Semi-Pro Model Photography

[Rozzy]

OK, so I have a friend who is very beautiful, and recently, she posted some pictures she had taken in manchester on FB.
Apparently it was in "some place in town, cant remember the name". The first print was free, but because her parents liked the shots, they paid £250 for 14.

Now im crap at this photography lark, but thanks to TP, I can look at a photograph, and be critical. And after taking a long look at these shots, I think they've been ripped off! There is underexposure, distracting bits of scenery in the way, open palms, hands and feet completely cut off, the list goes on.

My conclusion is, that with abit of a tutorial, and a cheap lighting setup, I could replicate these shots, and produce them alot better.

I just think it's rediculous that there are people out there who charge this sort of money for relative crap. She loves them, which in theory is the overall idea, but to think they could be so much better, with so little effort, it saddens me!

Anyway, than you TP, for turning me into an image snob

 

[hyakuhei]

She loves them

Job done I'm afriad, while I'm sure your right about the photography, seems to me like the customer was happy - not overcharged particularly either.

 

[a1ex2001]

My conclusion is, that with abit of a tutorial, and a cheap lighting setup, I could replicate these shots, and produce them alot better.

There in lies the crutch of the situation, you could do it they however already are. Can't begrudge them a few quid people will after all only buy something if they want it.

 

[Jelster]

If they had paid up front before seeing the pictures then they were stitched up; but if they saw the shots and then paid, they were obviously pleased to part with the money.

Depends on the terms that were agreed at the time.

Steve

 

[Deano]

Its also a case of 'beauty being in the eye of the beholder'. I have seen many portrait shots which are way 'too soft' on the eyes etc...but the 'get out' clause from the said photographer is normally 'oh, thats the effect i was trying to create'.
Its a tough call but if the customer is happy and prepared to pay, then thats a done deal.

 

[-Rob-]

Now im crap at this photography lark

My conclusion is, that with abit of a tutorial, and a cheap lighting setup, I could replicate these shots, and produce them alot better.

2 very conflicting comments you've made there. If you are crap that this photography lark then no you couldn't do any better. Far too many people think you can point a camera at someone and get a good picture just because you know a good picture when you see one.

If you think your friend has been ripped off by someone that doesn't really know what they are doing then surely you are just as bad as they are if you think you can do the same.

I've only ever done studio portraits once and I was very happy with the results I achieved however I realised immediately just how difficult it can be to get the kind of images that people would want to spend good money on to hang on the wall. If by "A bit of a tutorial" you mean full training in studio lighting and months of experience then you may become good enough one day, just don't become as bad as the person you are trying to be better than.

 

[chris250]

it's not really conflicting statements, i think it more emphasises (spelling?) the point Rozzy was trying to make.

the truth is the parents liked the shots and paid the money, to be honest with the likes of 'venture' out there they got off cheaply! lol

 

[wack61]

£250 isn't a fortune ,if they liked them they weren't ripped off, I hope you didn't stand there and point out all the technical faults in pictures they were happy with