Put gear on website?

[jessiper]

How many people put a link to their gear on their website? I know David Jay does, as well as other big name wedding photographers, just wondering what people on here do. Thanks!

[tim]

Why would you do this? At most i'd put on something like "xxx shoots with professional quality Canon digital photography equipment, with a full range of backup equipment".

[Grace]

braggin rights...and to normal people (you know, not POTN people ;) ), the see all that gear and get impressed.....

I don't list it..

[picturecrazy]

Nah, I don't think it's a concern. The only clients who have asked me what gear I use are other photographers.
The most technical question I get from clients in regards to equipment is... "so how many megapixels is your camera?"

70-200mm F/2.8 IS means nothing to most people. ;)

[Jaime]

My concern would be about advertising what someone with a five finger discount can come and search through.

[jessiper]

I assume some do it so clients will see they have more than a Digital Rebel and kit lens. I could see why you would want to assure clients that you have good equipment as well as backup gear, but you can always tell them that when you meet w/them.

[sblais]

I don't do it either. The gear doesn't make the picture. It only helps capturing it!

In my sig, though... :p

[Dandaman_24]

I dont list my gear, as its not really important within the relms of this forum. I know other people like to list their equipment for bragging rights, but hey its up to them, let them carry on.

I work with Canon professional cameras and lenses.

I came across a post from a fellow POTN member the other day. The member posted a photo of a parcel he/she received leaving his/her address on full view. So If i were of the light fingered sort, I know the users address, plus i know what gear he/she has at home. Easy pickings in the right hands.

Just thought I would highlight this.

[CyberPet]

In my FAQ I have this:

"What camera are you using?
I use digital SLR cameras that delivers high quality images. Since my gear is constantly being upgraded and changing I won't list what equipment I use here."

No one has asked what gear I use.

[Big Mike]

I agree...listing off your equipment is borderline pointless and 'bragadocious'. It's all about the photos...not the tools used to create them.

Personally, I don't even like listing equipment in your signature in an internet forum. Although, this one, being a 'Canon' forum...is more gear specific...so I'll tolerate all of you with equipment lists ;)

[Toogy]

Thanks Mike :D

[PIXI_666]

No i dont, unless a photographer is wanting you to shoot their wedding, which in any case they will ask you what you have anyway. People who aren't photog's really don't care, as long as you get the shots they want and you have a backup plan!

Del

[md_129]

I would not do it; somebody may set up an appointment just to rip you off :)

[tim]

The only question i'm ever asked is how many megapixels my cameras are. I tell them, then explain that all pixels aren't created equally, and that the can't compare compact cameras with digital SLRs.

[cdifoto]

I have a page setup because I linked it in my sig here for awhile. I don't link it on my site. I created it mostly out of boredom. It's outdated now anyway since it shows my XTs, Bigma, and Sigma Super Flash...none of which I have anymore. :rolleyes:


As far as the address is concerned...well it really doesn't matter if you see it on a parcel or not, if you're a legitimate business you most likely have your address on your Contact page anyway.

[zacker]

list it if ya want, dont list it if you dont want to.. its your call.

[cwphoto]

Tacky; almost as bad as putting gear in your forum signature...

...oops. :oops:

In all seriousness, I think it shows some underlying lack of confidence in your own abilities. Let the pictures do the selling.

Without being disrespectful, most of the guys who talk about their gear on their website are the wannabes...

[cdifoto]

Tacky; almost as bad as putting gear in your forum signature...

...oops. :oops:

In all seriousness, I think it shows some underlying lack of confidence in your own abilities. Let the pictures do the selling.

Without being disrespectful, most of the guys who talk about their gear on their website are the wannabes...

Hey now! I hate being called out. :mad:

[jessiper]

Tacky; almost as bad as putting gear in your forum signature...

...oops. :oops:

In all seriousness, I think it shows some underlying lack of confidence in your own abilities. Let the pictures do the selling.

Without being disrespectful, most of the guys who talk about their gear on their website are the wannabes...

