GKPE: General Ramblings thread

[theflyingkiwi]

nice shots there Tony. It would have been nicer to see cleaner water, or should I say water that's doesn't look like crap.

I wish I could give ya some pointers but unsure of what to do to make it better

getting back to my frav subject, ME :) does anyone know a good place to get some photos printed on line, that does canvas. got a friend that says she wonts to buy a couple of photographs, depending on the price

[scotttnz]

Tony, you already know what I am going to say about the waterfall shots.....don't you?

[weka2000]

Tony, you already know what I am going to say about the waterfall shots.....don't you?

Consider the grennery as a frame :p

[Wazza]

Wazza, I take it from your comments and sig that you and Kirst have parted ways?

Sorry to here that, you seemed good together.

I hope we still see you around!

No, I didn't mean that.

Just I need to show more appreciation to the closer ones in my life.
:cool:

[::John::]

Consider the grennery as a frame :p

LOL

Good answer!

I suspect he was going to mention the rule of thirds again but I liked your response.

[weka2000]

nice shots there Tony. It would have been nicer to see cleaner water, or should I say water that's doesn't look like crap.

I wish I could give ya some pointers but unsure of what to do to make it better

getting back to my frav subject, ME :) does anyone know a good place to get some photos printed on line, that does canvas. got a friend that says she wonts to buy a couple of photographs, depending on the price

Best to go after its raining about 2 days but its not as dramtic. The water raises and lowers just as fast.

[calicokat]

i love the fall, football dominates everything :)

[weka2000]

Moppie here yo go

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Digital-cameras/Over-6-megapixel/auction-69256132.htm

[theflyingkiwi]

hey, some of you that I meet at the studio season may have hurd me talk about a company that does big printing. the company is called big posters

URL: http://www.bigposters.co.nz/index.html

they are just around the corner from me

[MHP]

hey, some of you that I meet at the studio season may have hurd me talk about a company that does big printing. the company is called big posters

URL: http://www.bigposters.co.nz/index.html

they are just around the corner from me


you're now officially a legend!! I spent hours one day searching for this kinda thing, ended up with having to print and mount at different places :-(. do you know what the print quality is like?

thanks!

[Nzshrimper]

i love the fall, football dominates everything :) southern Cailforina... is that near auckland...? and whats the fall...

[weka2000]

southern Cailforina... is that near auckland...? and whats the fall...

Fall is autum, you werent paying attention at school were you :p

[weka2000]

Same spot 6 months apart. More room to compose shots when there is less water.

[FlyingPete]

Uh oh, not even a day old and it has already started :shock:

http://www.lowden.orcon.net.nz/Pinky.jpg

World domination must be genetic, wrong finger though :o

[Nzshrimper]

Fall is autum, you werent paying attention at school were you :p nope we spoke english at school... lol i bet football is not soccer when its fall too... ;)

[Nzshrimper]

Uh oh, not even a day old and it has already started :shock:

World domination must be genetic, wrong finger though :o

hmm i see a lefty... you must be very proud... best of luck .

[FlyingPete]

hmm i see a lefty...

Um not about left or right here, a nice portrait of me taken some time ago as a clue:
http://www.lowden.orcon.net.nz/PeteEvil.jpg

[Nzshrimper]

"one millllion dollars....." ;)


oh well better get a coffee in before top gear starts..

[MHP]

that's scary !

[Moppie]

Uh oh, not even a day old and it has already started

LOL!
Thats cute and scary all at the same time!

[iKirst]

Uh oh, not even a day old and it has already started :shock:

~image~

World domination must be genetic, wrong finger though :o She's adorable, Pete. Congrats to you, Shona and wee Elizabeth. May your joy be plentiful, your nights be sleepful (yeah right) and both apples of daddy's eye be angels at 16....
The photo may suggest this tiny tot already has other ideas, though ;)

[theflyingkiwi]

haha, peter it's good to see that she has already high plans in taking over the world. Just let her know that 1million dollars isn't going to be worth that much in the future.

Top Gear, hmmmm car porn.

[Nzshrimper]

and good car porn it is...

[theflyingkiwi]

have you ever watched Fifth Gear. It's also another UK car show. The format is kinda different. They also give away cars. Some times it could be a new Ford Focus RS or it also could be a classic Jaguar. It's another good show to watch

[Nzshrimper]

have you ever watched Fifth Gear. It's also another UK car show. The format is kinda different. They also give away cars. Some times it could be a new Ford Focus RS or it also could be a classic Jaguar. It's another good show to watch i did but Quintin and tiff just get on my nerves... i mean how can you beat setting fire to a carwash.. or using a jumbo to blast cars in to next week.. :D :D

[theflyingkiwi]

i did but Quintin and tiff just get on my nerves... i mean how can you beat setting fire to a carwash.. or using a jumbo to blast cars in to next week.. :D :D

That's ture. Just wait and see what they do with the caravans this season. Knowing clackson you know it's going to be funny.

[tag141]

The old, old Top Gear with Tiffany Dell. I only used to watch it for Vicky Butler-Henderson.

[Nzshrimper]

The old, old Top Gear with Tiffany Dell. I only used to watch it for Vicky Butler-Henderson. she just distracted you from the car porn thou..

[weka2000]

Got to love telephoto

[theflyingkiwi]

The old, old Top Gear with Tiffany Dell. I only used to watch it for Vicky Butler-Henderson.

