New York June NYC Meet-Up

Peter Wijninga said:
Bit tiring for me to follow your quest through this land...this said, if and when your partner insists on using you as the photographer, you'd be in a better position.
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Peter,

Tiring for me also. I have been active in the arts for 4 decades, but I didn't have the balls like Dan and others to go full immersion as a Pro, and I settled into working a day-job for security.

I just try to post the harsh reality of how hard it is in support of others who are also struggling.

I kinda have a love/hate relationship with fashion. It is exciting and glamorous, but in many ways not real. I don't feel like I fit in, but then again being outside my comfort zone has been a way to grow and get better.

It is a tough business and hard work.

Cal
 
"So hear is a story: imagine a big time Madison Ave firm contacting Maggie requesting a shoot specifically requesting me as the photographer. They want to lend us a $100K luxury SUV to photograph around NYC. Basically they want to lend us this SUV for a weekend, but the contract is basically they can sue me, but I can't sue them."

Sometimes paperwork can go unsigned. The old saying you get what you pay for and you pay for what you get, applies here. As such, you would require that the car come with their driver. You and Maggie don't drive the car. So it's all on them. And the agency sends someone with model and property releases. Then your invoice states that fee is for one-year reproduction rights for use as blank blank blank. And that by reproducing any images the agency is taking full responsibility for any an all liabilities and cost associated with same. Now I'm not a lawyer - so all these things are suggestions to discuss with an attorney. But, keep it simple. And here's the kicker. Shoot everything with your cellphone camera. Think of it as a fancy weekend date with Maggie - as little effort as possible. You'd probably get cool shots. Not that it matters - because all they really want is to be featured in Maggie's social media. Sometimes you have to be more creative with the deal than with the actual photos. Usuallly there's a way to swim from one shore to the other.
 
NY_Dan said:
"So hear is a story: imagine a big time Madison Ave firm contacting Maggie requesting a shoot specifically requesting me as the photographer. They want to lend us a $100K luxury SUV to photograph around NYC. Basically they want to lend us this SUV for a weekend, but the contract is basically they can sue me, but I can't sue them."

Sometimes paperwork can go unsigned. The old saying you get what you pay for and you pay for what you get, applies here. As such, you would require that the car come with their driver. You and Maggie don't drive the car. So it's all on them. And the agency sends someone with model and property releases. Then your invoice states that fee is for one-year reproduction rights for use as blank blank blank. And that by reproducing any images the agency is taking full responsibility for any an all liabilities and cost associated with same. Now I'm not a lawyer - so all these things are suggestions to discuss with an attorney. But, keep it simple. And here's the kicker. Shoot everything with your cellphone camera. Think of it as a fancy weekend date with Maggie - as little effort as possible. You'd probably get cool shots. Not that it matters - because all they really want is to be featured in Maggie's social media. Sometimes you have to be more creative with the deal than with the actual photos. Usuallly there's a way to swim from one shore to the other.
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Dan,

They did counter offer supplying a driver, and therefore taking the liability.

I also did not like the way they used the term "finished retouched images" and how they had to meet their approval. I know my limitations, if a shot needs to be rescued or has a defect I pick another shot.

I have a fashion photographer friend who basically lost money because he had to pay a graphic artist who was a photoshop specialist make the hand of a model smaller because the shot was taken with a wide. Pretty much he lost his fee and then some on that shot.

Pretty much I didn't think it was much of a good deal for me and for this job I either would have to set myself up as a LLC to protect myself and my assets or pay a lawyer to defend and protect my interests.

In my heart I knew that the fee being offered was way low and should of been at least double. These agencies claim they "have no budget," but in fact they have deep pockets. Like I said before, "They don't like paying people," especially what one is worth.

Call me a lazy slacker, but I didn't want the responsibility, nor the liability.
For this opportunity the contract was mucho huge. Funny thing is that it cost their legal department lots of money, the client kinda screwed themselves by low balling, and they wasted their own time. Ha-Ha.

Cal
 
"I also did not like the way they used the term "finished retouched images" and how they had to meet their approval. I know my limitations, if a shot needs to be rescued or has a defect I pick another shot."

This is kind of standard and generally shouldn't be a deal-breaker. I'd aks to replace "finished retouched images" with "processed raw files with basic color correction" and retouching services available at X cost per hr per image in accordance with industry standards.

