First Graduation Gig

[RonB]

Richard,

Instead of "envisioning", ask if that is what they have in mind. Around here some are grip and grin as you mention, and some prefer to have more of a portrait done.

A background with a 2 light set up is what I've used. Pricing is about what I charge for a sports package, maybe a buck or two more ..just swap the team for an individual .. no mounts.

If you really want a good sell, send order envelopes home maybe a week early, let them chose from 2-3-4 packages and enclose the payment .. bet you'll get a much better return than with web sales.

RonB

[emocmo]

My friend is in charge of the PTO at the local middle school. They have asked me to shoot their graduation. I envision a very simple "grip and grin" type of thing--and post the shots on my web site.

Now, I generally don't shoot anything without a goal or ball involved, so this is new.

I was planning on doing it pretty straightforward with my D1h and SB28DX flash.

Any help/hints on technique, lighting, or pricing is deeply appreciated.

Richard

Richard Orr Sports

[ April 30, 2002: Message edited by: emocmo ]

[TMitchell]

Richard,

As the owner of some "grip and grin" shots from my own youth, let me suggest that if you are just going to the use the X with 1 flash, at least get it off of the camera and put some diffusion on it. It's amazing how much of a difference it will make, and with TTL, it'll be almost as simple. Also, it might be helpful to find out why they didn't call last year's guy back. Whenever I step into a situation where I'm following the work of someone else, I always try to find out why the former relationship was terminated, and what they both liked and disliked about working with them. A horribly common complaint generally has little to do with the quality of the photos, but rather with dealing with the photographer themself. "He would never call us back." "We waited months just for proofs." This happens alot in our field but there are so many amateurs who get in and out of the business very quickly, perhaps with a good understanding of photography, but a poor understanding of photographic business. At any rate, they may be looking (hoping?) for some specific quality issues.

I don't know if any of this helps, but best of luck. Let us know how it turns out.

TM

[emocmo]

Thanks for the response....

I was going to try to get into the gym to see what I can do with the lighting. I have a bracket and TTL cord, so I will get the light off the camera. I was also thinking of using a Stofen as well...but I have to get some test shots out of the way.

I'm not even sure if there was a guy there last year. I think there was just a general discussion about how the parents couldnt get good shots because of the pool of folks gathered at the base of the stage...

I am sending out a flyer/brochure through the school to sell the shots on line. If there is any kind of reception afterwards, I can set up a PC and take orders there. Turn around shouldn't be an issue as I do tournament stuff pretty regularly--I'm used to pretty quick response.

I do appreciate all of your comments. This is a first for me, but who knows--perhaps I can make money without the picture inlcuding a stick or ball or motorcycle...what a country!

Richard