You should watch Fifth Gear then :)

[Nzshrimper]

Got to love telephoto nice crop...

[scotttnz]

Tony, next time don't crop it, compose it before you press the button! I would have put the bird on the other side of the frame, looking into space. (But I'm sure the bird would have turned and looked the other way just as I preesed the shutter!)

Nothing is good enough for me is it!

When is your 5D going to be up for sale?

[weka2000]

Tony, next time don't crop it, compose it before you press the button! I would have put the bird on the other side of the frame, looking into space. (But I'm sure the bird would have turned and looked the other way just as I preesed the shutter!)

Nothing is good enough for me is it!

When is your 5D going to be up for sale?

Umm Scott you are makeing it dam hard for me to be perfect but try this on for size

Oh 30D and 5FPS :lol:

[weka2000]

5D for sale...well funny you should mention that Im starting to eye up a 1Ds either the 11mp or 16mp. Spoke to a pro tonight who has 2 16mp and had 2 of the 11mp.

After todays waterfall trip and the rain there was so may shots I could have gotten in the rain with a 1Ds and 24-70L and not have worried about getting them wet.

I found that if you set the 30+Bigma to TV mode you win :)

[IainB]

With attitude, the youngest definatly takes after me. You should have seen their rain drenched faces now I now why I need a 1D. They looked so sorry for them selves. I beat you in 20yrs they will still remember it.

I know I will :lol:

Fantastic! That's what children of today need - that fabulous 'in your face' experience of the outdoors - even if it is feeling the rain on your face, kicking through puddles or what ever. Through a 'lifetime' of teaching, I've seen too many children wrapped in cotton wool, or becoming zombies in front of the box! They WILL remember this sort of outdoors stuff you are doing. Starting young is vital. Why, contact Pete - you can take Rebecca along next time! :D

[scotttnz]

Nice one Tony! If I was being really fussy (who me?) I would say that I like the pose in the first one beter, but the composition and exposure of the second.

[CliveyBoy]

Umm Scott you are makeing it dam hard for me to be perfect but try this on for size:lol:

In the first shot, the well-lit branch is the subject, and the bird merely incidental. I would try a vertical crop, cutting off the small branch to the right.

The lighting in the second shot emphasises the bird much better, but I would still try vertical to remove the excess background.

[tag141]

Fantastic! That's what children of today need - that fabulous 'in your face' experience of the outdoors - even if it is feeling the rain on your face, kicking through puddles or what ever.

You can get 'In Your Face Experience II" on Playstation now can't you? ;) I believe it's coming out on PSP in a few months!!!

Get them out there. How many times did we stay in when we were children? I can't really remember ever sitting in front of the TV.

[weka2000]

You can get 'In Your Face Experience II" on Playstation now can't you? ;) I believe it's coming out on PSP in a few months!!!

Get them out there. How many times did we stay in when we were children? I can't really remember ever sitting in front of the TV.

I was a country boy, always looking at discovering the next thing I could. Even now TV isnt that much of an intrest. I rather go discover something. Ive seen more of Mangere since Ive got a camera than in the 9years Ive lived here.

Mind you for me its a passion for others a hobbie.

[weka2000]

How many of you own a photo printer. I am trying to work out if its worth getting one that will do up to a A4

[theflyingkiwi]

have ya got any idea what make and model you are looking at?

I have got a canon ip4000, which does a nice job. show it to a non photographer and they are supprised that I can print photo quailty at home.

[FlyingPete]

How many of you own a photo printer. I am trying to work out if its worth getting one that will do up to a A4

Yeah I have a Epson Photo Printer, does up to A3, has been gathering dust for the last two years for the following reasons:

Running Cost
Longevity (I don't care what they say, they fade in direct light)
Colour Calibration - what a pain
Wastage (If it is wrong I have to pay for it)
And the number one reason - Prints are so cheap from labs, Harvey Norman is permanently doing 6x4's at 29c, they do a 8x12 for $12.95, I get my ink jet to run at those costs

[weka2000]

have ya got any idea what make and model you are looking at?


I a just toying weather its worth getting 1. Petes experences are the same as my thinking. The running costs dont warrent it.

[theflyingkiwi]

that I can understand, 29c for 6x9 photo. that would be cheaper than a home printer.
However I don't print alot so I am not worried. Plus the printer does do other stuff. it can also print on cd/dvd which is useful for me.

[NordieBoy]

that I can understand, 29c for 6x9 photo. that would be cheaper than a home printer.
6x4

[theflyingkiwi]

ehh you know what I mean :)

[tag141]

6x9 - car speaker sized prints ?

I have an epson r310 photo printer. Only $300 ish $$. Prints are superb. Does a lot more than just borderless A4 as well. Like...prints letters, envelopes, CDs, can print direct from the camera (why you'd want that I don't know) also straight from cards. has separate ink tanks etc. running costs for are good.

[MHP]

r310 here too

[FlyingPete]

Current Harvey Norman Print costs are:
6x4 - 0.29
5x7 - 1.95
6x8 - 3.95
8x10 - 10.95
8x12 - 12.95
10x12 - 19.95
12x18 - 24.95

If you let them know you are serious about photography they will calibrate the machine and try some test prints. Andrey and Botany is particularly good, he takes his work seriously :D Frogprints is cheaper at sizes larger than 6x4, but I have found that if you have a bunch of shots they will do a deal, they also do 12x18, frogs biggest real photo print is 10x15.

