View Full Version : Becoming a "Party" tog...?
I read something on here the other day regarding “Party Photography” but cant remember who mentioned it, so Ill start over :)
Now, there is a town hall near me that has a do on every Saturday night, be it an engagement do, 18th birthday etc. Now how would I go about approaching them (as in the town hall) to see if they have an official “tog” for these events? I would basically be taking shots of all the people/group shots etc, and would charge very little, if anything, due to my inexperience, would be great to get some experience.
I know this could fall flat on its arse, but if you don’t ask, you don’t get ;)
Any advice? :)
marko400d
22-02-2008, 15:08
sounds like a good idea to me. good luck
Generally the venue is just that and it's up to whoever hires it to sort out everything else. You could approach the venue and see if they're willing to put your name forward as an event photographer to anyone who hires the venue.
Event work can be a mixed bag, sometimes you're rushed off your feet and sometimes you wish you'd stayed at home :(
Betty, I had exactly the same thoughts - there are a few venues close to where I live that have events like that and I wanted to get in with them too...
Maybe we could share notes?
Glitter, arent you going to the FOI show Sunday? If you are, Ill speak to you in Wetherspoons :) If not, PM me for my email address and we can share banter :)
Thanks for your advice so far everyone :)
Betty, yes I am... we can have a chat there!!! Looking forward to it x
Any more advice? I am going to visit a couple of venues tomoro :)
Keltic Ice Man
22-02-2008, 21:12
Good luck Betty, think it might have been my post that you were reading. :) http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=49713
There are a few of the shots on www.kelticrose.co.uk (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/www.kelticrose.co.uk)
Go have a talk to the venues
Walkabout lens and a flash thats all you need. Good chat up lines ;) and a good manner and its great fun
Yes it could well have been that! Thanks very much!
Have you already approached venues then? The thing I am worried about is that venues wont give me names and numbers of people that have booked parties understandably, so how else can I get my name out there? Can I ask that they suggest me to people that book the venue? :)
Ill be armed with business cards, so maybe just one night is all Ill need eh? :D
Betty, have a search for local event companies as they can be a good source of info/jobs as well.
Does your local paper do a social glossy once or month or any similar local mags? Normally the paper's staff togs get the jobs but generally hate doing it so offer the paper/mag some free shots and they might send you along to a few things (normally last minute ***).
^^^Yes they do, Ill take a look at that :thumbs:
It starts ;)
Ive been to the village hall and got the telephone number for the manager as she wasnt in. At least thats something :)
Eeeeep! Ive just called the manageress, and she has a meeting with the committee next Monday, so she wants me to get some details over to her about what it is I do, and how much I will charge for services etc!!!! Better get thinking :D:D
Jimmy_Lemon
25-02-2008, 14:11
Sounds exciting :) and good on you for approaching them :thumbs:
Hehe, thanks! Ive never done ANYTHING like this, so I really need to get my head around it :D
Generally the venue is just that and it's up to whoever hires it to sort out everything else. You could approach the venue and see if they're willing to put your name forward as an event photographer to anyone who hires the venue.
Seconded.
However, if I were the venue, I would want to make damn sure you can do what you claim you can before I would dare 'recommend' you to my prospective clients. So prepare a portfolio. They'll ask for it.
I am way ahead of you guys :)
She said she is more than happy to put my name forward to anyone hiring the hall, and I understand it is totally up to the "client" as such if they need such services.
They havent asked for any shots yet, but I am working on that. It seems unlikely the committee will ask to see anything, but like I said, I wont take that for granted :)
congrats on taking the initiative - and good luck
do post back with progress!
Thanks mmc! Will post back sometime next week as the committee meeting is next Monday! Its going to be a long and anxious wait :D
NathanJT
25-02-2008, 16:18
Congrats Betty,
This is something I'd considered doing recently but haven't managed to pull my finger out. Good on 'ya for doing so!
Way to go Betty.....
As you know I am embarking on a similar thing in the Birmingham area - so as promised we will share thoughts and tips, share best working practice etc...
x
Thanks Nathan :) My mum knows what a stubborn bugger I am, she said once I get a bee in my bonnet, nothing stops me til I get what I want :D
Honestly, just take that first step and enquire at a few town halls and such, you never know unless you try! Its given me the kick up the bum to get a portfolio done and a price list made up :)
Whens your first "do" then Glitter? :)
Not sure Dee - need to wait for the guy to come back re the rugby but I will be out and about when I get some Moo business cards done this week to a number of local venues - I am thinking the Salsa class & northen soul clubs are a good place to start!
