Re: I finally made my decision (Computer)
Hi! PE> Ok, PE> I just ordered my new laptop from Dell. I want to thank everyone that PE> helped, it's appreciated. PE> Paul I used to have Dell Latitude LS - small one. Few years ago it was. Excellent machine that was able to take a beating of going each day with me on the train or in the car... Naturally it was used for programming, but I have very fond memory of this machine. Good choice! Boris
I finally made my decision (Computer)
Ok, I just ordered my new laptop from Dell. I want to thank everyone that helped, it's appreciated. Paul _ Tired of slow downloads and busy signals? Get a high-speed Internet connection! Comparison-shop your local high-speed providers here. https://broadband.msn.com
Re: Re: My decision...
Partially correct.Tanya is Aus $ I'm Can $ Dave Begin Original Message From: Tiger Moses <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Mon, 16 Apr 2001 09:21:26 -0500 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: My decision... At 08:10 AM 4/14/01 +1000, you wrote: >David J Brooks wrote: > >"BTW my prices are $3 per 4x6,$10 per 5x7 $15 per 8x10 and $25 per 11x14 >to cheap" > >David, I don't know what your lab charges, but the prices you just quoted >are virtually identical to what my local (non-proff.) lab charges JUST for >enlargements. ie if I were to sell any of those shots at the sizes/prices >you just mentioned, I would be selling at cost with no allowance even for >film. However, from your thread I am assuming that you are making at least >something on each of your sales, so I will leave it up to the others who >have been advising me to offer their suggestions > I think one of you is talking US$ and the other AU$ - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . End Original Message Sign up today for your Free E-mail at: http://www.canoe.ca/CanoeMail - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: My decision...
At 08:10 AM 4/14/01 +1000, you wrote: >David J Brooks wrote: > >"BTW my prices are $3 per 4x6,$10 per 5x7 $15 per 8x10 and $25 per 11x14 >to cheap" > >David, I don't know what your lab charges, but the prices you just quoted >are virtually identical to what my local (non-proff.) lab charges JUST for >enlargements. ie if I were to sell any of those shots at the sizes/prices >you just mentioned, I would be selling at cost with no allowance even for >film. However, from your thread I am assuming that you are making at least >something on each of your sales, so I will leave it up to the others who >have been advising me to offer their suggestions > I think one of you is talking US$ and the other AU$ - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Re: My decision(dave's)...
Tanya.Other than the 4x6's my reprint rates are twice that i pay the lab(i have dealt with this lab for about 4 years and are very good to me)The 4x6's are a little more.I find other equine photographers charge $5,$15,$20 and $30 respectively.My main problem is what to charge for a location shoot,keeping in mind all but 1 camera is payed for but still have to buy and proccess film etc.Does your sitting fee reflect all your costs ie:labour,film,proccessing eq payments etc??I have some people interested in having me do on site shoots for there sponsers and selves but am wrestling with a rate.Is $60 to little and $200 toi much.The season is starting next week,i have my show locxations set(on spec shots) and hope tpo generate some portrait work. All comments welcome Dave Begin Original Message From: "Tanya & Russell Mayer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Sat, 14 Apr 2001 08:10:54 +1000 To: "Pentax Discussion List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: My decision... David J Brooks wrote: "BTW my prices are $3 per 4x6,$10 per 5x7 $15 per 8x10 and $25 per 11x14 to cheap" David, I don't know what your lab charges, but the prices you just quoted are virtually identical to what my local (non-proff.) lab charges JUST for enlargements. ie if I were to sell any of those shots at the sizes/prices you just mentioned, I would be selling at cost with no allowance even for film. However, from your thread I am assuming that you are making at least something on each of your sales, so I will leave it up to the others who have been advising me to offer their suggestions fairy. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . End Original Message Sign up today for your Free E-mail at: http://www.canoe.ca/CanoeMail - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Subject: Re: My decision...
Just looked at a map. You really are off the beaten track aren't you? Tanya wrote: > > John, thank you so much for this information! Being in Mt Isa, it >becomes very >easy to "settle" for what is on offer close to home (we are >extremely isolated). > > fairy. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Subject: Re: My decision...