They also have all the above paper sizes in gloss and matt loaded into the machine at once. One of the issues I have had at Frogprints for quick drop off work is their machine appears to only take one roll size at a time, and either gloss or matt, at Harvey Norman I turned around 120 prints including an 8x12 the other day in less than half and hour, and while I waited I played with their camera gear they had in stock :D

[Nzshrimper]

went down the same road about replacing my printer .. just not worth it .. The ink fades and is too expensive - paper is expensive and as i think has been said if you stuff up it all comes into your margins.. Plus the printers at Harvey Normans much better than the $500 printers that we all look at..


cant go wrong for 29 cents.. So i just kept my laser for printing docs and use Harvey Norman for the prints... they even off a bulk rate if you talk to them nicely... ;)

(it also gives you an excuse to play with the toys while you wait)... :cool:

it works out that a canon ip4000 costs 45 cents all up for the 6x4 prints and a A4 print is closer to $4 per sheet. (not withstanding any mistakes). (thats using good paper and the original ink.) you also have to take into account for calibration and head cleaning which all adds to cost. Ill try and find the costing sheet that PC world did on printers and ink when printing photos. it was a good read.

right back to work.... :p

[weka2000]

I will give Havey ago, I better leave my credit card at home, may come out with a new bedroom suite last one I looked at was $6500 :rolleyes:

[Moppie]

I will give Havey ago, I better leave my credit card at home, may come out with a new bedroom suite last one I looked at was $6500 :rolleyes:


You can get some nice glass, or a used 1D MKII for that kind of money. Why would you want to spend it on a bed??

Oh yeah, thats right, I would have had a 20D last year if I had kept my old bed, but then I would be the only one sleeping in it. :o

[weka2000]

You can get some nice glass, or a used 1D MKII for that kind of money. Why would you want to spend it on a bed??

Oh yeah, thats right, I would have had a 20D last year if I had kept my old bed, but then I would be the only one sleeping in it. :o

Um let see

photography + wife + matching new bedroom suite ;)

[Moppie]

photography + wife + matching new bedroom suite

= to much information........... :o


:lol: :lol: :lol:

[FlyingPete]

Um let see

photography + wife + matching new bedroom suite ;)

Keeping the studio lights then...

Opps, as Moppie put it TMI :shock:

[NordieBoy]

Frogprints is cheaper at sizes larger than 6x4, but I have found that if you have a bunch of shots they will do a deal, they also do 12x18, frogs biggest real photo print is 10x15.
DigitalMax is cheaper than the Frog at larger sizes.

[MHP]

what do you guys think of this?

[NordieBoy]

The moon is a bit pixellated around the edges.
Other than that, it's cool :)

But if that's the camera, what did you take the photo with?

Spooky.

[DiscoLizard]

I've never really watched much Dr Who, but that's what it made me think of.

I like the puppeteer/magician sort of look :)

[Moppie]

Needs more space for the camera at the bottom of the frame.
At the moment it just looks like a photoshop photo of a guy dropping a very expensive camera :)
Altough the concept is very cool. 8:

[OiPaz]

But if that's the camera, what did you take the photo with?
By magic, of course! :)

[MHP]

cheers guys, food for thought. i want to keep square, so rather then 'drop the camera'(who said that!!) maybe putting a table in might help??

thanks for the input :-D

[FlyingPete]

what do you guys think of this?

Cool! But second comment about moon, select the layer and do a feather and delete the "background" that will smooth it off nicely :)

[weka2000]

Tonights effort......The 30D + Bigma I think I got it nailed :lol:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1969446#post1969446

[MHP]

cheers, the moon's sweet-this image shown is a screen shot of the image opened in p.s. it just went a bit funny at that visual size on screen. thanks for pointing it out all the same though as it could well have been a dodgy one :-)

[dgcorner]

Off to camp tomorrow morning. "See" you all on Sunday... I just hope that there aren't 35 pages to catchup on... I'll just probably ask if I missed anything... ;-)

[theflyingkiwi]

John, what you need is a RSS feed (or what ever it's called) to your cellphone :) that way you can keep up with us when you are at work and in this case at camp. :) You could even txt a repsonce. Just remember to take your camera :) I am sure there will be things worth shooting.

[OiPaz]

Anyone here knows the guys of Auckland Photographic Society?
I went to their meeting, last Thursday, and I found a pleasant environment, some stunning photos and a list of interesting contests and things. So I wrote an eMail requesting information about membership, but so far I've received no answers.

[tim]

Clubs can take a while to reply - everyone's a volunteer. You're probably better off asking at a meeting.

[OiPaz]

Clubs can take a while to reply - everyone's a volunteer. You're probably better off asking at a meeting.
OK, thanks.
Too bad: I wanted to take part in their next contest! ;)

[Nzshrimper]

whoho... just got my website address sorted (domain name), www.chrisbennett.co.nz (http://www.chrisbennett.co.nz) just need to set up my web page.. (oh and take some decent photos for it)

next weekends project (the set up) it could take some time to get the photos..

any ideas on good hosts and est on pricing..