My mum mentioned something similar at a northern soul night in Mansfield, someone had set up a backdrop and were charging £x per photo, good idea!!!! :)
Thats what I thought - being into Scooters, Vespa, Lambretta myself I know how much people adore their northern soul....
I also thought the same thing about Salsa - not when they are dancing but prior to dancing, posing in front of a backdrop.
How are you going about finding out charges.... ?
SimonTALM
25-02-2008, 18:27
Good luck - there is a fair bit of money to be made at such events and if you are a half talented phtogographer with a decent amount of sales skills this really can be a gold mine.
If you are looking at event photography you should look at the cost of hiring / buying (http://www.systeminsight.co.uk/Photo_Printers.htm)a dye sub printer and selling shots on the night. Apparently it's more profitable than simply shooting and selling via the internet. Basically it turns in to an impulse purchase more so if the there is alcohol on tap :D.
Also if you read up on it there is potentially greater profit to be made if you print all the photos and sell the prints rather than viewing on screen and printing to order. All down to the psycology of people actually being able to hold and see the finished article before handing over the cash.
Base your prices on what the event is with black tie being more expensive than a children's show but single photos between £7 to £15 are not uncommon. Remember that 3 for 2 type promotions are always a good way of getting people who would normally buy 1 to pay for 2 (the cost to you of printing 3 rather than 2 is marginal).
Just remember to tell the tax man and that equipment costs are offsetable against tax though an accountant will help here.
Have a poke around this site : http://www.systeminsight.co.uk/Professional_Dye_Sublimation_Top-Tips.htm they have some hints and tips - they also run courses and such like, I've never had any dealings with them so it's not a recommendation.
Good luck anyway, let us know how it progresses.
Thanks for that Simon and John-oh :)
Deb, I am going to have a nose around the tinterweb tonight for guide prices, the first few events I get (if any :D) will be testing the water so will prob be heavily discounted :)
i'm surfing too Dee - its nice to be able to share findingswith eachother.
Keltic Ice Man
25-02-2008, 21:41
im v interested in starting up in the borders region, pricing seems to be the difficult bit.
That along with the getting business
Printing on the night - might be a good idea, but I think you would need 2 folks to be able to pull that off.
In terms of the legal side - can anyone help? (Tax man was mentioned above)
For my first few events, as I mentioned earlier, prices will be very low, and Ill be lucky to make a small margin, if one at all. Ill still charge for my time, but I wont aim to make any money from prints or albums, better get the experience first.
With regards to the legal side, I work for a firm of accountants, so they can fiddle my earnings :D Just joking, but I do have that on my side at least. I am sure I read somewhere earnings under a certain limit dont have to be declared if you are working for yourself, I could be wrong though.
Betty if the committee say it's OK for the manageress to pass on recommendations.. why don't you give her a stack of business cards to pop in with any mail correspondence she makes with potential clients, or indeed to give them in person. Make sure your card has a web link on it to your best work in this field as well as the rest of your contact info ;).
And good luck :clap:
Thanks for that Jo, I already have some cards made, but no website at the moment, I cant afford to pay anyone right now :lol:
But I am taking it all on board :thumbs:
ConfusedChicca
26-02-2008, 09:37
I do nightclub/event photography every week... and as was said earlier it's either really busy or really dull. All depends on the crowd really.
What I must stress is that you must be very calm and patient, as you will get "Oi-Oi'd", grabbed and sworn at by people at various points, due to the wonder that is alcohol.
I'm proud to say I've not hit anyone yet lol, I've had a few people ejected from clubs though!
Thanks Chicca, I doubt it will be *that* rowdy at a birthday party, but its something to bear in mind :lol:
ConfusedChicca
26-02-2008, 10:18
Anywhere where people consume alcohol means at least 1-2 people will be overly drunk and a bit lairy. I've worked at small, family only events and been called some terrible names!
