[Closed] Photographic business.

I've no idea where you are as a photographer, so it's difficult to pass comment... I do have to say though, and with the greatest of respect, that if you're asking questions like,

...what happens if it is tipping it down and the shoot has to be indoors?

I know everyone's got to start somewhere and don't mean to sound harsh - just so long as you do let the client know what your experience is, the whole episode won't come back and bite you on the bum if you can't do the shoot because it's raining.

what happens if it is tipping it down and the shoot has to be indoors

Genesis 200 x 2 should be right, plus a reflector. Set up early, get assistant to to light readings and you're good to go.

Aye, that would probably do it, if the OP happens to have a full lighting kit, experience of using said kit and a well trained paid assistant.

I've seen so many good photographers turn up on forums shitting all over newcomers to the industry and they always come across as sounding old, bitter and twisted. I really don't want to sound like those 'old-guard' types but as in my first post, so long as you let them know what level you're at, and charge a reasonable amount you'll be fine 🙂

Trying to use kit you're not completely familiar with for the first or second time in your life, is not a good idea for a first commission.

I say show us some similar work and we'll say whether you're ready or a law suit ready to happen.. Got insurance?

If this is your first commissioned job I wouldn't charge to much but Don't do it for free. Think about how much time its going to take from start to finish including editing and price per hour. If you have to shoot indoors make sure you know how to use flash confidently or shoot the portraits close to windows using natural light. Try and vist the venue before the shoot so that you can plan your shots.

Ignoring all the bashing...I doubt there are many photographers who started their business with plenty of experience of all shooting scenarios and a bag full of top level professional equipment worth thousands of pounds. I suspect there are just a few bitter people who haven't managed to realise their dream so want to piss on your parade!

I would suggest requesting a preliminary visit on an earlier day at the same time of day that you intend the shoot to be at.

There may be some nice greenery outside or in a nearby park, fortunately it's spring so there should be plenty about.. Ask to take a look in their office, they may have a decent reception with their logo on the wall to use as a backdrop. Failing that, they may have an executive boardroom that you could use.

If there's nothing suitable perhaps there's a local landmark you can ask them to meet you at.

if you're struggling, perhaps get a big sheet of fabric (local fabric shops should help), colour of your choice.

In your prep visit take plenty of test shots using the same equipment you intend to use.

Decent lighting equipment would be a bonus, you can hire it from various places...but a familiarise yourself with it first. You'll look like a right tit if your fumbling with it on the day.

Basically, remember the 6 P's. Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. (intentional missing word).

Regarding fees...treat the job as an investment, charge them a reasonable and realistic rate but don't expect to cover you costs and time. It's important that this goes well as it could snowball from here.

Lastly, practice. Use you family as test subjects and take some shots of them. Remember if you're in an office it's likely to be under tungsten lighting, so if you could find a similar environment that would be ideal.

McHamish - I haven't read any bashing - just some sensible advice. Did you actually read any of the replies? No-one has suggested that the OP needs bags of kit or experience - just a realistic attitude and a client whose expectations have been set at the right level.

user-removed - Member

I've seen so many good photographers turn up on forums shitting all over newcomers to the industry and they always come across as sounding old, bitter and twisted. I really don't want to sound like those 'old-guard' types but as in my first post, so long as you let them know what level you're at, and charge a reasonable amount you'll be fine

@sshat.

Ha. Ok big fella.

Not sure if I specifically mentioned anyone, but good job.

To the Op, ...ignore the [u]inevitable[/u] bashing, and well done on the commission.

[img] [/img]

Just do what they used to do...

Deep breaths

Gently roll finger onto shutter button

Rember the old sayings...
F8 and be there

Shoot tight and frame tighter

Sorry, I was being a little facetious, my sensible advice would be to make sure you have the right lens, imo more important than everything else - and easy/cheap to hire if you don't have already. Within reasonable boundaries of light it will make the biggest difference. Sharp, fast 100mm will do you.

Also make a reflector, google it, can make a big difference esp when working with natural light.

First up, beware folk telling you just to 'go for it' - they're often people who are frustrated in their own desires, stuck in jobs they hate, projecting their dreams onto you - there's a lot of it about sadly.

Despite the inevitable bickering,( 😀 )there is actually some very good advice here. As damo says, a reflector is a good shout and will save you faffing about with lighting kit you're not used to on the day but it's helpful to have someone along with you who knows how to hold it, allowing you to get on with shooting. I use one occasionally, but I do have an assistant who knows how to get the best out of it, and it wouldn't be any help inside.

wysiwig makes a valid point about insurance - you might want to trust to luck for a one off shoot but it's worth asking yourself what'll happen if the client hates the photos, or if a staff member falls over say, a reflector, and breaks an arm... FWIW, I had insurance from the get-go, but then I knew I was going to give the whole thing a go for at least a year in a full time capacity, so it made sense for me to have it.

I'm not going to bang on about backups because at least a commercial shoot can be re-shot in the case of kit failure / damage but if you can borrow a 2nd body / lens you'll look better on the day.

Good luck if you go for it - feel free to email me if you have specific questions.

We had some photos done in our office a year or so ago, a boyfriend of a colleague came in and took some photos bouncing flash off the ceiling or a wall. The results were pretty poor tbh, all of the employees looked like mafioso with half-dark faces.
More recently we had a pro come in, he had two Nikon D3s with taped up logos and expensive lenses, two remote triggered flashes and an assistant. The results were a world apart.

If you have access to one remote flash and can scope out the location beforehand as suggested you should fall between the two examples above and take some photos that will keep the client happy..
Good Luck!

Read the strobist 101/2?
http://strobist.blogspot.co.uk/2006/04/lighting-101-headshot-in-corner.html

[i]taped up logos[/i]

the mark of the true pro 😉

You can get reasonable results with bounce flash, but it depends on the room. Domestic dwellings are one thing, open plan offices something else...

When it comes down to money and other assorted nastiness, remember there are prints and negatives. Don't sell out the negatives too cheaply.

taped up logos

the mark of the true pro

🙂 To be fair he had done a lot of photojournalism stuff in Africa and Vietnam. A D3 with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens on still looks highly nick-able though, wherever you are..

Thanks everyone. I've got a bit more of an idea of what is required now so feeling a lot more confident that i can deliver.

I've also negotiated that I can have entry to the building on Sun (shooting Tues) so that I can do some prep work around places to shoot and natural light.

Thanks again,

BB

I'd feel confident in the fact that they've already seen your work and have given you a call. I assume you've taken some decent enough shots without the fancy equipment, good on ya!

Try to get in there on Sunday at the same time of day that you're going on Tuesday.

charge them a reasonable and realistic rate but don't expect to cover you costs and time

Is a rate that doesn't cover your costs and/or time reasonable or realistic? The job may lead to other things, but if it leads to other things that don't pay a sustainable rate then it's all a bit moot 🙂