I could see how it would be tacky, but there are some very good wedding photogs w/a gear page on their site.

[jessiper]

It's helpful for POTNers to have it in their sig because it allows others to give better advice.

[cdifoto]

It's helpful for POTNers to have it in their sig because it allows others to give better advice.

I don't list my gear out anymore because I'm out to prove that bad advice can come from anywhere! :D

[jessiper]

I don't list my gear out anymore because I'm out to prove that bad advice can come from anywhere! :D

LOL! True. ;)

[cwphoto]

I could see how it would be tacky, but there are some very good wedding photogs w/a gear page on their site.

Can you show me who they are?

[jessiper]

David Jay is one, and a couple of good local photogs. I can't remember their names, but I remember their sites. I'm sure there's others as well.

[cwphoto]

David Jay is one, and a couple of good local photogs. I can't remember their names, but I remember their sites. I'm sure there's others as well.

Yeah his work is good, but the gear brag spoils an otherwise fine site.

[Banbert]

I have it on mine and even have a shot of our gear in our portfolio book, my reasons for including it are completely different to those why I imagine people like David Jay has it on his site.

At the moment I am very new and so quite cheap and thus find myself competing with people who just have one camera and lens and offering themselves to shoot weddings, so I include a gear list to differentiate us from the people who charge even less than us ..... longer term when we have more weddings under our belt our website will concentrate more on our portfolio than other stuff .. but when your portfolio isnt very big its worth having imho.

The traffic and audience David Jay gets to his website is very different to the traffic my wesbite gets, he must get hundreds/thousands of hits from fellow pros looking at his site and with interest in what gear he uses, I can bet he gets some very nice kick backs from the manufacturers for his gear page and the links that he has on there to each manufacturers site ....... nice revenue stream if you can get it ..... bet he earns a tad more than I do from my amazon astore in my sig and possibly nearly as much as tim does for his ;)

[blackshadow]

I have a link to Canon Australia in the links section of my page and mention I shoot with Canon equipment, but I don't specify the gear.

[zacker]

I'd like to add, having your gear in your sig also cuts down on all the "What body did you use?" or "What lenses ya got?" posts! Like i said, who really cares if its there or not, just like TV or radio....if you dont like it, dont read it (or watch or listen)

[zacker]

remember when rock bands used to advertise their equipment on the Album Jackets?
lol
(Just a random memory that came to mind)

[Grace]

remember when rock bands used to advertise their equipment on the Album Jackets?
lol
(Just a random memory that came to mind)

lol

[rabidcow]

The only question i'm ever asked is how many megapixels my cameras are. I tell them, then explain that all pixels aren't created equally, and that the can't compare compact cameras with digital SLRs.

And usually it's like talking straight to a wall. :)

[cdifoto]

The only question i'm ever asked is how many megapixels my cameras are. I tell them, then explain that all pixels aren't created equally, and that the can't compare compact cameras with digital SLRs.

I haven't been asked that yet, but when I am, I'm just going to reply with "enough to print a poster with your nose hairs 3x life size"

[Wazza]

I've had a gear link in mine, but that was before I went quite so far as semi professional. It was more to have people hire some of my gear, which I have had some queries, and then turned them down, as I'm already using that particular lens on the same day - such as a motoring event, and my big lens! :lol:

So yeah, I think I'm about to remove mine. ;)
Certainly not for bragging rights when I'm shooting consumer 20Ds, when most pros near me shooting with 1Ds and 5D's

Edit: and like that, the 4 word link has gone

[sblais]

David Jay is one, and a couple of good local photogs. I can't remember their names, but I remember their sites. I'm sure there's others as well.

and guess what! David Jay has no backup camera gear in his bag (not showing on his web page anyway! - and he shows it as his camera bag... not just a list)?? He has a 1D MkII alright, which is robust... but still... :lol:

[picturecrazy]

and guess what! David Jay has no backup camera gear in his bag (not showing on his web page anyway! - and he shows it as his camera bag... not just a list)?? He has a 1D MkII alright, which is robust... but still... :lol:

He brings a 1dmk2, 5D, and 30D to his weddings. They just aren't all showing in his gear bag. Oddly enough, it's his 1Dmk2 that's given him the most reliability problems.

