Making your E-10 pay its way 1 . . .

LesDMess

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Let me first preface this by pointing out that I am a total amateur and your mileage and opportunity may vary. I just want to share this with other amateurs to help offset the cost of their equipment - especially with 6mp cams just around the corner. I chose this in particular because I thought this was the easiest to do but yields the highest return using the E-10, FL40 on strobo - strictly for that appearance. Probably can do it with just the onboard flash but hey I already have the the FL40. A sample of a shot is like this . . .



This is the gig, some companies need headshots whenever they submit license applications. Requirements are wallet size, and accuracy - except for blemish removal, hair cleanup, maybe teeth whitening. They showed me some previous output and what they were being charged which include the exec taking time off to go to a studio, then a proof sheet of about 10 or more shots (?) then 6 wallet photos. I thought well heck the E10 takes very accurate photos and at wallet sizes I figured that's doable. They also told me that previous charges were about $200 and $400 if they have to come onsite. I told them I'd save them a $100 off of the onsite cost! ;-) Mind you this is not at all artistic, just accurate and with its impending obsolescence, you might want to keep it around for these low tech jobs.
Do you find this useful or useless?

LesDMess--Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @ http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
les, i find this very useful/interesting. a question: how does one make contact initially to get such a gig?

thanks

Kollin
Let me first preface this by pointing out that I am a total amateur
and your mileage and opportunity may vary. I just want to share
this with other amateurs to help offset the cost of their equipment
  • especially with 6mp cams just around the corner. I chose this in
particular because I thought this was the easiest to do but yields
the highest return using the E-10, FL40 on strobo - strictly for
that appearance. Probably can do it with just the onboard flash but
hey I already have the the FL40. A sample of a shot is like this .
.
the gig, some companies need headshots whenever they submit license
applications. Requirements are wallet size, and accuracy - except
for blemish removal, hair cleanup, maybe teeth whitening. They
showed me some previous output and what they were being charged
which include the exec taking time off to go to a studio, then a
proof sheet of about 10 or more shots (?) then 6 wallet photos. I
thought well heck the E10 takes very accurate photos and at wallet
sizes I figured that's doable. They also told me that previous
charges were about $200 and $400 if they have to come onsite. I
told them I'd save them a $100 off of the onsite cost! ;-) Mind you
this is not at all artistic, just accurate and with its impending
obsolescence, you might want to keep it around for these low tech
jobs.
Do you find this useful or useless?
LesDMess
-- http://www.pbase.com/magnetic9999http://www.mysteriousarts.com
 
Kollin,

I was at a local Olympics style competition called "Corporate Challenge" and happen to take some basketball photos of this person in particular. Turns out he found them flattering and when he became a corporate exec shortly thereafter and needed these headshots and kept missing his photo shoots they called me. They said "Hey, you've got a good camera, could you . . ." Since then everyone in the corporation heard about this and . . . Glad this was useful to you.
LesDMess
les, i find this very useful/interesting. a question: how does one
make contact initially to get such a gig?

thanks

Kollin
http://www.pbase.com/magnetic9999
http://www.mysteriousarts.com
--Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @ http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
Although I was hoping there was a methodology I could follow besides "Be as Lucky as Les." : )
les, i find this very useful/interesting. a question: how does one
make contact initially to get such a gig?

thanks

Kollin
http://www.pbase.com/magnetic9999
http://www.mysteriousarts.com
--
Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @
http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and
http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click
on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
-- http://www.pbase.com/magnetic9999http://www.mysteriousarts.com
 
Kollin,
Not stated explicitly but two methodologies are obvious:

1) Make sure that you are out there networking, the more people are aware, the better someone may remember.

2) Take lots of photos. Particularly those that say that they don't look good in pictures, they love their pictures and will keep them always in front - especially 13X19! It is much better then giving them a business card or calendar!