Jon Hope wrote: "If you are paying the above prices for re-prints anywhere in Australia you are paying way too much. Take as an example a pro lab here in Perth, Mirage Photographics (www.miragephoto.com.au) who have the following prices for prints: 6x4 $1.00 7x5 $2.40 10x8$5.70 14x11 $12.00 20x16 $23.00 If your local mini-lab is charging above this then you are getting ripped off. :-) Time to find a pro-lab with reasonable prices." John, thankyou so much for this information! Being in Mt Isa, it becomes very easy to "settle" for what is on offer close to home (we are extremely isolated). I have researched a variety of QLD labs and their prices have never been more than 1 or 2 dollars cheaper than here, so I never worried about it considering postage and time delays etc. The lab here charges the following prices: 4x6$1.00 (less if there is more than 10) 5x7$5.95 6x8$5.95 (yep, same as 5x7, as apparently they "use the same paper". 8x10 $12.95 8x12 $29.95 11x14 (I'm not game enough to ask!) Mirage photo in Subiaco has just found itself a new customer! (btw, I used to live in Subiaco!) fairy. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: My decision...
At 06:10 14/04/01, you wrote: >David J Brooks wrote: > >"BTW my prices are $3 per 4x6,$10 per 5x7 $15 per 8x10 and $25 per 11x14 >to cheap" > >David, I don't know what your lab charges, but the prices you just quoted >are virtually identical to what my local (non-proff.) lab charges JUST for >enlargements. ie if I were to sell any of those shots at the sizes/prices >you just mentioned, I would be selling at cost with no allowance even for >film. However, from your thread I am assuming that you are making at least >something on each of your sales, so I will leave it up to the others who >have been advising me to offer their suggestions If you are paying the above prices for re-prints anywhere in Australia you are paying way too much. Take as an example a pro lab here in Perth, Mirage Photographics (www.miragephoto.com.au) who have the following prices for prints: 6x4 $1.00 7x5 $2.40 10x8$5.70 14x11 $12.00 20x16 $23.00 If your local mini-lab is charging above this then you are getting ripped off. :-) Time to find a pro-lab with reasonable prices. Cheers Jon Relax! Take life as it comes, you can't chase the sun, you can't race the wind - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: Re: My decision...
Congratulations on finally deciding Tanya.I aslo read all of the replies as I am going through a similar delema my self only not with photo's of people but of our equine friends.For the past two years I practiced on our local riders working on timing framing and trying to promote my name,selling the pictures back tothe riders at my cost to re gain monies spent.The parents constently told me to charge more but as i felt i was still learning,it felt ocward to do so.Now I feel talented enough to venture into the competetive world of the equine 'pro'and started to sell some pic's from some indoor shoots this spring.I toiled with a fair price schedule,posted it with my album(i put the pic;s in an album for all to look at with a price list and order form)and still told 'your pic's are great but you'r still not charging enough'.I do not charge per hour etc just shoot on spec,post the pictures and try to promote as much as possible.Very hard for a one man operation.The plus side of all the time spent is i met a very influental coach/judge last week who liked some of my work,took 3 pictures for a magazine column he writes and will use them soon,and he asked if i would shoot pictures at his next clinic in 2 weeks. I think everyone who submits to this digest knows how hard it is to prosper in this medium but if we did not enjoy the fun aspect of it would be doing x word puzzles instead. BTW my prices are $3 per 4x6,$10 per 5x7 $15 per 8x10 and $25 per 11x14 to cheap Thanks for all the infor group Dave Sign up today for your Free E-mail at: http://www.canoe.ca/CanoeMail - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
RE: My decision...