[sblais]

He brings a 1dmk2, 5D, and 30D to his weddings. They just aren't all showing in his gear bag. Oddly enough, it's his 1Dmk2 that's given him the most reliability problems.

Makes more sense! ;) I don't know him, but he must be good for charging 13 k$/wedding! ;)

[cwphoto]

Makes more sense! ;) I don't know him, but he must be good for charging 13 k$/wedding! ;)

Or a good Marketer more likely... ;)

[jessiper]

and guess what! David Jay has no backup camera gear in his bag (not showing on his web page anyway! - and he shows it as his camera bag... not just a list)?? He has a 1D MkII alright, which is robust... but still... :lol:

I noticed that. :rolleyes: I wondered what he does.

[jessiper]

Or a good Marketer more likely... ;)

Exactly. Also a friendly, out-going personality, so he's a good marketer as well. Honestly, his pictures aren't as good as some I've seen, especially the engagement photos he has on his site. That being said, I still think he's really good so it's not like I should talk!

[sageone]

I list it on my site more as a filler to the "about" page...basically it's not part of main content I need people to read, but to me it validates that I'm a serious photographer and won't show up to a shoot with a kit lens, one 256mb cf card and on-board flash.

[cwphoto]

I list it on my site more as a filler to the "about" page...basically it's not part of main content I need people to read, but to me it validates that I'm a serious photographer and won't show up to a shoot with a kit lens, one 256mb cf card and on-board flash.

To me it shows that you still lack absolute confidence in your work and need something "extra" to re-assure your clients. Besides, a pair of 30Ds and a only a couple of L-series lenses is hardly impressive high-end gear.

Do yourself a favour: lose the gear-list and let your work do the selling.

[sageone]

To me it shows that you still lack absolute confidence in your work and need something "extra" to re-assure your clients. Besides, a pair of 30Ds and a only a couple of L-series lenses is hardly impressive high-end gear.

Do yourself a favour: lose the gear-list and let your work do the selling.

Is there a need to sh*t all over my gear list? It's the end result that counts right, no matter what you shot it with?

"Hardly impressive high-end gear." Sorry, Mr. L. We aren't all as fortunate as you to have "impressive high-end gear."

Does the general consumer know what an "impressive gear" is? By reading my gear list it "shows" I lack confidence? Yea, ok...

By reading your response it shows that you're inconsiderate as most were posting comments about their personal preference and not dumping on other posters.

[cwphoto]

Is there a need to sh*t all over my gear list? It's the end result that counts right, no matter what you shot it with?

Does the general consumer know what an "impressive gear" is? By reading my gear list it "shows" I lack confidence? Yea, ok...

Exactly why there is zero reason to publish it: to the average "Joe" it doesn't mean anything and to those who are right into it they might pass you over because you don't shoot with a pro camera.

So it may even work against you.

I ain't ****ting over your list - hey everyone has to start somewhere. I'm trying to give you a bit of advice to help you. I could piss in your pocket and pretend everything is fine or I could give you something which may actually help you - honestly, which would you prefer?

[sageone]

Exactly why there is zero reason to publish it: to the average "Joe" it doesn't mean anything and to those who are right into it they might pass you over because you don't shoot with a pro camera.

So it may even work against you.

So far it hasn't...most of my work has been referal business. Most people know me and just want to check out my work. Thus far, I haven't lost any jobs because of it.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Again, it's all personal taste.

[cwphoto]

By reading your response it shows that you're inconsiderate as most were posting comments about their personal preference and not dumping on other posters.

Don't take it personally. I wasn't attacking you, just your misguided intentions - that's all. :)

[sageone]

misguided intentions??? You're on a roll...

[cwphoto]

So far it hasn't...most of my work has been referal business. Most people know me and just want to check out my work. Thus far, I haven't lost any jobs because of it.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Again, it's all personal taste.