[rodin1960]

you're now officially a legend!! I spent hours one day searching for this kinda thing, ended up with having to print and mount at different places :-(. do you know what the print quality is like?

thanks!

Hi, I've had photographs enlarged at Big Posters. They were great! I had them print my photo onto canvas A2 size and one mounted onto semi gloss (photo quality paper) A1 size. They were very helpfull and quick! Hope this helps. :D

[scotttnz]

Hi, I've had photographs enlarged at Big Posters. They were great! I had them print my photo onto canvas A2 size and one mounted onto semi gloss (photo quality paper) A1 size. They were very helpfull and quick! Hope this helps. :D

Cool, I want to get some canvas prints done sometime!

Welcome to POTN rodin1960. Where in NZ are you?

[FlyingPete]

whoho... just got my website address sorted (domain name), www.chrisbennett.co.nz (http://www.chrisbennett.co.nz) just need to set up my web page.. (oh and take some decent photos for it)

next weekends project (the set up) it could take some time to get the photos..

any ideas on good hosts and est on pricing..

I was going to say get the dot com as well, but it is taken :o

[FlyingPete]

Hi, I've had photographs enlarged at Big Posters. They were great! I had them print my photo onto canvas A2 size and one mounted onto semi gloss (photo quality paper) A1 size. They were very helpfull and quick! Hope this helps. :D

Welcome on board!

Are you also from Hamilton by any chance (that is where Big Posters is, as I saw them last time I was down there - wanted to stop but didn't have time :rolleyes: ).

[Nzshrimper]

I was going to say get the dot com as well, but it is taken :o yep some woman in the states (a singer) right have to launch a coupe to get that as well... ;)

[FlyingPete]

yep some woman in the states (a singer) right have to launch a coupe to get that as well... ;)

Actually that would be my 'Hot tip for the Day':

Get you name as a dot com or dot co before someone else does! Especially if you are considering taking up Photography at least semi-professionally, in photography it is all about your name!

They don't cost that much, and once they are gone, they are generally gone.

[Nzshrimper]

Actually that would be my 'Hot tip for the Day':

Get you name as a dot com or dot co before someone else does! Especially if you are considering taking up Photography at least semi-professionally, in photography it is all about your name!

They don't cost that much, and once they are gone, they are generally gone.very true,,, i am looking at forwarders like www.chrisbennettphotography.com (http://www.chrisbennettphotography.com) as well. and the variations of that too. This way i can capture searches on the site. But your right it is a hot tip .. and for $70 all up not to expensive.. (includes 10 emails at 100mb each).

[Nzshrimper]

Pete hows the family.. i good i trust..

[FlyingPete]

Pete hows the family.. i good i trust..

Family is great, we are all home now, i an just running around getting our other young lady ready for kindy.

I would post some more photos, but there is nothing worse than new daddys posting heaps of photos!

[Nzshrimper]

Family is great, we are all home now, i an just running around getting our other young lady ready for kindy.

I would post some more photos, but there is nothing worse than new daddys posting heaps of photos!
Good to hear is all good.

hey this is true but they are great models thou.. Ive just dropped my girl at kindy and my boy is not well so i having another day off to look after him.. (sorry boss). The kids just seem to germ magnets.

[Nzshrimper]

Ive been working on a plan for some photography sessions.

The basic format would be an hour photo shoot, then an hour showing session.
the client will get 10 6x4 prints of the session of their choice included in the price.
(i would obviously be offering bigger prints and upgrades at the showing.)

All this for say $150 all in..

I would estimate that the PP would take 2 hours (when i get some practice in using Photoshop).

Your input would be appreciated.
(this would be a evening and weekend job only, still need the regular income. any profits would go into new equipment)

[theflyingkiwi]

Hi, I've had photographs enlarged at Big Posters. They were great! I had them print my photo onto canvas A2 size and one mounted onto semi gloss (photo quality paper) A1 size. They were very helpfull and quick! Hope this helps. :D

Hi and Welcome. You have found a good place to come and talk about digital cameras. Don't worry if you don't use a canon yet. Most of the people around here are friendly, in fact I haven't meet anyone that isn't. :)

[Moppie]

Your input would be appreciated.


Make it two prints included in the price, not 10. And don't give them the best photos prints. Let them see the best ones, but try and get them to pay for them as extra prints.
Then make sure you charge a resonable rate for extra prints, i.e. at least $10 for a 6x4, and maybe $50 for an 8x10? (Tim would be the one to ask about print pricing).

[Nzshrimper]

Hi and Welcome. You have found a good place to come and talk about digital cameras. Don't worry if you don't use a canon yet. Most of the people around here are friendly, in fact I haven't meet anyone that isn't. :)at least one of us selling a canon dc - so i am sure we can get you comfortable...;)

welcome rodin1960 :D

[theflyingkiwi]

Get you name as a dot com or dot co before someone else does! Especially if you are considering taking up Photography at least semi-professionally, in photography it is all about your name!

They don't cost that much, and once they are gone, they are generally gone.

I tried that, .com .net were both taken. I also tried to come up with something that is unique to me and couldn't. ohh well while it would have been nice to have a .com address I don't have a problem with .net.nz or .co.nz address. (yes even co.nz for me was taken)

what I really hate and that's is having a long name, such as chrisbennett-landscapes-people-photography.co.nz

[FlyingPete]

Ive been working on a plan for some photography sessions.

