Okay, contrary to the title of this entry, Facebook did NOT create an association for photographers. I did. I decided that there was a need for an association where photographers of all levels could share information and learn from pros - without receiving any condescending remarks or fear of asking a "stupid" question.
Seeing the reality that Facebook is the largest social community on the planet, I chose to use it's population as the photographers pool from which I attracted members. Why not, right?
So, in a pure marketing tactic, I named it the Facebook Photographers Association (FPA). In less than 72 hours, the membership base has exceeded 1,200 and is currently at a signup rate near 100/hour.
The opportunities are endless. From a philanthropic position, a membership of 10,000 could donate $1 each every month and a donation could be made to a charity on behalf of the organization. Discounts can be negotiated with companies once membership hits a massive level. The sky's the limit.
I have a feeling that this will turn into a part-time job for me. Depending on what can be developed, this will either the best time consuming idea or a venue for building revenue streams that can be put to good use.
We will see. That is for sure.
- Posted using iPhone
From custom vinyl "Fathead" wall graphics to freelance assignments, HSI provides a wide range of services. Take a look around and contact us. We're professional, experienced and affordable - you might just be surprised.
Licensing or Selling?
I was researching the restrictions that we photographers face when taking photos in a public place for profit. I had a situation a few years ago that involved high school football (I'll put that whole story on here in the future) photos being sold to the parents. It brought up whether I was "licensing" my image under certain restrictions, or was I "selling" the image. Here's what it came down to.
Now, I am not an attorney. This is just based on my experience. Consult an attorney, don't reference my blog as your support.
If I don't violate any laws when capturing the image, I am pretty much in the right. I can accept payment and "license" that image to any individual I want and NOT have to be in possession of a model release. Now... here is the interesting part... the responsibility of obtaining the proper release falls on the buyer should they choose to do anything commercial with the image.
For example, a parent can license an image for personal use (photo album, Facebook, etc). A newspaper can license an image for editorial purposes. As long as, by my licensing the photo to someone, I do not create an assumption that the person in the photo is "endorsing" my photography... I am okay.
Now, this is obviously a complex subject. In truth, most amateur leagues, high schools, etc have a model release clause on their signup form for their protection. By that fact, the player is waiving all rights they have to their image. Furthermore, they are in a public venue with no "expectation" of privacy. So, in the end, anyone can take their picture and use it for almost any purpose.
In summary, I never use the word "selling" when talking about images. I always "license" them for a specific use. A recent example is an entire collection of photos of a news event that a group was interested in for archival purposes. I had to ensure that I was licensing the images for ONLY that purpose and restricting the buyer from reselling them or using them commercially. Also, some of the individual images had been licensed to other individuals as well with a different set of restrictions. All in all, be specific when talking about your images and the intended use of the buyer.
Consult an attorney if you are confused. You do NOT need to be named in a lawsuit if you violate someone's rights. If you google "photographer rights", you will find an attorney who has a great PDF on the topic. In fact, I carry a few copies in my gear bag in case anyone takes issue with me shooting in public. Remember, you have rights and need to know them.
Now, I am not an attorney. This is just based on my experience. Consult an attorney, don't reference my blog as your support.
If I don't violate any laws when capturing the image, I am pretty much in the right. I can accept payment and "license" that image to any individual I want and NOT have to be in possession of a model release. Now... here is the interesting part... the responsibility of obtaining the proper release falls on the buyer should they choose to do anything commercial with the image.
For example, a parent can license an image for personal use (photo album, Facebook, etc). A newspaper can license an image for editorial purposes. As long as, by my licensing the photo to someone, I do not create an assumption that the person in the photo is "endorsing" my photography... I am okay.
Now, this is obviously a complex subject. In truth, most amateur leagues, high schools, etc have a model release clause on their signup form for their protection. By that fact, the player is waiving all rights they have to their image. Furthermore, they are in a public venue with no "expectation" of privacy. So, in the end, anyone can take their picture and use it for almost any purpose.
In summary, I never use the word "selling" when talking about images. I always "license" them for a specific use. A recent example is an entire collection of photos of a news event that a group was interested in for archival purposes. I had to ensure that I was licensing the images for ONLY that purpose and restricting the buyer from reselling them or using them commercially. Also, some of the individual images had been licensed to other individuals as well with a different set of restrictions. All in all, be specific when talking about your images and the intended use of the buyer.