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity - read that somewhere and has been my motto. Now go out there and get "lucky". ;-)
LesDMess
les, i find this very useful/interesting. a question: how does one
make contact initially to get such a gig?

thanks

Kollin
http://www.pbase.com/magnetic9999
http://www.mysteriousarts.com
--
Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @
http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and
http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click
on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
--
http://www.pbase.com/magnetic9999
http://www.mysteriousarts.com
--Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @ http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
My hope that these images aren't for security purposes (lol)...
This is
the gig, some companies need headshots whenever they submit license
applications. Requirements are wallet size, and accuracy - except
for blemish removal, hair cleanup, maybe teeth whitening. They
showed me some previous output and what they were being charged
which include the exec taking time off to go to a studio, then a
proof sheet of about 10 or more shots (?) then 6 wallet photos. I
 
Hi Les,

If you found a company that is willing to pay $300 for this shot, then LUCK is the word. And they are just stupid. They could go to anyplace that does passport photo's, and get this quality for $10. Or Wallmart would do a much better job than what you have diaplayed for $20.

For $300 I'd show up with a good background, and studio lighting, and at least do a good portrait. In this time when companies like Enron are filing bankruptcy, and my employeer (Wordcom/MCI) is cutting thousands of jobs and eliminating things like free coffee, I'm amazed that any company would so overpay for this service. Heck, for $500 they could pruchase a photo quality printer, and a digital camera and do the job theselves.

I'm not suggesting you tell them all this, but this company must be run by idiots. Maybe they will become the next Enron or KMart?

Ron
Let me first preface this by pointing out that I am a total amateur
and your mileage and opportunity may vary. I just want to share
this with other amateurs to help offset the cost of their equipment
  • especially with 6mp cams just around the corner. I chose this in
particular because I thought this was the easiest to do but yields
the highest return using the E-10, FL40 on strobo - strictly for
that appearance. Probably can do it with just the onboard flash but
hey I already have the the FL40. A sample of a shot is like this .
. .



This is
the gig, some companies need headshots whenever they submit license
applications. Requirements are wallet size, and accuracy - except
for blemish removal, hair cleanup, maybe teeth whitening. They
showed me some previous output and what they were being charged
which include the exec taking time off to go to a studio, then a
proof sheet of about 10 or more shots (?) then 6 wallet photos. I
thought well heck the E10 takes very accurate photos and at wallet
sizes I figured that's doable. They also told me that previous
charges were about $200 and $400 if they have to come onsite. I
told them I'd save them a $100 off of the onsite cost! ;-) Mind you
this is not at all artistic, just accurate and with its impending
obsolescence, you might want to keep it around for these low tech
jobs.
Do you find this useful or useless?
LesDMess
--
Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @
http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and
http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click
on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
Chip,

I guess they submit a picture of the applicant along with the licensing paperwork? Outside of the photo requirements itself I really don't know much about it.
LesDMess
My hope that these images aren't for security purposes (lol)...
--Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @ http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
Ron,

As I said, I am an amateur and not familiar with this type of business. As you so eloquently pointed out, Walmart would do a much better job then I for $20. It certainly made me think for a moment there what an easy job this is to do. Oh well, I thought it seemed too good to be true. I reckon I will have to direct them to the closest passport photo shop for their next photos and skip the part about stupid or idiot. And I was just beginning to save up for the next > 6mp cameras! ;-) So, are you saying that my displayed work is between the $10 passport shots and the $20 Walmart kind? Even if I printed it on premium glossy on the 1280? That's really gonna hurt the > 6mp fund I'll let you know!
LesDMess
Hi Les,

If you found a company that is willing to pay $300 for this shot,
then LUCK is the word. And they are just stupid. They could go to
anyplace that does passport photo's, and get this quality for $10.
Or Wallmart would do a much better job than what you have diaplayed
for $20.

For $300 I'd show up with a good background, and studio lighting,
and at least do a good portrait. In this time when companies like
Enron are filing bankruptcy, and my employeer (Wordcom/MCI) is
cutting thousands of jobs and eliminating things like free coffee,
I'm amazed that any company would so overpay for this service.
Heck, for $500 they could pruchase a photo quality printer, and a
digital camera and do the job theselves.

