Archives 2023

Happy Maytime Warriors!

Although the majority of the month has been rather dismal, there is lots of opportunities to grab a good photo outdoors. Morning and evenings are still your go to time-frame. Try some black & white photography to sharpen up the background, look for strong colors, or backgrounds.

Some of our recent days have been amazing in spite of the May grey. Some low clouds mixed with sun makes for exciting photos. I love clouds in my photos, it brings in some perspective and depth of field. Some dark clouds can add drama to the mix.

So, don’t worry if the day is not perfect – just find the time to go out and mix it up!

Hi all, just a quick note today. I am an avid user of professional job boards such as Bark, Shoot, Fiver, snappr, Thumbtack, etc. TheKnot is another useful professional finder. I try my best to answer as quickly as I can and pitch myself for the job. It’s a little exciting actually! Even if I do not get the job, I try my best.

Something that I have noticed among multiple boards are clients posting minimal information, or making a statement like, “looking around” or “researching.” While I want to step up and give my information right away, bid on the job even, I cannot. Using vague language does not allow for an accurate quote.

In addition, maybe you did not know this, the photographer pays for each lead. I can cost between $12 to $30 per lead (more if the photographer is more aggressive in competing). This puts a strain on the photographer’s budget. So if you wondering why you are not getting much response, it could be that it is too costly for the photographer to pay for the lead for someone “researching.” That being said, the client can always give more information, a general date (i.e. fall), or use stronger language about ready to hire. I’m personally drawn to those that say “likely to hire” or “definitely will hire.”

So far though, I have to say that using these job boards have been extremely helpful in getting jobs. This is good for both the client and myself.

Congratulations! You are well on your way to finding the perfect photo booth professional (PBP) for your event. Now that you have started searching, it’s time to prepare for your appointment. If you have done this several times over, you’re a seasoned pro. Even so, there may be a few things you missed and wish someone had given you a head’s up about.

First, talk money, that’s right, get it out of the way. The PBP will be happy to do this. Ask every conceivable question that you can. For the price, does it include the photo paper and ink? Are the props included? It might be a great assumption to think so, yet that’s not true in every case. Some PBP include basic props while charging extra for “premium props,” or props that will match your event. Ask why there are usually three tiers to just about every professional out there? Ask to view the “add-on” list. Now, that being said, there are costs that need to be covered and a business to run. I just do not want you to be surprised. If you do not see an add-on you would like to have, just ask if the PBP can get it for you. Since every PBP is all about customer service, they will likely say yes.

Something really important to the PBP is location. Bring a map of the venue (including your backyard if that’s where you are having it). If at all possible, meet the PBP at the venue to show them around. You’ll benefit from this. Both you and the PBP want this special event to go over perfectly.

Ask if the PBP has any photography experience. Most do. Not saying that someone without photography experience could not pull off the job. I am saying that someone with photography skills will be able to better navigate changing lighting conditions, etc.

General Liability Insurance – the PBP should have this. This protects both you and the PBP, mostly you. If one of the lamps should fall over and burn your shoes, improperly plugged equipment causes damage, this insurance is going to give you some peace of mind. A million-dollar policy is the norm. The policy document should name you, or the venue as an additional insured for the time the PBP is on site.

Last, for now, is the contract. Do not become alarmed, contracts have come a long way and everyone has one. Just be sure to read it, for reals. Pay attention to how your files are delivered.