Consult an attorney if you are confused. You do NOT need to be named in a lawsuit if you violate someone's rights. If you google "photographer rights", you will find an attorney who has a great PDF on the topic. In fact, I carry a few copies in my gear bag in case anyone takes issue with me shooting in public. Remember, you have rights and need to know them.
Pictures at Parties
One of the more relaxing and enjoyable things to do as a photographer, in my opinion, is to take pictures at graduation parties, cookouts, etc - even if only for your immediate friends and family. This may sound like something that will get in the way of YOU having a good time, but it doesn't.
Yesterday, I went to an annual family outing and took my 50D and a 580EX II flash. It was a pseudo golf outing (hard to explain, lets just say it involves driving plastic golf balls from your knees using a kids driver) that is held annually and is something the guys look forward to. It was the first time that I had been involved in it and I - as always - threw a camera in the car.
What this does it a few things. First, it creates professional images for the people who are there. They end up with great Facebook images and can even print some 4x6 if they like. Also, it further implants into their brain that you are a professional photographer. When they see you, yet again, shooting at a family function... it reminds them to think of YOU whenever the topic of photography comes up. Trust me, you never know when someone will need a photographer and YOU need to be the best and only one they would ever choose. The cost of some prints and digital images for the FB page goes a long way towards goodwill and marketing - at least that's how I think.
Lastly, it gives you a chance to let the kids learn and have some fun. I, personally, spent a little bit of the evening showing a 10 year old how to shoot with a bounce flash and read histograms. Funny thing, she's pretty damn good. Better make sure she stays on my side. Here's a photo she took...
Yesterday, I went to an annual family outing and took my 50D and a 580EX II flash. It was a pseudo golf outing (hard to explain, lets just say it involves driving plastic golf balls from your knees using a kids driver) that is held annually and is something the guys look forward to. It was the first time that I had been involved in it and I - as always - threw a camera in the car.
What this does it a few things. First, it creates professional images for the people who are there. They end up with great Facebook images and can even print some 4x6 if they like. Also, it further implants into their brain that you are a professional photographer. When they see you, yet again, shooting at a family function... it reminds them to think of YOU whenever the topic of photography comes up. Trust me, you never know when someone will need a photographer and YOU need to be the best and only one they would ever choose. The cost of some prints and digital images for the FB page goes a long way towards goodwill and marketing - at least that's how I think.
Lastly, it gives you a chance to let the kids learn and have some fun. I, personally, spent a little bit of the evening showing a 10 year old how to shoot with a bounce flash and read histograms. Funny thing, she's pretty damn good. Better make sure she stays on my side. Here's a photo she took...
Value of a Police Scanner
I hadn't had the police scanner on for awhile. I got it at Radio Shack last year when I had delusions that if I was chasing all the breaking accidents, fires and events - I would be earning millions from the local papers (lol). Well, obviously that is total sarcasm, but that IS why I bought the thing.
Two days ago, I heard the fire whistles blow for more than one company. I ignored them, went about my daily life and left the scanner off. What did I miss? Only a man falling on his mountain bike 100 feet down a cliff in a park less than 2 miles from house. Would it have been a paid photo? No. The local paper already has a few people who cover the "scanner" stories.
I should say, however, that I "was" published in the paper. For what? My Pulitzer Prize winning coverage of the local Christmas Parade in 2007. How cool, right? Again, sarcasm.
Last night, about 11:00pm, I hear those same sirens. For whatever reason, I turn the scanner on and I hear the words, "totally engulfed". Well, it was about a mile from my house so I got the 50D (better high ISO) and my 70-200mm USM IS (had to keep some distance from it - it was a FIRE after all) and headed down.
I'm glad I did. I got some pretty interesting shots. I posted them to the local news' Facebook pages and to my own page. Anything I can do to further solidify a position as an actual photographer is a good thing. Do I want to be running around at all hours of the night covering spot news? No. The guys here do an awesome job. Not to mention, they have job security.
Anyhow, here's what came of last night. I am only putting three up to conserve space. The rest can be found on my Facebook page: Heffran Photography.
Two days ago, I heard the fire whistles blow for more than one company. I ignored them, went about my daily life and left the scanner off. What did I miss? Only a man falling on his mountain bike 100 feet down a cliff in a park less than 2 miles from house. Would it have been a paid photo? No. The local paper already has a few people who cover the "scanner" stories.