Seriously? Thats a bit worrying. Not that it would bother me, but why on earth would people want to abuse you? Makes no sense :(
Anyways, Ive emailed the village hall just now. Not expecting a reply until next Monday, but hey, the ball is in motion :D
ConfusedChicca
26-02-2008, 11:32
They might get back to you sooner, if they have events on this coming weekend they'll most likely check their emails.
The "reason" I get hassled at work is because either people want their picture taken and can't wait til you've finished taking someone else's, or they don't want their picture taking. In the first instance, just take their pic and then delete it. In the second instance, all you can do is be polite and leave them alone. They usually come back later and want lots of pictures taking.
The reason they wont get back to me sooner is because the hall is charity run, and everything has to go to a committee, the next meeting being next Monday :) They might *read* the email sooner, but wont reply straight away :)
Ill no doubt take hundreds of pics on any given night, but thats not to say Ill use all of them. Ill certainly delete the ones of people acting the arse :D
ConfusedChicca
26-02-2008, 11:40
Ignore my negativity anyway... because the truth is you'll meet some lovely people, and being able to record people's night out/party makes them, and you, smile.
Aw bless :) To me, thats what its all about. I LOVE looking back on my own photos of nights out, if I can make myself smile without making the effort, imagine what I can do for someone when I am putting in 110% effort. And with a much better camera and kit :D
Well kinda got my first gig today :) Only from a woman at work, its her sons May Ball, she wants pics of him and his mates with their dates and the limo :D
Will hopefully be hearing from the village hall tomoro as well :)
NathanJT
03-03-2008, 16:00
Congrats :D
Onwards and upwards as the say!
Indeed! Ain't no stopping me now :D
Thanks Nathan :thumbs:
Jimmy_Lemon
03-03-2008, 16:06
Yay! Sounds good :)
Ok, the meeting was on Monday, and Ive not heard anything, I am hoping its not bad news :p
Should I call them to gee them along a bit? Not sure what would be taking so long :/
Betty, give them until the end of the week
Just quick update, I still havent heard back from the village hall, so Ill call her this afternoon.
Ive also managed to place an ad with our local community magazine offering portraits. I need the experience, so I wont be charging for my time, just for prints, if anyone wants any of course :)
I have mentioned on here before that I once worked with a semi pro. His approach to this was to first get your permission, Then he just wandered around the venue snapping away at the guests, he then made a contact sheet of each film, cut them up to individual shots placed them into a small cheap plastic frame and sold them for 10/-0, 50p. With the photographs being ready, and on display within the hour, this caused a lot of interest.
But not a lot of money, but he did make some good money on the enlargements. And with most of the guests having had a drink he said it was a very easy way of making some cash. This is going back to the days of film, it would be much easier to do now.
Best of luck if you give it a try.
Double_Agent
10-03-2008, 12:55
Please all bare in mind that any secondary earnings will have to be declared as you have already been allocated your allowance and will be paying Tax and National Insurance based on your main earnings.
Not wanting to put a damper on this but you CAN get yourself into serious trouble if earnings are not declared as income and you are found out at a later date.
A good accountant should be able to offset any profits against the equipment etc.
Thanks Double Agent, I currently work for an accountants, so nothing to worry about on that front :)
Ive called the village hall for an update, apparently she never made it to the meeting last week and wasnt sure if anyone put the idea forward, she has to wait for the minutes of the meeting to come back, hey ho. If they say no, they are still happy for me to advertise on their notice boards, that'll do me :)
Ive given up on the village hall, too much red tape I imagine :( Ill still get the advert put on on their notice board mind :)
Got a late birthday present today, an uber reflector! Its huuuuuuuuuuuuuge :D
NathanJT
13-03-2008, 16:06
That's a shame Betty. You never know, they might come back to once they've had time to go over it?
She did say she would let me know, but who knows how long that will be :D
Proactive, not reactive is the key here I think ;)
redeyeshev
14-03-2008, 10:07
That's a shame, Betty. But don't worry, these things often take time to deliver results, but at least you've got your name out there "in the loop" which is a great step forward. You never know, you may get a call or email out of the blue in a few months because of the groundwork you've done now!
Does anyone know what the score is with release forms for this sort of shoot/event? I've shot sports before and got all team members to sign a release each, it's good to be safe but it really kills any atmosphere having to fill out forms!
Is there an easier way to get everyone released possibly an agreement with the hirers that consent is given by attending the party?