Doug has this exactly right. It's OK to shoot lots of film because you can experiment with new ideas while you do it, but cut down on the number of shots that to give the customer. I'd say let them select from the best twenty or twenty five images. You get to use them all to build your repertoire. I don't know about anyone else but the Muse of spontaneous, creative photography is not on me every shooting session, and I have found that having a good repertoire of "formula" shots can save a session, or at least get me warmed up to the point where the creative juices can flow. Remember to work out a contract for your customers to sign and include a model release so that you can use your best work to advertise your business. I'd recommend you require payment a week or more ahead of the shoot and be sure to have a clause in the contract that says cancellations, after some point in time, will not be refunded. No ifs, ands, or buts. You can always temper that under circumstances that you may believe require compassion, but never, ever, even hint that you might do so. Sample contracts and model release forms abound on the web. Find them, modify them, and check with a lawyer/solicitor before you start using them. Len --- > -Original Message- > From: Doug Brewer [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2001 11:31 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: My decision... > > > Tanya, > > Sounds like a pretty reasonable plan, I guess. Only a couple > of things to think about: > > Plan for repeat business. Giving them 70-80 5x7's will assure > that they will be awash in photos for the foreseeable future. > Maybe forever. You have a pretty good eye, but I don't think > you're yet at the point where you can come up with 70-80 > shots that are unique and different enough from one another, > as well as photographically valid, as to warrant including them all. > > Also, you don't want to shoot your wad right away. If you use > up every single idea you have, what are you going to do next > time? A smaller number of carefully edited and arranged > portraits will work better for you, because the clients will > be impressed with your work, you leave room for reorders > (which will be non-existent if you deliver 80 5x7's), AND, > possibly most important, the client will begin to think of > the next session. > > And speaking of reprints, keep the prices up there on them. > If folks figure out that the reprints are cheaper than the > initial package, they'll cheap you on the first order and > then reorder you to death. > > Entirely up to you, > > Doug > > > > -- > Douglas Forrest Brewer > Ashwood Lake Photography > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > http://www.alphoto.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: My decision...
Tanya, Sounds like a pretty reasonable plan, I guess. Only a couple of things to think about: Plan for repeat business. Giving them 70-80 5x7's will assure that they will be awash in photos for the foreseeable future. Maybe forever. You have a pretty good eye, but I don't think you're yet at the point where you can come up with 70-80 shots that are unique and different enough from one another, as well as photographically valid, as to warrant including them all. Also, you don't want to shoot your wad right away. If you use up every single idea you have, what are you going to do next time? A smaller number of carefully edited and arranged portraits will work better for you, because the clients will be impressed with your work, you leave room for reorders (which will be non-existent if you deliver 80 5x7's), AND, possibly most important, the client will begin to think of the next session. And speaking of reprints, keep the prices up there on them. If folks figure out that the reprints are cheaper than the initial package, they'll cheap you on the first order and then reorder you to death. Entirely up to you, Doug -- Douglas Forrest Brewer Ashwood Lake Photography [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alphoto.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: My decision...
- Original Message - From: "Tanya & Russell Mayer" < Subject: My decision... I would mark up the prints a bit more, I think. Do try to work towards having your nrgatives printed as rarely as possible, they do get scratched after a few printings. Have your work done by a lab that is not competing against you for photography. The last thing you want is for your competition to be in control of your print quality and negatives. William Robb - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
Re: My decision...
Tanya & Russell Mayer wrote: > > [detailed business plan snipped] > > Lemme know what you guys think In general, it sounds like a good plan. You are putting a far more resonable price on your own time, and setting expectations appropriately. Just one place where I think you are still too cheap: > Of course, any other > enlargements/reprints will be subject to cost plus a small mark-up on my > behalf (probably 25% to 50%-ish). Start off with a *much* higher markup. And a minimum order value; it's not worth your time to process a $15 order for reprints. Every time you hand over your negatives for printing there is a chance that they could be lost, scratched, or otherwise damaged. That means you will be spending time touching up the print so that your client doesn't see the scratches. Your cost structure needs to allow for that time, so a 50% markup is far too low. > - > This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, > go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to > visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org . -- John Francis [EMAIL PROTECTED] Silicon Graphics, Inc. (650)933-82952011 N. Shoreline Blvd. MS 43U-991 (650)932-0828 (Fax) Mountain View, CA 94043-1389 Hello. My name is Darth Vader. I am your father. Prepare to die. - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
My decision...