I should say, however, that I "was" published in the paper. For what? My Pulitzer Prize winning coverage of the local Christmas Parade in 2007. How cool, right? Again, sarcasm.
Last night, about 11:00pm, I hear those same sirens. For whatever reason, I turn the scanner on and I hear the words, "totally engulfed". Well, it was about a mile from my house so I got the 50D (better high ISO) and my 70-200mm USM IS (had to keep some distance from it - it was a FIRE after all) and headed down.
I'm glad I did. I got some pretty interesting shots. I posted them to the local news' Facebook pages and to my own page. Anything I can do to further solidify a position as an actual photographer is a good thing. Do I want to be running around at all hours of the night covering spot news? No. The guys here do an awesome job. Not to mention, they have job security.
Anyhow, here's what came of last night. I am only putting three up to conserve space. The rest can be found on my Facebook page: Heffran Photography.
Studio Dilemma - Part II
Well, for the time being, I have decided to convert an unused bedroom into a "cozy" studio. It's probably 12x14 which is kinda tight but should let me control the light pretty well. My concern is the amount of space the lighting will take up.
There is a window on the left side which will allow me to play with natural light some. That's a good thing. Also, I have a landscaped pond in my backyard which could be used for a spot. When my trees bloom, it'll form a nice natural backdrop. So, there are benefits. Another benefit - I will be close to my home office for proofing, etc.
A business owner, though, has some space right on the main drag that he is willing to give me at a really nice rate. It's new, bright white walls, extra "usable" space (until some tenant uses it) and has parking and an outdoor sign. I am grappling with that as I clean out this extra room. The real question is whether or not I want to spend $$ on rent. Do I really want to have to make that extra $$ just to have a retail location? Or, will the retail location make me that extra $$ on its own?
So, those are the questions I am faced with. I will bounce around from one decision to another for sure.
There is a window on the left side which will allow me to play with natural light some. That's a good thing. Also, I have a landscaped pond in my backyard which could be used for a spot. When my trees bloom, it'll form a nice natural backdrop. So, there are benefits. Another benefit - I will be close to my home office for proofing, etc.
A business owner, though, has some space right on the main drag that he is willing to give me at a really nice rate. It's new, bright white walls, extra "usable" space (until some tenant uses it) and has parking and an outdoor sign. I am grappling with that as I clean out this extra room. The real question is whether or not I want to spend $$ on rent. Do I really want to have to make that extra $$ just to have a retail location? Or, will the retail location make me that extra $$ on its own?
So, those are the questions I am faced with. I will bounce around from one decision to another for sure.
To "Studio" or not to "Studio"...
It's spring. That means graduation parties, graduation itself, spring and summer sports, leaves back on the trees and weddings. All the things that a photographer is waiting for. But, as I enter this season, I am faced with a dilemma.
Do I open a studio in a retail location or do I just convert part of house into one until the season is over?
Quite frankly, I haven't come up with the answer. I do know, in this smaller suburb of Pittsburgh, that having a high traffic location would prove beneficial. The expense, however small it was, would be simply marketing. Those who didn't want to go to a chain store and wanted a "professional" would notice. That is the part that has me at a standstill.
Let's evaluate... if a league is looking to hire a photographer for their team and individual photos, and the bids and relationships formed are similar, who would they pick? Does having an actual studio make you MORE professional?
If a parent is looking for senior portraits - a studio setup is a must. But, do you need an actual "studio", or are most people comfortable in coming to a person's home? I wouldn't have a problem with it. I just get stuck on the marketing value of a "main drag" studio.
Over the next 10 days or so, I will have to decide. I ordered all my studio lighting and backdrops. At the very least, I will have my home studio finished. I can always pack it up and move it. There is one retail office space where they gave me free reign to decorate the halls with my images and "fatheads", etc. That one is very appealing. Small, but just enough starting out. Just can't get stuck into a lease term longer than my growth plan.
We will see. As I progress, I'll post pics of the studio. Right now, I am struggling with the color. Black, grey or white? I have heard arguments for all three. Decisions, decisions, decisions...
Do I open a studio in a retail location or do I just convert part of house into one until the season is over?