I'm not suggesting you tell them all this, but this company must be
run by idiots. Maybe they will become the next Enron or KMart?

Ron
--Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @ http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
thanks, les, those are both good advices, esp the second sentence in methodology 2, which was not obvious to me before now : )
les, i find this very useful/interesting. a question: how does one
make contact initially to get such a gig?

thanks

Kollin
http://www.pbase.com/magnetic9999
http://www.mysteriousarts.com
--
Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @
http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and
http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click
on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
--
http://www.pbase.com/magnetic9999
http://www.mysteriousarts.com
--
Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @
http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and
http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click
on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
-- http://www.pbase.com/magnetic9999http://www.mysteriousarts.com
 
Chip,

Well these folks are not supermodels like Leo and Matt get to work with, but hey someones gotta take their pictures. Fix his nose . . . (lol) be nice, these are clients!
LesDMess
My hope that these images aren't for security purposes (lol)...
--
Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @
http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and
http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click
on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
--Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @ http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
Les,

Don't take my post wrong. But yes, the guys at Wallmart shoot with professional off camera lighting, and high end equipement, even if it's a cheesy $20 shoot. They also generally have several backgrounds to choose from that would run you and me the price of an E10. So yes, they can do a better job than what you posted, even if it's cookie cutter work.

What you did, vs. what you are capable of are two different things. As I said in my first post, I don't advertise that you tell them they are not getting a deal. But be honest, you say you are are not experienced. They are WAY overpaying. And the photo you posted was done with on camera flash, and is flat, and just not good.

Milk this for all it's worth, because you will be competing with other good photographers out there if you expect to make money with your camera. IMO the shot you posted is just not worth $300. Do you think it is?

Ron
Hi Les,

If you found a company that is willing to pay $300 for this shot,
then LUCK is the word. And they are just stupid. They could go to
anyplace that does passport photo's, and get this quality for $10.
Or Wallmart would do a much better job than what you have diaplayed
for $20.

For $300 I'd show up with a good background, and studio lighting,
and at least do a good portrait. In this time when companies like
Enron are filing bankruptcy, and my employeer (Wordcom/MCI) is
cutting thousands of jobs and eliminating things like free coffee,
I'm amazed that any company would so overpay for this service.
Heck, for $500 they could pruchase a photo quality printer, and a
digital camera and do the job theselves.

I'm not suggesting you tell them all this, but this company must be
run by idiots. Maybe they will become the next Enron or KMart?

Ron
--
Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @
http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and
http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click
on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
Ron,

Now that's the kinds of answers a complete amateur (I did preface with this) like me wants to hear - actual information that is useful. Believe me when I say I have no preconceived notions about this. As for your previous reply - well you can read it again to yourself - nothing at all useful to learn from, seemed angry. An Enron embezzling comparison?

When it comes to cost, I saw the receipts from their previous charges, time, proof, and final product. As I type this I revisited the proof sheets of 21 shots provided and there are no backgrounds, plain grey, and as I said, collar on up only although the proofs show almost half body - they cropped the final wallets? I did use the FL40 with a diffuser and you can tell from the photo that there is no red eye, the lighting is even and skintones are perfect. However, you cannot appreciate these from the final product - wallet size, but you should have seen those on the posted photo. As you pointed out plain passsport photos - nothing special.

As for value, they have a polaroid, an Epson digital and some other highend camera in their press department. As far as I can tell, they wanted me to do the job because of convenience and provided me all the previous charges as I told them I've not done this but know that the E10 with FL40 would provide as good as was previously done. Fact is, the final prints were more saturated - brilliant, compared to the softer film prints. Accuracy is perfect. Only took a couple of minutes to clean up the blemishes. I printed the proof sheets and selected what I thought was the best and printed that at the same time - I was right. Just for the record, this was too easy, but since they believe they got better then previous, I didn't want to second guess myself - short. I must say that I cannot afford myself! Milking? I guess you haven't been paying attention to the cost of the new digicams! Telecom and Enron bankruptcy though???????
Thanks you for a more balanced reply. ;-)
LesDMess
Les,

Don't take my post wrong. But yes, the guys at Wallmart shoot with
professional off camera lighting, and high end equipement, even if
it's a cheesy $20 shoot. They also generally have several
backgrounds to choose from that would run you and me the price of
an E10. So yes, they can do a better job than what you posted, even
if it's cookie cutter work.