The basic format would be an hour photo shoot, then an hour showing session.
the client will get 10 6x4 prints of the session of their choice included in the price.
(i would obviously be offering bigger prints and upgrades at the showing.)

All this for say $150 all in..

I would estimate that the PP would take 2 hours (when i get some practice in using Photoshop).

Your input would be appreciated.
(this would be a evening and weekend job only, still need the regular income. any profits would go into new equipment)

I have found this model works well, if you invest in studio strobes you will cut back PP, well that is my experience anyway!

You could do a 15 minute session with one print for a lower cost $20 perhaps, a lost leader, if you do a good job they will be back and word of mouth is a powerful thing.

[Nzshrimper]

Make it two prints included in the price, not 10. And don't give them the best photos prints. Let them see the best ones, but try and get them to pay for them as extra prints.
Then make sure you charge a resonable rate for extra prints, i.e. at least $10 for a 6x4, and maybe $50 for an 8x10? (Tim would be the one to ask about print pricing). good points. thanks.

I was also considering approaching clubs/society's/schools/kindys to help them fund raise. Say they club gets $2 bucks for every photo purchased.

[Nzshrimper]

I tried that, .com .net were both taken. I also tried to come up with something that is unique to me and couldn't. ohh well while it would have been nice to have a .com address I don't have a problem with .net.nz or .co.nz address. (yes even co.nz for me was taken)

what I really hate and that's is having a long name, such as chrisbennett-landscapes-people-photography.co.nz bugger typing that in every time.. :D

[MHP]

Anyone here knows the guys of Auckland Photographic Society?
I went to their meeting, last Thursday, and I found a pleasant environment, some stunning photos and a list of interesting contests and things. So I wrote an eMail requesting information about membership, but so far I've received no answers.


www.northshorephoto.co.nz is the north shore branch of it. you can find out details from their website on cred, although i think it would be different times etc, but it's a start. Yeah they have a meeting every 2 weeks, 2nd and last wednesday of the month, some awesome photographers in it. they just had a nationwide competition the Salon. they lso have a comp one night and a workshop the other, they've just gone digital too which is a bonus. I think it is near $50.00 for a years fee, that might be a local thing though. check it out though because you'll learn a lot, theres all different people in it at all ages and they're all friendly etc.

hope this helps

[weka2000]

Maybe its time I got a website as well. Now for names :rolleyes:

Whos are people using to register and host

[Nzshrimper]

I have found this model works well, if you invest in studio strobes you will cut back PP, well that is my experience anyway!

You could do a 15 minute session with one print for a lower cost $20 perhaps, a lost leader, if you do a good job they will be back and word of mouth is a powerful thing.

nice ideas.. i like the idea of 15 min sessions.

in the house i am in i don't have the space for a studio, i was planning to use the great outdoors (hagley park , bot gardens etc) for the start) then if i like what is happening a studio could be in pipe line but thats a long way off...... at first i want to get my portfolio up to scratch. i have had a few friends asking about shoots and my kids kindy also asked hence the questions.

[Nzshrimper]

Maybe its time I got a website as well. Now for names :rolleyes:

Whos are people using to register and host

i used register direct. seemed cheap and reasonable,

www.registerdirect.co.nz (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/www.registerdirect.co.nz) i am still looking for a good host..

[theflyingkiwi]

I registered at www.freeparking.co.nz You can do a seach for any .nz address as well as .com address.

What name are you going to go buy? if you choose weka.co.nz people might you think you are all about birds :lol:

[theflyingkiwi]

bugger typing that in every time.. :D

Are you going to design a webpage yourself or pay someone ?

[weka2000]

I registered at www.freeparking.co.nz (http://www.freeparking.co.nz) You can do a seach for any .nz address as well as .com address.

What name are you going to go buy? if you choose weka.co.nz people might you think you are all about birds :lol:

its taken, I want a short name

[FlyingPete]

nice ideas.. i like the idea of 15 min sessions.

in the house i am in i don't have the space for a studio, i was planning to use the great outdoors (hagley park , bot gardens etc) for the start) then if i like what is happening a studio could be in pipe line but thats a long way off...... at first i want to get my portfolio up to scratch first. i have had a few friends asking about shoots and my kids kindy also asked hence the questions.

If you have "Portrait Days", you can set everything up on a particular day, then sell time slots, we also don't have room for a permanent studio, but do convert the lounge for our "Portrait Days".

Hagley Park and surrounding grounds (Botanic Gardens etc) do have some very nice settings :D

[weka2000]

www.weka2000.co.nz (http://www.weka2000.co.nz) is free

[DiscoLizard]

.co.nz is expensive... .com is cheaper, which is pretty funny.

I host with godaddy.com but I don't know if I'd recommend them.

Speaking of which, does anyone buy music online? I'm looking for an album by a band called Nizlopi - it's on Amazon and stuff, but seems awful expensive to get it all the way to NZ.

[tim]

Ive been working on a plan for some photography sessions.

The basic format would be an hour photo shoot, then an hour showing session.
the client will get 10 6x4 prints of the session of their choice included in the price.
(i would obviously be offering bigger prints and upgrades at the showing.)

All this for say $150 all in..

I would estimate that the PP would take 2 hours (when i get some practice in using Photoshop).

