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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Big Deal - Please advise
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 09/07/2006 09:24:59 PM · #1
Ok...my commercial photography website has been up one week. So far I have landed a project for Ray's Pizza (through a colleague who does graphic design).

But today i got an email from a manager at Hewlett Packard saying that she needs headshots done for a new Vice President!

Here are things I'm worried about.

1. I'm 23 years old - not the age they probably expect to see show up.
2. I don't have the equipment that they are used to seeing come through the door.

I am 75% confident in my abilities to accomplish what they need...maybe 85% depending on what the person looks like. This is obviously a huge project in terms of corporate name and scale. Should I turn it down due to my experience level and size of business? Should I offer them a lower price and inform them that I am still new to the game (about one year experience shooting for profit)? Should I act like I'm the best thing in town and just do it?

They saw my portfolio on my website so obviously my images are attractive to them. What should I do?

Message edited by author 2006-09-07 21:26:22.
 09/07/2006 09:28:19 PM · #2
The hard part is getting the lead. You did that. If you feel that this one is a bit over your head - hook up with a more experienced photographer as an "associate - maybe one that doesn't compete directly with you. Remember 50% of something is more than 100% of nothing. And in this case you gain credibility and a feather in your portfolio.
 09/07/2006 09:30:57 PM · #3
Originally posted by KevinG:
Should I act like I'm the best thing in town and just do it?


Definately this one!

You're the only one that doubts you. They think you know what you are doing or else they wouldn't have called you.

Besides, every other choice you lose.
 09/07/2006 09:32:42 PM · #4
kevin...don't sell yourself short. headshots are easy. just find a plain background, get in close and use an external flash (rent one if you don't already have one). as far as your age...people will only judge you if you come in acting immature and unprofessional. my guess is that you're pretty mature (based on your focus in starting this business).

you obviously are a talented photographer...don't second guess yourself (don't believe for one minute that you can't take a head shot).

you need to start at some point. if they don't turn out, just be honest with HP and either offer a reshoot or don't invoice them for your time (if they're THAT bad). changes are....they don't be that bad.

just pay attention to every little detail while you're shooting, post process so they look great (blemishes, etc.), and viola!!! You're in business!!!
 09/07/2006 09:33:48 PM · #5
you may want to do some internet research on poses before you go...just in case you feel you're not up to speed on this. that way you come in knowing what you want to shoot.

also, get there pretty early to scope out good shooting locations.
 09/07/2006 09:37:52 PM · #6
^^

I ran my own portrait photography business for a while and decided that I didn't enjoy it and found that I could make a lot more money in commercial photography - so the posing really isn't the problem.

I think I'm just going to go at this full steam ahead and whatever happens happens.

I'll keep you guys updated - thanks for the great responses, it really gave me a lift toward taking the option I really wanted to take in the first place but wasn't sure about.
 09/07/2006 09:38:07 PM · #7
Don't turn it down!

This is a huge boost for your portfolio. The main thing to be concerned with is image. If you show up dressed professionally, acting professionally, and acting like you've done it for years, they'll think you have done it for years.

Fix up a contract before hand. Figure out what you are going to say before hand. Be sure of yourself. Talk like you're sure of yourself even if you aren't. Direct the people in what to do.

Just act confident and you will be seen as confident.
 09/07/2006 09:39:19 PM · #8
You'd be amazed what professionals show up with to shoot a bigshot.

Another example from the same guy.
 09/07/2006 10:07:39 PM · #9
Originally posted by wavelength:
You'd be amazed what professionals show up with to shoot a bigshot.

Another example from the same guy.


great articles! Thanks a lot.
 09/07/2006 10:11:28 PM · #10
DUDE!!!! Are you serious? Get in there and knock em out. Holy crap everybody has to start somewhere.
I walked in to the second largest paper in San Diego County a total dumb ass with absolutely NO EXPERIENCE, NONE, NADA, ZIP!!! I was kicked out of my photography class in high school for smoking weed in the dark room. I managed to teach myself photography over the years and just happened to have a bit of a knack for it. I'm now shooting with graduates from Syracuse, Brown several other top schools and a decorated 20 year Navy photographer. Grant it I'm still not half of the photographer they are but I grabbed my grapes that day and walked in there like I was somebody and walked out with a job. I have to work twice as hard as they do to keep my job but I'm doing it.

SO GO FOR IT!!

and send me 5% of your gross on this job for the pep talk. Hehehe.
 09/07/2006 10:25:25 PM · #11
Hey Kevin, don't let the VP title intimidate you, there are tons of VPs in corporations the size of HP. I work in a big corporation, so I know what I'm talking about :)

Be professional and be confident... you will do great!! What a great opportunity!
 09/07/2006 10:30:23 PM · #12
Originally posted by irishempress:
you need to start at some point. if they don't turn out, just be honest with HP and either offer a reshoot or don't invoice them for your time (if they're THAT bad). changes are....they don't be that bad.