OK, so far it's mostly referral business. But you have a public URL, so maybe you are missing business because of this - who knows?

Ask yourself this question: is the gear list for your referral clients or for new clients?

Referrals won't care what you use because it's a walk-up start. New clients: will they be impressed because you don't use an XT? Or a bit cagey because you don't shoot 1-series?

My bet is the latter will outweigh the former, so why make it hard for yourself and what do you really gain?

[cwphoto]

misguided intentions??? You're on a roll...

How sugar-coated do you want the pill to be? :rolleyes:

Look, notwithstanding the David Jay example, very few high end studios advertise the gear list. It's (mainly) evident for "aspiring" (is that enough sugar) photographers who feel that showing-off their equipment will somehow "validate" (your words) them and their work.

Why associate yourself with the latter? Take a gamble and align yourself with the former, you may just find it works...

[sageone]

"New clients: will they be impressed because you don't use an XT? Or a bit cagey because you don't shoot 1-series?"

Do new clients know the difference? You said yourself that it's the final product that matters. What? A pair of 30Ds, my lenses and my creativity won't produce great results?

And as for that pill...I don't need it, but you know where you can put it. :lol:

[sageone]

In addition, I'm not a full time photog...I'm a director for marketing and communications...which pays the bills. The camera work feeds the creative beast in me and the extra scratch supplements my income.

[cwphoto]

"New clients: will they be impressed because you don't use an XT? Or a bit cagey because you don't shoot 1-series?"

Do new clients know the difference? You said yourself that it's the final product that matters. What? A pair of 30Ds, my lenses and my creativity won't produce great results?

Sure it's the final result that matters, that example was to show that it could actually back-fire on you.

I'm sure you do great work - why cheapen it with a "look how good my gear is" statement?

[cwphoto]

In addition, I'm not a full time photog...I'm a director for marketing and communications...which pays the bills. The camera work feeds the creative beast in me and the extra scratch supplements my income.

I think you mean "complements".

Gees, I thought a Marcoms guy would know better! :lol:

[sageone]

Sure it's the final result that matters, that example was to show that it could actually back-fire on you.

I'm sure you do great work - why cheapen it with a "look how good my gear is" statement?

I totally understand where you are coming from. It's an image and reputation thing. Your point is valid and well taken.

[cwphoto]

I totally understand where you are coming from. It's an image and reputation thing. Your point is valid and well taken.

Merry Christmas. :)

[sageone]

Merry Christmas. :)

Back at ya...

[woffles]

Or a good Marketer more likely... ;)

DJ is a good photographer and a "great" marketeer! That's how he makes his money and lots of it. If he lists his equipment it's because he wants to impress clients and help push sells. I doubt he's insecure about it. Last seminar I went to one of the main themes was to set yourself apart. If everyone in the area is using 30Ds and you can boast a 1D MkII etc on your site it might help sway the expensive weddings your way. If you want to rely just on taking good pics you might be selling yourself short. As I'm learning this is a business not an art show.

Latest venture is making DVDs out of ShowIt slide shows. Gonna cost you around $100 a pop for him to author it for you cause it's "too complicated" for you to do yourself. If this works out for him do the math! He'll probably retire soon.

[cwphoto]

If you want to rely just on taking good pics you might be selling yourself short.

You don't honestly believe this do you? The gear list is actually a negative (read the last few posts I made). It overwhelmingly shows insecurity.

[Grace]

OMG, enough already. It's everybody's choice to do what they want. period.

[woffles]

You don't honestly believe this do you? The gear list is actually a negative (read the last few posts I made). It overwhelmingly shows insecurity.

Yeah I do. It's a buyers market out there. You have to sell yourself. Posting equipment might get you a job or two from the more geek orientated couples out there over someone else. I can't imagine it driving off a customer in any way shape or form. If they don't care they won't look at it. If you're shooting with cheap stuff don't list it. I just don't see how you can lose out.

Quality restaurants list Angus beef, photo labs list kodak paper, garages list OEM or NAPA parts. Are they insecure, no. They are just doing marketing. Why should this business be any different?