What you did, vs. what you are capable of are two different things.
As I said in my first post, I don't advertise that you tell them
they are not getting a deal. But be honest, you say you are are not
experienced. They are WAY overpaying. And the photo you posted was
done with on camera flash, and is flat, and just not good.

Milk this for all it's worth, because you will be competing with
other good photographers out there if you expect to make money with
your camera. IMO the shot you posted is just not worth $300. Do
you think it is?
Ron
--Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @ http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
Les,

I've been doing photography for a very long time. I've been doing professional work for a long time. It is subjective. But, generally the client wants much more than most photographers have to offer. Think about it. We see professional photography EVERY day. We are used to seeing great images all the time. Papers, TV, Ads, Movies, they ALL use professional protographers. They are nameless, but they are good, and they are in our face.

So, do your best when called upon. If this compay paid you $300 to produce what you did, and wants you back, they are overspending. I applaud your effort to work, but make sure you WORK. IMO the image you posted was a just enough image. Maybe they are not pickey and that means you are the man. But if the next guy comes along for $200 and does a better job you R gone. I can tell you from experience, these gigs do not come along every day, and if this company says your are great, and then shows that photo? Well is that what you want your portfolio to look like??

And I'm not angry at all, I just don't think you posted a realistic expectation of what people can expect doing professional work. Not in this climate. As I said in the original post, you are lucky. If you did that type of work for me, I'd send you a see ya note. Seriously, as I work for a company that has more lawyers than common sense, I'd just not pay you. The lawyers would take care of the details.

Ron
Les,

Don't take my post wrong. But yes, the guys at Wallmart shoot with
professional off camera lighting, and high end equipement, even if
it's a cheesy $20 shoot. They also generally have several
backgrounds to choose from that would run you and me the price of
an E10. So yes, they can do a better job than what you posted, even
if it's cookie cutter work.

What you did, vs. what you are capable of are two different things.
As I said in my first post, I don't advertise that you tell them
they are not getting a deal. But be honest, you say you are are not
experienced. They are WAY overpaying. And the photo you posted was
done with on camera flash, and is flat, and just not good.

Milk this for all it's worth, because you will be competing with
other good photographers out there if you expect to make money with
your camera. IMO the shot you posted is just not worth $300. Do
you think it is?
Ron
--
Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @
http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and
http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click
on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
Ron,

I believe that what you say must be true as you have been a photographer for a long time and I am a right brain thinking amateur who apparently stumbled onto an opportunity simply because these folks thought that since I have a "pro" camera . . . ;-)
Stay balanced and provide real world counterpoints for this dreamer.
LesDMess
Les,

I've been doing photography for a very long time. I've been doing
professional work for a long time. It is subjective. But,
generally the client wants much more than most photographers have
to offer. Think about it. We see professional photography EVERY
day. We are used to seeing great images all the time. Papers, TV,
Ads, Movies, they ALL use professional protographers. They are
nameless, but they are good, and they are in our face.

So, do your best when called upon. If this compay paid you $300 to
produce what you did, and wants you back, they are overspending. I
applaud your effort to work, but make sure you WORK. IMO the image
you posted was a just enough image. Maybe they are not pickey and
that means you are the man. But if the next guy comes along for
$200 and does a better job you R gone. I can tell you from
experience, these gigs do not come along every day, and if this
company says your are great, and then shows that photo? Well is
that what you want your portfolio to look like??

And I'm not angry at all, I just don't think you posted a realistic
expectation of what people can expect doing professional work. Not
in this climate. As I said in the original post, you are lucky.
If you did that type of work for me, I'd send you a see ya note.
Seriously, as I work for a company that has more lawyers than
common sense, I'd just not pay you. The lawyers would take care of
the details.