Quite frankly, I haven't come up with the answer. I do know, in this smaller suburb of Pittsburgh, that having a high traffic location would prove beneficial. The expense, however small it was, would be simply marketing. Those who didn't want to go to a chain store and wanted a "professional" would notice. That is the part that has me at a standstill.
Let's evaluate... if a league is looking to hire a photographer for their team and individual photos, and the bids and relationships formed are similar, who would they pick? Does having an actual studio make you MORE professional?
If a parent is looking for senior portraits - a studio setup is a must. But, do you need an actual "studio", or are most people comfortable in coming to a person's home? I wouldn't have a problem with it. I just get stuck on the marketing value of a "main drag" studio.
Over the next 10 days or so, I will have to decide. I ordered all my studio lighting and backdrops. At the very least, I will have my home studio finished. I can always pack it up and move it. There is one retail office space where they gave me free reign to decorate the halls with my images and "fatheads", etc. That one is very appealing. Small, but just enough starting out. Just can't get stuck into a lease term longer than my growth plan.
We will see. As I progress, I'll post pics of the studio. Right now, I am struggling with the color. Black, grey or white? I have heard arguments for all three. Decisions, decisions, decisions...
Watermark Your Images!
I make it a point, well almost all of the time, to at least watermark my images with my name and phone number in the lower left. Since I do this for the images I post on Facebook or email to potential clients, this makes it apparent that I feel the image belongs to me and they are not free to do with it as they please.
I am not a "huge" fan of watermarking the whole image unless it is one that I have posted for sale. Windows 7 has a built-in "snipping" tool and someone could very easily steal an image from my site - even if I have disabled the "right-click" option or even embedded it into a Flash slide show.
This was reinforced in the fact that I recently took some photos of a friend's acoustic "open mic" night at a local pub (pics posted a few blog entries ago). I posted about 10 or so on Facebook and tagged him and the other musicians so they could have them on their page as well.
The BAR, instead of asking me, simply downloaded all the Facebook images and created their own gallery. Now, if they would have let me simply "tag" them - then all the comments go on my fan page and it helps to further promote me. You want to remain professional in your approach to this scenario, so here is how I handled it. YOU may choose to handle it differently based on how well you know the individuals involved. In 99% of the cases, they have no malicious intent. They just don't realize that photography is your profession.
First and foremost, I was sure to become a "fan" of their page and thank them for adding my images. Furthermore, I thanked them for leaving my name and copyright notice on them as well.
The bartender, who I have "known" for a while (as much as a patron can know a bartender) put a footnote giving me the equivalent of a byline. In all honesty, that was a nice move on his part.
BUT, had I not made it a point to watermark those images, no one would know that I took the time to professionally take the photos. Now... they do. Take heed of this advice.
I am not a "huge" fan of watermarking the whole image unless it is one that I have posted for sale. Windows 7 has a built-in "snipping" tool and someone could very easily steal an image from my site - even if I have disabled the "right-click" option or even embedded it into a Flash slide show.
This was reinforced in the fact that I recently took some photos of a friend's acoustic "open mic" night at a local pub (pics posted a few blog entries ago). I posted about 10 or so on Facebook and tagged him and the other musicians so they could have them on their page as well.
The BAR, instead of asking me, simply downloaded all the Facebook images and created their own gallery. Now, if they would have let me simply "tag" them - then all the comments go on my fan page and it helps to further promote me. You want to remain professional in your approach to this scenario, so here is how I handled it. YOU may choose to handle it differently based on how well you know the individuals involved. In 99% of the cases, they have no malicious intent. They just don't realize that photography is your profession.
First and foremost, I was sure to become a "fan" of their page and thank them for adding my images. Furthermore, I thanked them for leaving my name and copyright notice on them as well.
The bartender, who I have "known" for a while (as much as a patron can know a bartender) put a footnote giving me the equivalent of a byline. In all honesty, that was a nice move on his part.
BUT, had I not made it a point to watermark those images, no one would know that I took the time to professionally take the photos. Now... they do. Take heed of this advice.
Lovers & The Unexpected Gazebo
It was a nice day. We met Shelly's friends at the base of the Duquesne Incline to start the day of casual "Save the Date" photos. They are a very cool, laid-back couple. We rode the Incline up to Mount Washington and started just walking, talking and shooting images. After about an hour up on the mountain, we came back down, shot a few randoms and found a gazebo in the middle of a vacant lot. I have no idea who it belonged to, why it was there or what the purpose of it was. All I know is that it made for another shot to pick from later.