If someone is proud of their equipment what's wrong with a little bragging? As long as they aren't obnoxious about it and trying to put down other photographers. I've seen that on a couple of sites too. I'd agree with you on some sites that try to compare their equipment to other photographers and it does seem like they have a chip on their shoulders and are trying to prove something. Something tasteful and understated just doesn't seem insecure to me. Peace out.

[zacker]

and if someone hires a wedding photog and the guy showes up with a 1.3 Olympus digi cam?

lol Can you imagine a wedding photog showes up at your wedding with either a disposable "Box" cam or worse, His cell phone camera?? lol,lol,lol.. you shoulda read his "Equipment" list on his site, maybe seeing : "Cameras used: Motorola Razor, Holga Medium Format and, Kodak Fun Saver." Might have clued you in...lol

[cwphoto]

and if someone hires a wedding photog and the guy showes up with a 1.3 Olympus digi cam?

lol Can you imagine a wedding photog showes up at your wedding with either a disposable "Box" cam or worse, His cell phone camera?? lol,lol,lol.. you shoulda read his "Equipment" list on his site, maybe seeing : "Cameras used: Motorola Razor, Holga Medium Format and, Kodak Fun Saver." Might have clued you in...lol

...and if he produces images of a standard the equal of samples shown during the evaluation process, what does it matter? :rolleyes:

[sageone]

and if someone hires a wedding photog and the guy showes up with a 1.3 Olympus digi cam?

lol Can you imagine a wedding photog showes up at your wedding with either a disposable "Box" cam or worse, His cell phone camera?? lol,lol,lol.. you shoulda read his "Equipment" list on his site, maybe seeing : "Cameras used: Motorola Razor, Holga Medium Format and, Kodak Fun Saver." Might have clued you in...lol

I think that's the most LOL's I've ever seen in a post...

[Scott_Quier]

I think I'm with Kathy on this one. You list your gear or you don't. Personal choice. With every choice comes consequences. By posting your gear, you may win a sale, you may loose one. As has been noted above, most clients won't know the difference between a Nikon D50 and a Canon 30D or they may make incorrect assumptions based on the number disignation alone. How many are going to know the difference between 17-40L and and 18-55 (they may think the 18-55 is a better lens because the range is greater).

I really believe it's the product delivered to previous clients that will win the sale. If you can show a quality product in your on-line galleries, that will draw them to contact you. When you get the face-to-face, you show some 8x10s or 11x14s (it's called a portfolio:lol:) as a way to demonstrate the quality of the product you delivered to previous clients.

[Banbert]

As ive already said I list my gear for the reasons given earlier in the thread and I am sure David Jay lists his for entirely different reasons, and as said by several people already its down to personal choice, theres no right and wrong way its just different opinions and the few people in this thread that are like a dog with and trying to prove otherwise are just comical tbh.

[cwphoto]

the few people in this thread that are like a dog with and trying to prove otherwise are just comical tbh.

:rolleyes:

[Banbert]

:rolleyes:

Apologies I missed the "a bone" bit out, must have been on the phone whilst typing or something..... are you enjoying the bone .. any marrow left in it ? :)

[sblais]

Warning: personal opinion stated below.

I, for one, am on cwphoto's side. Photography should be about just that: photographs. A gear list is only good for comparison between photographers in the style: "I have a bigger camera than you. -- No, I do! -- Moooom!" ;)

I remember reading a saying on this forum (it was in the signature of some guy, my apologies to this individual). It goes something like this (my apologies for brutalizing this saying!): Starting photographers show off their camera bodies. Advanced photographers show off their lenses. Expert photographers show off their pictures.

[Banbert]

Well thats ok then because I dont claim to be an expert photographer so I am ok to keep mine on my site, maybe I will take them off for a bit in a few years and then add them again when canon give me a wedge of cash like they obviously do for David Jay ;)

[jessiper]

As ive already said I list my gear for the reasons given earlier in the thread and I am sure David Jay lists his for entirely different reasons, and as said by several people already its down to personal choice, theres no right and wrong way its just different opinions and the few people in this thread that are like a dog with and trying to prove otherwise are just comical tbh.