I think the advice about hooking up with another photographer is great if you still doubt yourself. But if you want to go for it (which I hope you feel able to - how exciting doing this headshot would be!), the quote above is in my opinion very good advice.

Not that my opinion counts for much since I've never done professional photography... mostly I want to say that it seems like everyone has great things to say. And also, congrats for getting the offer and I hope that this turns out very well for you!!
 09/07/2006 10:34:32 PM · #13
Originally posted by wavelength:
You'd be amazed what professionals show up with to shoot a bigshot.

Another example from the same guy.


This guy in these links kicks ASS!

Lots of photojournalists use simple flash setups/gear to get incredible shots.

Go For It!
 09/07/2006 10:43:08 PM · #14
You took THIS and you're not confident? I agree with hnatk. Don't let the VP title intimidate you.
You're awesome!
09/08/2006 01:06:06 AM · #15
Originally posted by cuspie:
You took THIS and you're not confident? I agree with hnatk. Don't let the VP title intimidate you.
You're awesome!


Thank you for your kind words. Everyone in this thread has been very encouraging. Not only am I going to return the call and try my best to get the shoot but I'm not going to undercut myself financially in the process.

I will let you know how it all turns out.
 09/08/2006 06:12:16 PM · #16
Good decision K. I wish you luck. Just remeber there is a famous photographer that shoots for Playboy and he uses a fairly simple point and shoot camera. Grant it he has 1/2 million dollars in lighting but still, a point and shoot?
 09/08/2006 07:28:10 PM · #17
I wouldn't worry, HP is a small-time company these days. Especially after the lawyers get through them with the current scandal in the news tonight.
 09/08/2006 07:34:29 PM · #18
Originally posted by hnatk:
Hey Kevin, don't let the VP title intimidate you, there are tons of VPs in corporations the size of HP. I work in a big corporation, so I know what I'm talking about :)

Be professional and be confident... you will do great!! What a great opportunity!


I agree about not worring about the title. I am one step below VP in a fortune 300 company and plan on being VP within two years maybe much sooner. I am very laid back and most of the VPs in my company are as well. they like professional people but generally aren't stuck up.
 09/08/2006 07:35:19 PM · #19
Originally posted by KevinG:
Ok...my commercial photography website has been up one week. So far I have landed a project for Ray's Pizza (through a colleague who does graphic design).

But today i got an email from a manager at Hewlett Packard saying that she needs headshots done for a new Vice President!

Here are things I'm worried about.

1. I'm 23 years old - not the age they probably expect to see show up.
2. I don't have the equipment that they are used to seeing come through the door.

I am 75% confident in my abilities to accomplish what they need...maybe 85% depending on what the person looks like. This is obviously a huge project in terms of corporate name and scale. Should I turn it down due to my experience level and size of business? Should I offer them a lower price and inform them that I am still new to the game (about one year experience shooting for profit)? Should I act like I'm the best thing in town and just do it?

They saw my portfolio on my website so obviously my images are attractive to them. What should I do?


hey, its kinda funny that you posted that cause my mom was the hp vp of imaging and printing a few years ago. hp people are very nice, if you ignore the board members
 09/08/2006 07:35:45 PM · #20
Keep in mind that it's easy for others to be encouraging... after all, it's you that is going to be facing the client, no matter how it goes.

Only you can answer the question of if you are up to it or not. And if you have the equipment to do the job right. There's more to a corporate portrait than a camera. There is lighting, knowing what makes a good background and what doesn't. Knowing how to pose them so your image doesn't turn out to be a passport photo (unless that is what they are looking for). You need to know how to be considerate and effient of their time when you shoot. You can't be trying to get your lights set up and working or find your battery isn't charged or that you forgot the lens you meant to use.

You also need to be sure you understand what they are looking for. Do they want headshots that match other portraits that they have had done. Some places want them to match so they don't look funny when a number of them are printed in a brochure or hung on the wall together.

Although we always want to take a job when it's offered to us, sometimes the harder dicission is to pass it by if you don't feel at least 75% comfident that you can deliver what they want. If you do good, you could have your foot in the door. If you try and can't produce, even if they knew you didn't have that much experience, not only will you probably never get another call from them, but next time they might also decide not to go with a younger photographer, even if that person is able to do the job.

So if you go for it, good luck. If you decide to pass on it, let them know why and ask them if you can call them back when you feel you are ready and do some work for them then.

But you are the only one that can really answer the question.

Mike


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