PI Weekly Digest to Feb 17th 2008
Over 200 messages on over 20 different subjects were discussed this week, on subjects ranging from A0 art prints to Windows XP and expanded RAM.
Discussion was spent on the new release of Apple's Aperture, and the best places to get a book style album printed (for both wedding clients and portfolio use.)
Most messages came on the subject of what happens when a photographer moves out of London for "a new life in the country." Do Art Directors forget you? Do clients drop you now that they assume you suck on a stalk of straw? Is it worth it for the 'friendly' neighbours and lower mortgage? Some thought provoking advice was offered, and a mass of experience from members who had done the same thing.
How much do you charge for a private art commission? Just the cost of the potential limited edition print sales? Or just a commission fee, but adding an agreement for future print sales? An interesting question from a member working on a project in the middle east involving portraits of horses.
A plea from one member, asking why clients expected free use of photos, when they're quite willing to accept a salary from their own employer, pay their supermarket bill, or pay for a hire car. A list of previous experiences resulted, with some useful advice on the tactful (and not so tactful) responses that work.
Arrangements were made to meet up at Focus on Imaging next week (in the bar - where else?), advice sought on Lightroom databases, small studio hire in London, and the usefulness of agents.
The most entertaining request came from a member who needed an astronaut space suit for a shoot. It was revealed that one member has a friend who collects them, and has five of them!
Compiled by Simon Grosset |