That proved a point to me. Sometimes the most well laid-out plans need altered. You need to stay flexible and walk with your "eyes open". You never know when you'll find your "abandoned gazebo". We spent a few more hours (after a nice lunch break) shooting at another location along the river.
All in all, each location gave me a few good shots to put in the batch. But, I will say... the unexpected gazebo may be the best shot of them all. Just reminds me to keep my eyes open.
That proved a point to me. Sometimes the most well laid-out plans need altered. You need to stay flexible and walk with your "eyes open". You never know when you'll find your "abandoned gazebo". We spent a few more hours (after a nice lunch break) shooting at another location along the river.
All in all, each location gave me a few good shots to put in the batch. But, I will say... the unexpected gazebo may be the best shot of them all. Just reminds me to keep my eyes open.
Casual Pics
Since sports photography is truly my focus, I usually don't "go after" other types of work. But, when you're referred by a friend you never decline and do your best. Portraits, engagement, weddings and parties are the best examples.
Today I am doing just that. A friend of a friend is getting married next year and in order to save them a few bucks (and to put some in mine), I agrees to do their wedding and engagement pics. Today is the engagement pic day.
I'm going to focus around downtown since at some point they want to head out to a farm for a few shots. Since I don't do much of this, it's as beneficial to me as it is ti them. It'll give me another genre to show potential clients. The trick? Finding cool places to get unique shots. I have some ideas, but it'll take some creativity. Obviously, there are the "staples". Mount Washington, Schenley Park, the Cathedral and the Strip District. Find me some colorful church doors and I'm all set. I figure 3-5 good locations and I should come up with a good start.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Today I am doing just that. A friend of a friend is getting married next year and in order to save them a few bucks (and to put some in mine), I agrees to do their wedding and engagement pics. Today is the engagement pic day.
I'm going to focus around downtown since at some point they want to head out to a farm for a few shots. Since I don't do much of this, it's as beneficial to me as it is ti them. It'll give me another genre to show potential clients. The trick? Finding cool places to get unique shots. I have some ideas, but it'll take some creativity. Obviously, there are the "staples". Mount Washington, Schenley Park, the Cathedral and the Strip District. Find me some colorful church doors and I'm all set. I figure 3-5 good locations and I should come up with a good start.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Neat Image - Lifesaver
When shooting in super low light, the biggest problem for a "non-flash" photographer like myself is noise. I try and use my 50D in these situations because it performs better at high ISO. My 1D MarkII has a faster shutter, so it tends to get used for sports. Last night, however, I was stuck with my 1D and my 70-200mm f/2.8 IS. That is my usual "sports setup".
I was shooting some shots for a friend at his acoustic performance. Granted, not a paying gig - but it helps to get the name out. I got asked a few times about my photography so something may come of it. I was actually just doing it because he's a nice guy and he had a big crowd there after just being in the paper.
So, I shoot at 1600 or HI, 1/50 @ 2.8. I have no other choice. I can't do any better than that. The IS finally was worth it's weight in gold and the images turned out okay, except for the enormous amount of noise.
So, anyway, Neat Image is an awesome noise-reduction tool. I use it a lot. I like the fastest shutter speed I can get so a high ISO sometimes enters my equation. I ran these images through a default setting in Neat Image, and the end result wasn't too bad for shots in a dark bar. Here's few. You can download Neat Image at http://www.neatimage.com.
I was shooting some shots for a friend at his acoustic performance. Granted, not a paying gig - but it helps to get the name out. I got asked a few times about my photography so something may come of it. I was actually just doing it because he's a nice guy and he had a big crowd there after just being in the paper.
So, I shoot at 1600 or HI, 1/50 @ 2.8. I have no other choice. I can't do any better than that. The IS finally was worth it's weight in gold and the images turned out okay, except for the enormous amount of noise.
So, anyway, Neat Image is an awesome noise-reduction tool. I use it a lot. I like the fastest shutter speed I can get so a high ISO sometimes enters my equation. I ran these images through a default setting in Neat Image, and the end result wasn't too bad for shots in a dark bar. Here's few. You can download Neat Image at http://www.neatimage.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)