Your input would be appreciated.
(this would be a evening and weekend job only, still need the regular income. any profits would go into new equipment)

Time required:
- Gear prep - 15-30 minutes (find gear, charge bats, clean sensor, etc)
- Travel to location - 5m-2h (Auckland...)
- Photography - 1 hour
- Travel home - 5m - 1h
- Download/process time - 2h
- Time to arrange prints - 1h?
Total time : say 5-6 hours.

Costs:
- fuel
- prints

I don't bother with portraits much, unless its for existing customers. I did one recently that's a friend, i'll charge $175 for the sitting, and i'm not sure on print pricing yet. It'd depend on how many they wanted, but on a commercial portrait session i'd want to make about $500 profit to make it worth my time. I don't understand the market enough to comment much really.

I saw a high end Sydney portrait photographer recently, she charges about A$1000 for a big enlargement - 11x14 or so.

[tim]

.com addresses won't show up in google.co.nz searches for NZ websites. $40 is nothing for a domain if you're a commercial/professional photographer. I use www.hostgator.com for my hosting and highly recommend them, their service is the best i've ever received from a host. If you google coupon codes you can get a discount on your first months package.

[Nzshrimper]

If you have "Portrait Days", you can set everything up on a particular day, then sell time slots, we also don't have room for a permanent studio, but do convert the lounge for our "Portrait Days".

Hagley Park and surrounding grounds (Botanic Gardens etc) do have some very nice settings :D

now thats a great plan.. never thought of that.. :D

[weka2000]

Storage space is the issue. At least with pbase its cheap and at this stage does all I need it to do. Display photos

[DiscoLizard]

I guess it depends on what you want it for.

If you're really serious, you should have multiple sites linked to each other (as well as other sites, obviously). Like a web.

[DiscoLizard]

100gb + 1000gb transfer per month for $10 per month at Godaddy (for a 12 month term).

Should be enough space?

[Nzshrimper]

Time required:
- Gear prep - 15-30 minutes (find gear, charge bats, clean sensor, etc)
- Travel to location - 5m-2h (Auckland...)
- Photography - 1 hour
- Travel home - 5m - 1h
- Download/process time - 2h
- Time to arrange prints - 1h?
Total time : say 5-6 hours.

Costs:
- fuel
- prints

I don't bother with portraits much, unless its for existing customers. I did one recently that's a friend, I'll charge $175 for the sitting, and I'm not sure on print pricing yet. It'd depend on how many they wanted, but on a commercial portrait session I'd want to make about $500 profit to make it worth my time. I don't understand the market enough to comment much really.

I saw a high end Sydney portrait photographer recently, she charges about A$1000 for a big enlargement - 11x14 or so.

thanks Tim - lots of very useful info..

The main reason for using the portrait's and clubs would be purely to get that experience in handling the equipment and getting the shots. The money is not the driving factor. In fact i have budgeted for 24 months of non profit.

Charging $1000 is a long way off in my plans. but it would be nice to be at a level to command such prices.

[Nzshrimper]

Are you going to design a webpage yourself or pay someone ?

i have had some experience in flash so i may look at a self design - i also have a close friend who is also a flash user.

but i am open to suggestions and time will be also a limiting factor.

[MHP]

NZshrimper, do a package of different sizes, dont print only 6x4's. you can make a sheet up in photoshop, turn it into an action and you're away or certain printers in NZ print packages. top of line quality. do something like an 8x10 of 2 6x4's and a 5x7, and a full 8x10.. dont do 6x8 becasue theyre hard to find frames for.

people are more likely to purchase if the print is sitting infront of them rather than having to order, packages are the best way to do it, your sale is based on the fact that seperately it is worth this $, but as a package you get it for this $. you save this $$!! :-D

be aware that there are companies out there charging $10.00 per sitting and they get a free 11x13 in a frame, then shown a package of approximately 9 8x10 sheets of images at different sizes. the $10.00 goes to the school or kindy as a fundraiser. you make your $$ from the package. a sitting takes 10 minutes, which consists of 1 childrens pose, 1 family pose,1 parents pose, in that order or you lose the kids attention. obviously you can expand it to do chidren seperately, grandparents etc

I used to have a company doing this, can you tell? :-). it needs to be totally organized or it turns into a hell of a mess!! I've done it with a total of 84 families in one day. hence the tip on organization.

[theflyingkiwi]

I have keeped my webpage all static html pages. I would like to use a php backend, which would mean that I just dump the thumbnails + images in one page and bingo. But I don't have any experence with it.

I am not a fan of flash pages. only because of what it takes to update the images and the time it takes to load the page. I have forgotten how gallerys I can't be bothered to look at because it's flash.

my moto when it comes to webpages is keep it simple

[Nzshrimper]

.com addresses won't show up in google.co.nz searches for NZ websites. $40 is nothing for a domain if you're a commercial/professional photographer. I use www.hostgator.com (http://www.hostgator.com) for my hosting and highly recommend them, their service is the best i've ever received from a host. If you google coupon codes you can get a discount on your first months package. the swap package seems a good deal.. for $15 a month.

[Moppie]

I think you have to be careful you don't undervalue yourself.

There are LOTS of really, really good posts and threads to read about this in the Pro forum. All done by people who have turned pro, and either made it, or not made it.

