Pro-Imaging

The week began with PI members contemplating the long term - the question was what what would members recommend as a suitable self-employed pension? A wealth of suggestions (not financial advice, of course) flooded in, from ISAs to SIPPs, property to personal pension plans, much experience - both positive and negative - was shared. On this vital subject that photographers are notorious for avoiding, PI once again showed the remarkable depth of knowledge that it's members are able to access with little more than the click of a button.

Then it was back to more prosaic technical issues - how to get the best colour reproduction on the web inspired some conversation, including a link to a test file with 16,777, 216 discrete pixels that shows every possible colour in 8 bit RGB and a few helpful tips on tweaking sRGB files for the best possible saturation and contrast when viewed online.

Exporting video from Final Cut Pro X to a window's friendly file format was causing one member problems and with deadline looming he turned to the list. Within an hour replies had come in, pointing to a couple of workarounds. By the next day the member reported to the list it was problem solved - best of all the app that had done the trick was free!

One listee faced an unusual technical issue - how to construct a rig that would slowly turn a suspended pendant or necklace for a video project? Suggestions quickly came in, with one member believing they knew just the person for the job. Another was about to embark on a job where a more familiar photographer's problem would rear it's head - how to provide good cut outs of large numbers of images. Did anyone know of a good and reliable clipping house? By the end of the day four options had been posted.

What to do when faced with a last minute cancellation? Charge your client is the simple answer, but on the subject of what percentage of the fee to charge the answers were more nuanced - considerable debate ensued on how to best protect your business interests while at the same time maintaining a good relationship with the client.

Finally, all things Apple were again a focus for discussion- one member's posting of an incredibly helpful list of the best Ipad apps he'd found turned to debate about the iPhone 4s launch. By the end of the week the news of Steve Jobs' premature passing broke and the tone changed, with many on the list moved to reflect on this sad loss and fundamental impact he had on so many of our lives.

contributed by Andrew Brackenbury - www.abrackenbury.com

PS Have you thought about joining Pro Imaging?   Our members are practicing full time professional photographers who meet a certain standard of competence and PI membership conditions. 

Enjoy the support of our international membership who can get you out of a fix 24/7 when the chips are down..... on any subject connected to the running of an imaging business in today's challenging and rapidly changing market place. You will also be playing your part in supporting the various campaigns we run on behalf of the members.