Ron
--Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @ http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
Les you silver tongued devil!
Let me first preface this by pointing out that I am a total amateur
and your mileage and opportunity may vary. I just want to share
this with other amateurs to help offset the cost of their equipment
  • especially with 6mp cams just around the corner. I chose this in
particular because I thought this was the easiest to do but yields
the highest return using the E-10, FL40 on strobo - strictly for
that appearance. Probably can do it with just the onboard flash but
hey I already have the the FL40. A sample of a shot is like this .
. .



This is
the gig, some companies need headshots whenever they submit license
applications. Requirements are wallet size, and accuracy - except
for blemish removal, hair cleanup, maybe teeth whitening. They
showed me some previous output and what they were being charged
which include the exec taking time off to go to a studio, then a
proof sheet of about 10 or more shots (?) then 6 wallet photos. I
thought well heck the E10 takes very accurate photos and at wallet
sizes I figured that's doable. They also told me that previous
charges were about $200 and $400 if they have to come onsite. I
told them I'd save them a $100 off of the onsite cost! ;-) Mind you
this is not at all artistic, just accurate and with its impending
obsolescence, you might want to keep it around for these low tech
jobs.
Do you find this useful or useless?
LesDMess
--
Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @
http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and
http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click
on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
--Jason Stoller [email protected] that special moment with a great camera
 
Hi Les,

I just think it's a good idea to make every assignment like you where up for a HUGE job. I personally love the fact you scored big on portriats without trying. But don't count on that oftern.

The client obviously thought you had something to offer. I just want my input to be keep your sights high. Also don't make it sound easy for others, it's generally not. And your work will follow you where ever you go, so do your BEST.

I'm actually a real moron, with a few hunderd professional jobs under my belt, I'm but a wanna be. However, while I can not kiss butt to MCI, I always did to photograpy clients!!! What's up with that!!!

I wanna be a photographer that does not have to deal with clients..... So I am. That makes me a very low paid professional photographer. I think it will be a very nice retirement, assuming I can stand up.

So, will any super models step up and help me out........ I have the monolights.....battery packes..... baby powder.... gel........

Ron
Les,

I've been doing photography for a very long time. I've been doing
professional work for a long time. It is subjective. But,
generally the client wants much more than most photographers have
to offer. Think about it. We see professional photography EVERY
day. We are used to seeing great images all the time. Papers, TV,
Ads, Movies, they ALL use professional protographers. They are
nameless, but they are good, and they are in our face.

So, do your best when called upon. If this compay paid you $300 to
produce what you did, and wants you back, they are overspending. I
applaud your effort to work, but make sure you WORK. IMO the image
you posted was a just enough image. Maybe they are not pickey and
that means you are the man. But if the next guy comes along for
$200 and does a better job you R gone. I can tell you from
experience, these gigs do not come along every day, and if this
company says your are great, and then shows that photo? Well is
that what you want your portfolio to look like??

And I'm not angry at all, I just don't think you posted a realistic
expectation of what people can expect doing professional work. Not
in this climate. As I said in the original post, you are lucky.
If you did that type of work for me, I'd send you a see ya note.
Seriously, as I work for a company that has more lawyers than
common sense, I'd just not pay you. The lawyers would take care of
the details.

Ron
--
Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @
http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and
http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click
on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
Jason,

And I thought this is just normal - that people see this pro camera and start throwing money at you! Does this happen only in Vegas? I suppose people here just throw money away! ;-)
LesDMess
Les you silver tongued devil!
--
Jason Stoller [email protected]
Catching that special moment with a great camera
--Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @ http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
 
Lets face it Les we live in the real world and what is considered Normal is subjective.
Les you silver tongued devil!
--
Jason Stoller [email protected]
Catching that special moment with a great camera
--
Oly SLR discussion group albums, full size photo and info @
http://www.fototime.com/inv/086F92046880B2F and
http://www.fototime.com/inv/20392A0E8516C9A Once in fototime, click
on a thumbnail to enlarge in a navigation window.
--Jason Stoller [email protected] that special moment with a great camera
 

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