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Possible First Paying Job?

shatchshatch Registered Users Posts: 798 Major grins
edited April 17, 2007 in People
Ok...I've always shot for free. Never felt like my work was worth it. Had a neighbor call me and ask me to take some senior portraits of their son. Had a great shoot. This was my favorite of the bunch.

143727466-L.jpg
My Blog about Life:
Some of My Photos: app.electrikfolio.com/v/steven-hatch

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    gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    Beautiful...i really like the exposure.
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    NikolaiNikolai Registered Users Posts: 19,035 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    Snatch,
    Great portrait!
    Love the light!
    "May the f/stop be with you!"
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    BenA2BenA2 Registered Users Posts: 364 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    Q about lighting
    Great shot. Excellent lighting and exposure. Is that shot with a single strobe to camera right? Or is there a second strobe somewhere? Any modifiers?

    I've benn wanting to experiement with outdoor flash like this myself, but have been worried that my single 430EX may not have the power needed. I guess that's why I should get out and try.

    Thanks for posting--would love to see more.
    Ben

         www.ackersphotography.com
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    gavingavin Registered Users Posts: 411 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    Damn the light is Spot on. This would be the perfect shot if you had a relector to take that shadow out from his hat. Thats the only this that is ruining it for me.
    D700 and some glass

    www.gjohnstone.com
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    ElaineElaine Registered Users Posts: 3,532 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    Love the colors and the setting here! Everything works together really well. Looks like they should be pleased!

    Elaine
    Elaine

    Comments and constructive critique always welcome!

    Elaine Heasley Photography
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    ShepsMomShepsMom Registered Users Posts: 4,319 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    Great, great image! bowdown.gif
    Marina
    www.intruecolors.com
    Nikon D700 x2/D300
    Nikon 70-200 2.8/50 1.8/85 1.8/14.24 2.8
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    Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    Love the shot and the light - you did very nicely (for whatever my vote might be worth). Question, you shot this in the HOPE that you would get paid? This shot tells me you should've had a signed contract (or at least a verbal agreement) before shooting!

    The shadow under brim of the hat is natural and well modified. It is so common in that area (I used to live in Montana) that NOT having that shadow would be very strange looking.

    If find two things distracting in this shot: (1) the shadow line across the truck from the building to the left of the truck and (2) the white spot on his left chest. The first is there, nothing to be done about it, but I would probably clone out that white spot on his shirt.

    Also, I might crop some of the sky from the shot, especially for something like an 8x10. Something like this...

    P.S. - If you would like me to take this down, I will, but I thought it might convey my intent a bit better than words.
    Scott
    My Photos
    Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
    Equipment List - Check my profile
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    TerrenceTerrence Registered Users Posts: 477 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    Love the composition and light. Looks like you have some examples of why you should get paid for your work.
    Terrence

    My photos

    "The future is an illusion, but a damned handy one." - David Allen
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    binghottbinghott Registered Users Posts: 1,075 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    gavin wrote:
    Damn the light is Spot on. This would be the perfect shot if you had a relector to take that shadow out from his hat. Thats the only this that is ruining it for me.

    15524779-Ti.gif

    fantastic picture. this goes way beyond 'senior picture' quality!

    i would also maybe crop off a little on the right, make it more even.

    awesome work!thumb.gif
    binghott.com
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    shatchshatch Registered Users Posts: 798 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    Thanks!
    Thanks Gus, Nikolai, BenA2, Gavin, Elaine, ShepsMom, Terrence, binghott, and Scott_Quier for the compliments. It means a lot coming from such a well respected group of quality photographers. I looked in each of your websites...great work.

    BenA2. You asked about lighting. I had my son hold a 580ex camera right and triggered it with an ST-E2. (note: shooting in the sun isn't always easy with the infrared sensors...I had my son put his hand above the receiver to allow it to sit in a shadow. Seemed to help). I used no other reflectors or modifiers but did do some post work on the shadow under the brim. It was origninally very sharp and dark.

    Scott, binghott, and Gavin: Thanks for the extra critique of the small stuff. It is fun to get your reviews. It is all about the details isn't it.
    My Blog about Life:
    Some of My Photos:     app.electrikfolio.com/v/steven-hatch
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    CookieSCookieS Registered Users Posts: 854 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    No more giving it away for you * shaking finger Smiley here *
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    saurorasaurora Registered Users Posts: 4,320 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    15524779-Ti.gif This is a truly wonderful image and you should be compensated for your artistry. Wonderful lighting. thumb.gif
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    photogmommaphotogmomma Registered Users Posts: 1,644 Major grins
    edited April 15, 2007
    I absolutely love this!

    My only *minor* critique is that his feet are cut off. But then again, it's one of my few pet peeves.