By under selling yourself you risk getting stuck in a low price bracket that you can't get out of. You also devalue the entire industry, especialy if you are actualy quite good.
Im not aware of any Kiwi members who are so bad they should be selling themselves and thier work for less than the average market rate. Exceptions of course for charity and comunity work.
Of course if you happen to work out a bussiness model that enables you to pass on cost savings, or do the job in less time for the customer, then that just being better at business.
But working from home, doing it part time, and budgeting to lose money is, IMO, not a good excuse to charge less.
Remeber the core purpose of any bussiness is to make money.

[MHP]

most photographic businesses are based on 2 things, quantity or quality. if you shoot a lot in one day you can lower your pricing to fit accordingly, if you shoot once a month then same again the opposite way. it also depends on the time you spend on each subject and with each subject.

when you start you need to do a projection to what you would like to acheive, then workout and set your pricing, then market your business to create the level you have projected.

obviously you want quantity and quality, thats a no brainer:-)

[tim]

thanks Tim - lots of very useful info..

The main reason for using the portrait's and clubs would be purely to get that experience in handling the equipment and getting the shots. The money is not the driving factor. In fact i have budgeted for 24 months of non profit.

Charging $1000 is a long way off in my plans. but it would be nice to be at a level to command such prices.

You better be pretty darn good at getting the shots before you start to charge for it, IMHO.

[tim]

Oh - 6x4 prints are boring, I price them the same as 5x7 prints to encourage people to go to the larger size. White borders look quite cool too. Actually I don't like doing lots of prints, i'm only accepting wedding customers now who want a decent album. Ever seen an album assembled by a regular person (eg my Mum) vs something designed by a professional and produced by someone like queensberry? The difference is amazing.

[weka2000]

You better be pretty darn good at getting the shots before you start to charge for it, IMHO.

Give me a good looking woman and I would shoot her for free :lol:

Oh I define whats good looking.......

Ive given up on making money at this stage as Im have to much fun doing what I want.

[Nzshrimper]

wow that got the thread going this morning... thanks guys for all of input. This is still very early stages and getting the advice i get here was my first port of call.

I think to do the quality photo shoots that i can command the high end fees, i will need to put in the hard yards to get the name and rep. I will also need a equipment upgrade.
I think that the best way i learn is to be out there taking the photos getting lots of experience on this side of a business.
The running of a business is something i do have experience in but i always have lots to learn.
When i said i have a budget set for not making any money for two years - this includes upgrading equipment, so i do plan to make money - just not today.
Once i have spent $20k plus on gear and having the money to travel around NZ taking photos then i can draw a wage.. ;)

300 posts and still going..

[Moppie]

.I will also need a equipment upgrade.


Rubbish.
A back up body, maybe, but as long as you know to drive what you have, then its quite sufficiant.

[tim]

A faster lens would be a good idea for portraits, to blur the background out.

[weka2000]

Rubbish.
A back up body, maybe, but as long as you know to drive what you have, then its quite sufficiant.

Get your self a 5D and 30D a few lens and you will be set. Heck Im just about finished just a couple more "L" tele primes and Im done.

Hope to pick up the 300F4 in a month

By Dec 2006 I will have all the gear I need, and with any luck some skill to use it :)

[Nzshrimper]

Rubbish.
A back up body, maybe, but as long as you know to drive what you have, then its quite sufficiant.

and the lenes and the flash and the lighting.. etc.. ;)

but yep a back up body is on the list.. well a 5D is on the list and 30D
becoming the back up..

the letter goes

"Dear Santa, I have been a very good boy ................."

[Nzshrimper]

Get your self a 5D and 30D a few lens and you will be set. Heck Im just about finished just a couple more "L" tele primes and Im done.

Hope to pick up the 300F4 in a month

By Dec 2006 I will have all the gear I need, and with any luck some skill to use it :)

you read my mind.....;)

[weka2000]

A faster lens would be a good idea for portraits, to blur the background out.

85mm f1.8 is great on FF maybe a 50mm F1.4 for a 20/30D

[weka2000]

you read my mind.....;)

Tell you what Im sure glad Moppie talked me out of selling my 30D to him. Its a great birding/sports camera 5fps my 400mmF5.6 prime on that and we should get some great birds in flight photos. Bigma is to slow but it will do for now

Having the 5D and 30D Iget the best of both worlds.

[Nzshrimper]

Tell you what Im sure glad Moppie talked me out of selling my 30D to him. Its a great birding/sports camera 5fps my 400mmF5.6 prime on that and we should get some great birds in flight photos. Bigma is to slow but it will do for now this was the reason i went for the 30D rather than the 5D - i have two kids and two dogs that don't stay still... and i do like sport. Just wish i had gone for the better lens at the time.. but hey ill just get the better lenes now and sell the 17-85mm on... but having now been bitten by the bug i want it all...

[Nzshrimper]

but what i will do is read what you guys do then decied what to buy the first time around.....

[Moppie]

Tell you what Im sure glad Moppie talked me out of selling my 30D to him.

Im glad someone is glad about it :p :p :p :lol:

[Nzshrimper]

on another point... the challange... still no rain here in ChCh.. :( might have to get out the hose pipe.