Ok, firstly everybody THANK-YOU so much for your insightful, informative and detailed replies. I am glad to see that this topic has progressed into a full-scale discussion that can be useful for many others on the list, as well as myself. Thankyou also to those of you who have offered encouragement and also praise of my work on photo.net. I am not naive or stupid enough to consider anything I have produced to be faultless or even anything much more than amateur in its appearance, but judging by your responses, and those of the kids' parents that I have worked with, I must be doing at least SOMEthing right. It is now at a point where it is physically impossible for me to reply to you all individually. There has been such an overwhelming number of responses and posts on this topic that I just don't have the time, and with my poor neglected hubby being home, I'd soon be divorced if I even attempted it! ;-) So I will summarise by saying that I have read EACH and EVERY response and analysed them all to the "nth degree" in a bid to come to a decision about how I should approach any prospective "clients" and in what direction I should take as far as photographing for payment is concerned. I have tried to come up with a situation that will allow me to make some money, will allow me to keep my creative control, will be value for money for the client, will provide the client with portraits that are soulful, thought-provoking and very personal, will not jeopardise the standing of other photographers in town, is in line with what others in town charge, AND will offer me promotion and experience and a chance to add to my portfolio. I have considered all of your suggestions of "sales", discounts, donations, etc, etc and I have devised a plan of attack, which should in theory, provide all of the above as well as satisfy you lot as well. It is a combination of a number of the ideas input through your suggestions on PDML and will work in conjunction with fundraising efforts with my son's day-care centre I will be offering each parent a special "Exclusive" priced sitting (which must be booked and paid through the day-care centre) of $250, while stressing that payment via cash or cheque must be paid on the day of the shoot or prior (to emphasise the importance of the "special" price). For this, I will spend 2 hours with each child at their choice of location/s (petrol/travel is not an issue as it only takes 10 mins to drive from one side of town to the other, and I mean from boundary to boundary here, no exaggeration, that is how small this town is!) I will shoot 3 rolls - 2 x 24 exp colour, 1 x 36 exp b&w. The child/children/family can make use of my props/costumes etc or they can wear what they already have (this will be discussed in an initial meeting with the parents so that I know "what I am in for" and can make alternative suggestions to ensure that I have the input and the outcome that I want from the photographs). They will receive (included in the $250); a single set of all prints (except for the crap ones that I will - and always do - ditch before they see them), so about 70-80 shots in all, printed at 5x7 size. For an extra $75 they may have an 8 x 10 enlargement that is framed in a handmade, rustic style frame in their choice of coloured stain (these are beautifully constructed, high quality frames that a friend of mine is going to produce for next to nothing in a bid to promote his "rustic" furniture business). Of course, any other enlargements/reprints will be subject to cost plus a small mark-up on my behalf (probably 25% to 50%-ish). I am also looking into bulk-buying a number of basic albums to present the shots to the clients in and for them to keep. In return for their support and assistance in promoting me/my work, I will be "donating" $25 from each sitting to the day-care centre. They jumped at the chance when I offered it to them as they are constantly fundraising to try and make ends meet. When I said to them, "we only need 20 sittings and you have $500 in your pocket", without any effort on your behalf, they were extremely excited. There are over 70 kids enrolled in the centre, so 20 sittings should not be too out of reach. I will earn about $2500 after expenses, a total of about $60 per hour (about 40-45 hours shooting time), not including the work I put in at home on props/costumes/backdrops etc, which I would be more than happy with. I may also be able to increase my profit margin by approaching the lab that I use and striking up a deal for the processing and film since I will be purchasing large amounts (eg. about 40 rolls coloured film - probably Fuji reala 100, 20 rolls b&w - Kodak TCN-400, plus 5x7 printing (doubles, I'll keep one set for myself) of all of these films). This shouldn't be hard as they already offer me a discount cause I give them so much business. I look at it like this, if I can book at least 20 sittings like this, I will then have enough money to