When it comes to fees that are too low - I do the same things insurance companies and other businesses do to reach a specific price point - I match the level of service to the level of remuneration. So if they want to pay less, they get a bit less - and/or they have to agree to terms such as 1/3 deposit, 1/3 on shoot date, 1/3 on delivery - or whatever arrangement makes you feel comfortable with budget. If you know their budget, then you can work backwards. Then throw in something extra to make them happy - not too happy. A deal that serves both parties interest is best. One wants to be in business to stay in business. And many photographers have a separate line item for insurance cost to cover any special liability or gear coverage. As far as I can discern - there shouldn't be much liability exposure to you for a shoot like this. Besides, a liability policy isn't very expensive. Plus you could cancel the policy after a short time period. As for budget - some people have decided what the social media exposure is worth to them - whether this is fair or not is immaterial. It's all about whether you want the job. Oh well, that's how the silver halide bounces. Plus, you don't need the money - it won't change your lifestyle, so the stress might not be worth it.

What I personally enjoy is the satisfaction of rising to the challenge and complexity of a photo shoot, and exceeding expections. When you're on your A-game, it's a great feeling, and you can see the appreciation in the client's eyes - that's rewarding. And when the next assignment comes along they will require much less persuading. They almost have to use you - as using anyone else would beg the question as to why they didn't hire the guy (you) who hit the homerun last time. But in the end we go with our guts. If it's smells fishy - it might be fishy. Hard to tell sometimes.
 
Last night 510K Followers.

I received a generous gift last night, and now I have four 30x40 mats with 22x32 inch cutouts. Really perfect for my 20x30's on 24x36 sheet. This artist is moving and had these cut, but has no use for them. These mats are crazy-big.

I will miss my friend.

Cal
 
So the New York Times style feature that concentrated on "Maggie" and highlighted others was also reprinted in the weekend edition, so it was published online, during the week and in the weekend edition.

This feature also has been reposted all over the place. Last night "Maggie" had 521K followers. I didn't get a number for this morning.

Cal
 
jszokoli said:
Cal,

Lynn's New York Time piece was pushed to my iPad this morning.

Any idea on a date for July?

Joe
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Joe,

That New York Times feature kinda cements "Maggie" as a Queen Bee. I have no idea how big a bump this is going to be.

I'll set up a July thread.

Friday I'll be getting a delivery of some 2 inch wide linen tape that is archival to reinforce my book spine.

BTW the 48 inch gear set-up on my steel IBIS Mountaian Trials is like BMX gearing according to Ignazio.

I think in the fall I'll be loading the K-7 HD in the 7800 (Jersey Barrier). I bought 4 rolls of 24 inch wide Jon Cone Type 5. I owe you some printing. Pretty much the other paper I'll be using is Canson Platine Fibre Rag. Your choice.

Cal
 
Calzone said:
BTW the 48 inch gear set-up on my steel IBIS Mountaian Trials is like BMX gearing according to Ignazio.



I think in the fall I'll be loading the K-7 HD in the 7800 (Jersey Barrier). I bought 4 rolls of 24 inch wide Jon Cone Type 5. I owe you some printing. Pretty much the other paper I'll be using is Canson Platine Fibre Rag. Your choice.



Cal
Click to expand...

I moved across Europe and haven't shot much. As if organically, my shooting went dormant. Doesn't concern me really, as I was really focused on documentation as the fuel for my shooting. Oddly enough when I moved or travelled it often meant a surge of shooting.

Intead I picked up some cycling stuff. As it will be essential to commute, and I always liked retro MTB I'm learning and challenging mechanic skills. Got a Cannondale F1000 for $35 that requires a total transmission overhaul.
Those 5 arm 94/58mm chainrings are hard to find cheap. Boy, you learn what lack of proper maintenance means when picking stundents bikes...
And I'd choke the guy that replaced the FD and forks for cheapo stuff.
Will try to fix it all myself in a bike coop for less than $100. Hope not to get it stolen.


And another thread "Bob, your prints are ready".



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Prest_400 said:
I moved across Europe and haven't shot much. As if organically, my shooting went dormant. Doesn't concern me really, as I was really focused on documentation as the fuel for my shooting. Oddly enough when I moved or travelled it often meant a surge of shooting.

Intead I picked up some cycling stuff. As it will be essential to commute, and I always liked retro MTB I'm learning and challenging mechanic skills. Got a Cannondale F1000 for $35 that requires a total transmission overhaul.
Those 5 arm 94/58mm chainrings are hard to find cheap. Boy, you learn what lack of proper maintenance means when picking stundents bikes...
And I'd choke the guy that replaced the FD and forks for cheapo stuff.
Will try to fix it all myself in a bike coop for less than $100. Hope not to get it stolen.


And another thread "Bob, your prints are ready".



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Jorde,

Bob has been busy lately. These are the same prints.

Seems like you are assembling a utility bike.

Cal
 
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