[weka2000]

Im glad someone is glad about it :p :p :p :lol:

Dont worry I will end upgrading to 1D bodys and Prime lens. You can buy it then ;)

We have a Nike motto "Just do it"

[Moppie]

Dont worry I will end upgrading to 1D bodys and Prime lens. You can buy it then ;)


By that point Ill be wanting your 5D :D

[weka2000]

By that point Ill be wanting your 5D :D

What you can wait another 2 years :p

[Moppie]

What you can wait another 2 years :p

I think I might need a 2nd body by then. :cool:

Of course in 2 years it will be so out dated you will have trouble even giving it away.

[OiPaz]

www.northshorephoto.co.nz (http://www.northshorephoto.co.nz) is the north shore branch of it.
Thanks for your advice.
I knew about NSPS and I've already planned to visit one of their meetings. Unfortunately I can not attend the next one, as it's my wife birthday and we have other plans. So I have to wait some weeks and that's the reason for my trying with APS last week! :)

[CliveyBoy]

Thanks for your advice.
I knew about NSPS and I've already planned to visit one of their meetings. Unfortunately I can not attend the next one, as it's my wife birthday and we have other plans. So I have to wait some weeks and that's the reason for my trying with APS last week! :)

www.aps.net.nz (http://www.aps.net.nz)

For any and all affiliated clubs:
www.photography.org.nz (http://www.photography.org.nz)

[theflyingkiwi]

on another point... the challange... still no rain here in ChCh.. :( might have to get out the hose pipe.

You could always change the subject to something else.

remember just to use big bold txt with the new subject. eg Like this

it saves doing another thread :)

[FlyingPete]

I think I might need a 2nd body by then. :cool:

Of course in 2 years it will be so out dated you will have trouble even giving it away.

Nah, my 20D is two next month, I would get at least $50 for it second hand!

[IainB]

Hi, I've had photographs enlarged at Big Posters. They were great! I had them print my photo onto canvas A2 size and one mounted onto semi gloss (photo quality paper) A1 size. They were very helpfull and quick! Hope this helps. :D

What type of file (jpeg/tiff) and what size file did you send them. From starting with a RAW file, what are the adjustments (other than curves/levels etc) that you carry out in order to send them a file?

[Nzshrimper]

You could always change the subject to something else.

remember just to use big bold txt with the new subject. eg Like this

it saves doing another thread :) no no i have an idea - it involes my daughter, her raincoat, a hose pipe, hammer, nails, and a paddling pool ....

[tag141]

sounds like Cluedo. "It was my daughter, with her raincoat, hosepipe, hammer and nails in the paddling pool"

[FlyingPete]

no no i have an idea - it involes my daughter, her raincoat, a hose pipe, hammer, nails, and a paddling pool ....

And I have it on good authority that a rat can survive longer without water than a camel.

[Nzshrimper]

And I have it on good authority that a rat can survive longer without water than a camel. nice have you been watch discovery channel...

[theflyingkiwi]

no no i have an idea - it involes my daughter, her raincoat, a hose pipe, hammer, nails, and a paddling pool ....

In that case then you might have to get the hose out :)

[Nzshrimper]

In that case then you might have to get the hose out :)might have to use warm water.. don't think she would be happy with the cold...... ;)

[Nzshrimper]

anyone seen a lost courier ......

[tag141]

As some people would like to earn a few dollars at the weekend from taking photos I came across this guy Try not to look (http://www.tjphotos.co.nz/). He annoys the beejeezus out of me because what he is doing is 'so simple'. His website is shocking, only matched by his photos but the concept...I think is brilliant. Basically a portable studio. Pull up at a location, take pictures, print pictures, take cash and do t anywhere !! Does anyone know how much a graduation photo costs? Not only to hire the gown (again) but booking the studio time etc. Imagine rocking up outside a graduation ceremony and taking pics on the spot. The money the graduate would save doesn't (to me) bare thinking about. That could all be yours/ours/mine!!

Am I insane or is this an A-Team moment?

[Moppie]

anyone seen a lost courier ......


What company? I might know where it is.

[Moppie]

Am I insane or is this an A-Team moment?


Its an A-Team moment!

There are already two companys doing this in Auckland that I know off, out of the back of a new Transit Van, the other out of an old Ambulance.

I wonder what running costs, and insurance on the vehicle are like though?

[Nzshrimper]

As some people would like to earn a few dollars at the weekend from taking photos I came across this guy Try not to look (http://www.tjphotos.co.nz/). He annoys the beejeezus out of me because what he is doing is 'so simple'. His website is shocking, only matched by his photos but the concept...I think is brilliant. Basically a portable studio. Pull up at a location, take pictures, print pictures, take cash and do t anywhere !! Does anyone know how much a graduation photo costs? Not only to hire the gown (again) but booking the studio time etc. Imagine rocking up outside a graduation ceremony and taking pics on the spot. The money the graduate would save doesn't (to me) bare thinking about. That could all be yours/ours/mine!!

Am I insane or is this an A-Team moment? that must have taken so much planning to get that website to look that bad. It makes you think if the site is that bad how good are his photos..

Not a bad idea though.

[Nzshrimper]

What company? I might know where it is. courier post... he has my new lens apparently.. but he is MIA.

[weka2000]

I think I might need a 2nd body by then. :cool:

Of course in 2 years it will be so out dated you will have trouble even giving it away.

But think about how much use it will have had :lol:

[Moppie]

courier post... he has my new lens apparently.. but he is MIA.

Them I can't help ya with Im afraid (evil compitition).