Professional Photography

[Afterglow_lj]

As of yet I have only ever taken pictures of myself - I enjoy it as an art, and would like to take it to the next level. I'm curious if anyone has any experience with professional photographers what to and what not to look for. As well, if anyone has specific recommondations in Calgary, AB that would be great too.

 

[CTYankee]

Negotiate ownership of the images BEFORE the shooting starts.

Know whether or not the photographer expects to retain ownership of the images (and the right to publish them elsewhere).

Some photographers (myself included) will expect this. If anyone wants me to give up all future rights to an image, the price goes WAY UP. I'll typically provide a disk of post-processed images and/or a select number of prints -- depending on the agreement. But the images themselves remain mine.

If you're super paranoid about where the images will go, don't let the photographer copy them to a computer and/or subsequently burn a CD/DVD for you. Instead, ask the photographer how many, what size and what kind of memory cards he/she will need, and buy/provide them yourself. Then just take the cards with you at the end of the shoot.

The down-side to this approach is that much of the artistry involved in making a really *fine* photo comes in the post-processing (i.e., what is done to and with the images AFTER they're shot). If you're selecting and hiring a photographer based on the END RESULT of their work, you won't get that level of product if you don't let the photographer work on the images after they're made.

Consider having a chaperone at the shoot. If you feel the least little bit of come-on from the photographer, then it's no longer a business relationship. Decide how to proceed accordingly.

And *definitely* hire a stylist if you can afford one. The stylist's job is to worry about making YOU look your best (hair, makeup, unsightly folds/tucks/bunches in any clothing or accessories, etc.). The photographer is worrying (or *should be* worrying) about exposure, lighting ratios, reflectors, focal lengths, depth of field, framing, viewing angles, etc. He can't do BOTH jobs well all by himself. Sometimes a trusted friend can do the job of both stylist and chaperone.

Hope that helps.

 

[Dionysian Beast]

As of yet I have only ever taken pictures of myself - I enjoy it as an art, and would like to take it to the next level. I'm curious if anyone has any experience with professional photographers what to and what not to look for. As well, if anyone has specific recommondations in Calgary, AB that would be great too.

I know someone who does pro photo shoots, but she's based in Edmonton. She does come around these parts, though, so I'll ask her.

 

[JimNasium]

I would recommend you try out ModelMayhem.com

It is a site that lets photographers and models find each other. Most people on both ends are serious hobbyists. You could find some people doing good work that would want to do something with you for their portfolio. Best of luck to you!

 

[Afterglow_lj]

Thanks for the website and the tips - I really appreicate it