Any ideas or tips would be welcomed!
I hadnt given that any thought to be honest.
So what do wedding togs do different? They dont get the whole family and Great Aunt Nellie to sign forms do they? :D
redeyeshev
14-03-2008, 11:11
I read that weddings are an exception because they are so often photographed and guests expect it.
elektro13
16-03-2008, 16:55
wow well done guys, wish i could pull my finger out and do a bit of this on the side, must be a good experience builder :D
Whats stopping you Elektro? I cant wait to get started properly, I am trying to get a little studio together at the moment and its going to be great :D
Betty don't write off the website aspect as it being expensive.
There are plenty of low cost ways to do your own website, fair enough it may not be beautiful and as flash as others but as long as its simple, to the point and does what it says it does.. who is to say its rubbish.
I done mine throu MS Frontpage, its all drag and drop stuff and adding links etc. Once you can get to grip with the basics you can improve every stage.
Even if you could use a online photobook to display your work.
I use JAlbum as a means to display my pictures, you drag and drop the images in and it makes the album, then you just drop it onto your web hosts server.
I am still learning mine, and I have moved onto Dreamweaver to further improve my skills and also the design of my website. I would not call myself a pro or an expert and my web skills are limited.
have a look at www.mykweb.co.uk
I am planning getting into this feild as well, to put my skills out there and gain some extra pennies for equipment.
I have my sisters graduation coming up, going to take my camera along and get some snaps and offer my services to some of her friends. ;)
Mike
Thanks Mike, the website has been put on hold for the time being, but I have more options now, thanks :thumbs:
Eeep, the mag comes out tomoro, wonder if Ill have a flood of calls, or none at all? :D
Quick update, Ive got a studio kit on the way, and I have two customers! :)
Ive printed some flyers and I am going to get them up in leisure centres and such this weekend :)
Eeeeep! Studio kit has arrived :D
And got a 50th birthday party tomoro night totally out of the blue! Where I work, we have a new receptionist, her husband is a DJ and wants some promotional shots, and is doing a gig for a friend so Ive been invited along! Ill go armed with my business cards ;)
Good luck - there is a fair bit of money to be made at such events and if you are a half talented phtogographer with a decent amount of sales skills this really can be a gold mine.
If you are looking at event photography you should look at the cost of hiring / buying (http://www.systeminsight.co.uk/Photo_Printers.htm)a dye sub printer and selling shots on the night. Apparently it's more profitable than simply shooting and selling via the internet. Basically it turns in to an impulse purchase more so if the there is alcohol on tap :D.
Also if you read up on it there is potentially greater profit to be made if you print all the photos and sell the prints rather than viewing on screen and printing to order. All down to the psycology of people actually being able to hold and see the finished article before handing over the cash.
Base your prices on what the event is with black tie being more expensive than a children's show but single photos between £7 to £15 are not uncommon. Remember that 3 for 2 type promotions are always a good way of getting people who would normally buy 1 to pay for 2 (the cost to you of printing 3 rather than 2 is marginal).
Just remember to tell the tax man and that equipment costs are offsetable against tax though an accountant will help here.
Simon
Super information. A friend and I conquered a prom last night. Again, being organised for event photography is the big thing. I've done it for a couple of years now so can work under the pressure.
Last night we were selling 8 x 6 prints in a strut for £8.00, or 10 x 8 for £12.00 and we went through them like there was no tomorrow!
Again - dye sub printers came into play here and we were able to take the images, edit, select with client and print in under a couple of minutes.
Being quick and handy on the computers / PS does help too - especially when you have a constant stream of cards / images to work with and impatient kids around your feet :lol:
Send me a PM Betty if you want any advice on equipment / setups etc :)
Lee
Wow, thanks Lee! Dont think I could manage something like that on my own mind ;)
Plugus Maximus
20-04-2008, 22:44
This is something I'm also seriously considering.
If you're printing on the night speed is of the essence ... are you shooting RAW and having to process images? Is this a single person operation?
A phtography company near me has the best local bars sewn up with this type of event photography but I have a few options up my sleeve. I guess I'm a little wary about going it alone when I'm competing against companies such as this: http://www.snappedout.com/
By the way the white balance isn't wrong in the photos ... everyone in West Essex in the trendy bars are David Lloyd orange!
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