    Phenomenal. And if you ever do this for free again, you're in trouble!
    Andi

    www.tippiepics.com
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    binghottbinghott Registered Users Posts: 1,075 Major grins
    edited April 16, 2007
    shatch wrote:
    Scott, binghott, and Gavin: Thanks for the extra critique of the small stuff. It is fun to get your reviews. It is all about the details isn't it.

    when you have a great photo like that, there is only small stuff to critique. thumb.gif
    binghott.com
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    Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited April 16, 2007
    binghott wrote:
    when you have a great photo like that, there is only small stuff to critique. thumb.gif
    15524779-Ti.gif
    Scott
    My Photos
    Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
    Equipment List - Check my profile
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    JESTERJESTER Registered Users Posts: 369 Major grins
    edited April 16, 2007
    They don't make Senior photos like they used to! Excellent photo. I would be proud to have this in my yearbook as my senior picture.
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    shatchshatch Registered Users Posts: 798 Major grins
    edited April 16, 2007
    RE: Shaking Finger
    CookieS and saurora, thanks for the gentle repramand, encouragement, and compliments. You both have some great photos. Fun to look at.

    photogmomma, sorry about the feet. He lost them in a tragic motorcycling accident...I mean he lost them in a tragic photo shoot. The photographer (me) just tilted the camera a little to high and BAM! they were gone. I don't know if he will ever walk again. rolleyes1.gif As I continue to learn, I keep thinking as I look through the view finder, "look again...look again...wait, is everything right? Background...trees out of ears or head? Limbs in tack? etc. Still not there yet. Thanks for your positive comments. BTW love your daily photo.

    Jester, thanks for the positive vote.


    Had a call today form the editor of a state professional magazine. He asked if I would join him at a shoot of the Mayor of my city next week for a covershot of his magazine. I told him my going rate was...Free! Did I mess up againrolleyes1.gif ?
    My Blog about Life:
    Some of My Photos:     app.electrikfolio.com/v/steven-hatch
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    gmonkehgmonkeh Registered Users Posts: 312 Major grins
    edited April 16, 2007
    If this image is an example of the quality of your work, then you're seriously undercharging :)

    Sooner or later you'll have to realize that although this is a hobby for you, it is an expensive one at that and every shutterclick you take for free is taking life away from your camera. So at least charge for equipment and travel costs.

    Lex
    http://www.reverbphotography.com
    Nikon D300
    Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D
    Tamron 28-75 f/2.8
    Nikkor 80-200 AF-D ED f/2.8
    2 Alien Bees AB800
    Nikon Speedlight SB800
    Elinchrome Skyport Triggers
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    PhyxiusPhyxius Registered Users Posts: 1,396 Major grins
    edited April 16, 2007
    I'm jumping right on the bandwagon, this is a great image! I love the colors, light and composition. I agree with Scott on the crop for an 8x10, but also in general it makes the subject a little more focused.

    Again, really nice image!
    shatch wrote:
    Had a call today form the editor of a state professional magazine. He asked if I would join him at a shoot of the Mayor of my city next week for a covershot of his magazine. I told him my going rate was...Free! Did I mess up againrolleyes1.gif ?

    YES! You deserve money!
    Christina Dale
    SmugMug Support Specialist - www.help.smugmug.com

    http://www.phyxiusphotos.com
    Equine Photography in Maryland - Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers
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    DavidSDavidS Registered Users Posts: 1,279 Major grins
    edited April 16, 2007
    Beautiful shot. I looked at the gallery of his shoot. Very nice.
    David Snook

    www.davidsnookphotography.com

    www.davidsnookphotography.com/blog





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    ElaineElaine Registered Users Posts: 3,532 Major grins
    edited April 17, 2007
    I took a look at the gallery for this young man...if this were my son, I would be happy to pay good money for this collection! They look very personal and the colors and poses and environment are all great! I think Scott Q pointed out that little logo on his shirt...it can look like a speck of something when it's not close enough to tell what it is. If it's not important, I might be tempted to remove it.
    You really need to start yourself a business, I think!
    Elaine

    Comments and constructive critique always welcome!

    Elaine Heasley Photography
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    Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited April 17, 2007
    I also went out and looked at your gallery of shots for this young man. They are all winners.

    This is, I believe, your #1 shot there. Just fantastic!
    143727493-M.jpg

    You need to start charging for this work! Get some of the money back that you've spent on your kit!
    Scott
    My Photos
    Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
    Equipment List - Check my profile
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    wingerwinger Registered Users Posts: 694 Major grins
    edited April 17, 2007
    Great shots and I echo the chorus here, you should start getting some mola to help feed your habit.

    I dont charge a ton but I charge a little and it helps pay for new equipment and other fun toys. When you take a good picture the very least people can do is help pay for your equipment if not your time.

    There is also a balance, there is one website I shoot for that a) doesnt have the money to pay any photograhpers b) i have used for over a decade for free. So I shoot for them for free, but it generates alot of sales because of the exposure I get from the site.

    So there is no magic formula here, but your work is defaintly good enough to get paid for.
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