hey folks…
I have just signed a deal that opens up many new possibilities for me.
I’m going to open a real studio space on James Street North in Hamilton. Yep. Right in the middle of the growing monthly Art Crawl here in Steeltown. The space will be above the former Ricca’s Furniture building between Robert Street and Barton Street. One block down from the Armouries. After 55 years selling great furniture, Gudio is semi-retiring and sold the building to some art minded developers.
So, this allows me to offer the photography workshops I’ve had rattling around in my head for years. I also get emails every once in a while asking about them, but renting space casually is expensive and jacks up the costs.
I plan to have some classes in late April, so if you have an interest, please use the contact form here and let me know…
planned so far…
Photo Fundamentals – some of the technical aspects you need to know.
Make Better Images at your Friend’s Wedding – using the gear you have, see how posing, lighting and a little knowledge can kick your images up a notch.
Have a topic you think warrants a class? Let me know….
yeah… I’m on a bit of theme here this week…
I am fielding some inquiries for weddings that are in a word – disheartening. As an artist it’s always tough to hear people devalue your efforts or dismiss what you do as art. It’s even tougher to hear that yours is not really a skilled profession. As if sharp scissors make for a good hairdresser.
This Youtube video made the rounds among arty professionals late last year and it makes me chuckle.
And for those who think this doesn’t happen… yes it does. Sadly.
regards,
Lorne
let me say this up front…
I’m not posting this to create business for myself. I feel I should pass it on because it’s not the first time I’ve read of this happening, and likely not the last.
I’ll start with a confession … I spend time reading through online bridal forums. There I’ve said it. Most photographers do. I do it because it educates me. It shows me the kinds of thoughts and emotions that brides go through during the planning of their wedding. Although much of what I read makes me shake my head and frustrates me, it is eye-opening.
I saw this tonight…
So I’ve had my photographer booked since October and he bailed on me last night
:(:( Says he has to go out of the country in the summer to help his Dad. My wedding is July 24th and he was giving us almost 12 hours for $XXXX with two photographers… My fiancee and I were soo excited about him because we love his work; needless to say it ruined my day yesterday.
*sigh* Just needed to let that out.. haven’t even told anyone besides the FI because I’m so bummed
Where I saw it doesn’t really matter. And I’ve xxx’d the pricing because that is not my concern here, and I don’t want to come across as bashing those who have very low pricing.
My point is this… I doubt this photographer was a full time professional. And again, not because of the lowish price, but because of the rest of his business model. If I were this client, I’d have many questions. Why don’t your business commitments trump your father’s need for help? What were the contract’s terms for canceling like this? Why can’t the second photographer photograph the wedding?
I’ll let each of you fill in those blanks. I have my guesses, but I choose not to reveal them. It would be self-serving.
Take this away from the post please.
There is a difference.
Yes, using a professional to provide *any* service is more expensive. There are reasons for this.
However, in return for your higher level of investment, meaning money, you will gain higher value and lower risk.
Please keep this in mind when comparing services and products for your wedding celebration.
thanks,
Lorne
PS… I’m puzzled by the lack and anger and shock on the part of the bride. It almost seems like it happens all the time in her circle, or she was somehow expecting this to happen.
I stumbled on this recently, and the results both surprise me and comfort me. A lot.
The numbers above the image are the ones that comfort me, By this I mean they are numbers I expected to see and believe to be true. In my experience, people do believe they look better in person than in photographs. And that 92% of the respondents have had their picture taken this year.
So, here’s how I see this from both a creative and business perspective. Despite being photographed a great deal, people are rarely photographed well. By well, I mean in such a way they are happy with the results. I see this at almost every wedding.
The 26% who list weight as the feature they dislike, again… no surprise here. For the record, I factor this unspoken fear into every portrait I make. Every one. I know how to light and pose you to minimize the flaws you feel are there, and play up the fabulous features we *all* have.
It’s really the last number I find most intriguing. And not surprising. Men are able to put aside their fears of “looking ______ ” (fill in the blank as you see fit) and just relax. Or they drink more. I’m not really sure which.
Lorne