Reply To: Common Mistakes? CC

[archy]

I think the people above either missed that you are 16 or just didn’t care. Actually, i even think that your images are more powerful than Al’s (you’re a lot of talk, sir. Sorry to say your images are boring). Sure, they have a point that you shouldn’t use facebook as your sole business page, but then again you are only 16 catering to a demographic of 16 year olds.

That being said, IF you are only catering to the younger crowd (and not the serious crowd like weddings or pregnant people or engagement couples) then keep charging what you are charging. Do not portray yourself like a real business if you do not plan to stock it and run it like a real business (i.e. Back up batteries/lenses/cameras/equipment/staff). If you think you are being short changed then stop shooting and charging people. You are learning, it’s pretty evident if you look at a very early picture vs your recent pictures. And you will get even better.

As for clients not liking their photos, i totally get it. I am one of those clients. My senior photos were amazing, they’d have been even more so if i wasn’t so…..gross. To be honest, the photographer never directed me. I was told “go sit on that stump” or “next to that wall, yeah left a little bit”. The photographer is perfectly capable of seeing the entire photo and can give great direction to make it even better for the client (mine should have said “don’t look like a fat troll eating ivy off that wall.” or “stand up straighter and look up, you look like the michelin man” ). In your photos your clients look relaxed and happy to be there, which is good. It shows that you are capable of directing them. So next time when you take a photo and if you know the person has some unresolved issues with certain flaws (acne, double chins, chunky face, big nose, …etc etc) give them some direction so you can hide the flaw in the photo. (if they have a bit of double chin have them look up at you a little. If they have fat face/big nose use short lighting. That is, shoot from the side that has the shadow. If they have acne….get them Clearasil or proactive….)

Anyway, you are doing good. Keep learning and keep your business humble until you can justify the price increase to your clients.