can say that out of over 400 kids shot I didn't have a single request for a retake - not a one! And they all raved about how well run it all was. (compared to previous years).
Here's a review of the past week:
Last tuesday shot a small wedding - 2 hours, bride is from Florida and groom from here. Internet is a great thing. 9 people total in the church, no bridal party. I said small.
Wednesday I went shopping - some new embroidered shirts, 3 wedding dresses to trash, got a model and prom gown arranged to trash, got a wedding album and senior poster into a bridal/dress shop, bought a sofa as a prop for my new studio space ($670 for that alone).
Thursday bought some advertising, $1100, for weddings.
Met with a senior that wants something different - apparently I'm different and in a good way (I love my poster!). Booked them today after they checked their schedule. Gonna do a prom gown in a cemetary thing. Cool!
Saturday: Shot a wedding. She's a new Dr. and taking over dad's practice. It was a blast - my most fun wedding all year I think. First dance was to a led zeppelin song. MY assistant dropped a $400 flash breaking off the hot shoe. No, insurance doesn't cover that.
So far this week - and it' only tuesday - I've booked three seniors (one from above, one from my senior rep and one from the internet). I have an 09 bride coming saturday to talk about her wedding. I got a check in the mail, deposit, on a wedding for november this year. And am meeting another bride sat about an 09 date. She's already said she's booking me. Internet, referral from another photog that was booked and internet. Gotta love the 'net! Pick on my website all you want folks - it friggin works.
At a past wedding I sent a few prints to the officiant. He called and wanted a portrait in his robes so I shot that today.
I shot a senior tonite, Caitlyn. Another stunnning blonde, one of the 'in' crowd that wants something different. Since mom was a model and has a close photog friend (in another state) I consider that a real compliment that they chose me.
I also will again be the official photog of the county fair - covering it for their scrapbook in exchange for advertising - it's a blast to get free run of the place! I guess I did OK last year - and I learn from experience so this year will be 10 times better.
I have a 2 month old baby coming tomorrow for a shoot and a senior after that, and a (convicted) graffiti artist coming to make me a custom BG.
As to expenses..the couch. The flash. The new studio has eaten up some $500 (converting my garage) in addition to the $2200 shed I filled with the stuff in the garage. My insurance and PPA membership are due, I'm getting a few things from B&H for the studio space -now that they'll fit so $927 more there (not counting the flash). The shirts and trash dresses ran $150. I've got 3 wedding albums enroute for $185 and a lab order of $132 coming, in addition to some gift cards from marathon press, $140.
And that's THIS weeks' expenses. And I work from HOME! It adds to some $2700 in the past 2 weeks or so. Plus the $1100 ad.
I've experienced reality and i'm more like a soldier that's seen battle as opposed to someone that just watches war movies.
And that free senior? Her sister came back and paid for pics. I've had two younger siblings come back. I have a younger sibling coming whose older sis was shot by a mentor of mine - so I must be doing something right, dontcha think?
|
|
|
|
07/23/2008 12:02:23 AM · #32 |
Originally posted by ambaker:
Awwww come on....
I didn't like 99% of what the prof had to say in an already locked thread. Some of you may have had stronger reactions than I.
But the point has already been made, over and over.... So is the point now to hunt him down and run him off the site? How does that make us any better? I don't believe he went from thread to thread, hunting the kids down.
Can we go back to something we all agree on, like politics and religion? |
Is it open season on kids? Huh? What's the bag limit!!!! Why didn't you tell me it opening day of huntin' season! LOL
I think some people do remember me from back when - there are alot of people on here that have a dream of being a photographer full time. I did it and I think that pisses alot of people off, makes the jealous or whatever. Nothing I can do about that. I've answered a lot of questions here (and elsewhere) and the only people that seem to take offense at my answers are the wanna be's. They don't like reality I suppose, and would rather be fed some rose colored version of what their future could be. When I asked a seasoned, successful photographer for advice or information I listened to what he said. When 4 pros all said the same thing I did it that way. And it worked. Be that pricing, business model, advertising, gear, etc. Do I have all the answers? Of course not. I'm gonna tell you the way it is - you don't have to like it, but you can bet your left nut it's the truth. Based on first hand experience. Tested and proven to work.
|
|
|
|
07/23/2008 12:03:36 AM · #33 |
| (((((BIG HUGS ALL AROUND))))) I love you DPC family! |
|
|
|
07/23/2008 12:22:24 AM · #34 |
Originally posted by DarkRider:
(((((BIG HUGS ALL AROUND))))) I love you DPC family! |
How many times I gotta tell you i'm not into that touchy feely crap? Every time I try it she slaps me! LOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOLLOL
|
|
|
|
07/23/2008 10:00:19 AM · #35 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
I think some people do remember me from back when - there are alot of people on here that have a dream of being a photographer full time. I did it and I think that pisses alot of people off, makes the jealous or whatever. |
Just wanted to say that personally I will NEVER be jealous of you. I might have been jealous of that excited and up and coming guy who made the first post of this 3 years ago, but he is sadly gone. Pissed, yes. Jealous? NEVER
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 06/17/2025 05:05:50 PM EDT.