You don't list your exact gear, though. You mainly just talk about digital photography.

[Banbert]

You don't list your exact gear, though. You mainly just talk about digital photography.

Very true, but theres 2 reasons for that (apart from the fact that I sometimes forget whats in the portfolio and whats on the site :) )

1. Its due an update now we have some photos of our recent gear purchases.

2. Gear page helps with SEO

[jessiper]

2. Gear page helps with SEO

Really? Interesting. Does it have to do w/the amount of pages on the site or something?

[rhys]

Gear lists are of no consequence. What people want to know is:
1. Can the guy take a good photo?
2. How large can it be printed.
3. What quality expectations are there?

If people want solely 6x4s of their entire wedding and no 10x8s or 5x7s then a VGA camera would do quite well. If all they want is 5x7s then 1.3 - 2mp will do fine. If all they want is 10x8s then 3mp will do fine.

I think we all get too hung up on our equipment. A properly exposed photo taken with the 18-55 kit lens (preferably on a tripod and at f8 ) on an 300D will be very hard to distinguish from a photo taken with an L lens on a 1D when both are printed to 10x8.

[coreypolis]

I had it there for a while. My intention was as already mentioned, to show to the conseous consumer that they aren't looking at another joe schmo with a rebel and kit lens. But in the end, it probably doesn't matter. Theres just as many that might say that their little casio P&S has as many MP as mine, and depmand a discount or something.

[rhys]

I had it there for a while. My intention was as already mentioned, to show to the conseous consumer that they aren't looking at another joe schmo with a rebel and kit lens. But in the end, it probably doesn't matter. Theres just as many that might say that their little casio P&S has as many MP as mine, and depmand a discount or something.

It doesn't really matter what camera the pro uses as long as the pictures are of acceptible quality.

[coreypolis]

It doesn't really matter what camera the pro uses as long as the pictures are of acceptible quality.
true, but not entirely the point. the point of it is to show that you know what you are doing and how to get the most out of it. anyone can stage a couple shots to put ona portfolio and say they will shoot a wedding, so it is up to the rest of us to distinguish ourselves in whatever ways we can. gear is one small aspect of that.

[cwphoto]

canon give me a wedge of cash like they obviously do for David Jay ;)

I would be very surpised if he gets anything of the kind from Canon.

[coreypolis]

I would be very surpised if he gets anything of the kind from Canon.
my guess is he gets tired of being asked about it from other photogs.

[rhys]

true, but not entirely the point. the point of it is to show that you know what you are doing and how to get the most out of it. anyone can stage a couple shots to put ona portfolio and say they will shoot a wedding, so it is up to the rest of us to distinguish ourselves in whatever ways we can. gear is one small aspect of that.

That sounds amateurish. Personally, although I have website, I wouldn't give a second thought to people that would only look online for a photographer. IMHO the web is just so much junk. It's handy to showcase your portfolio but that's about it. If I were looking for a photographer I would not pay any attention to the gear he claimed online to have. I would be far more interested in what he can do than in what he claims to own. It's like the Smiths and the Jones each proving they have bigger phalluses by having a newer car each year.

The way to distinguish yourself from the rest is by your professionalism - not by waving a Leica M8 on the street corner nor by listing a million dollers worth of gear on your website. The way to be professional - run a business instead of pandering to list lovers.

[coreypolis]

That sounds amateurish. Personally, although I have website, I wouldn't give a second thought to people that would only look online for a photographer. IMHO the web is just so much junk. It's handy to showcase your portfolio but that's about it. If I were looking for a photographer I would not pay any attention to the gear he claimed online to have. I would be far more interested in what he can do than in what he claims to own. It's like the Smiths and the Jones each proving they have bigger phalluses by having a newer car each year.

The way to distinguish yourself from the rest is by your professionalism - not by waving a Leica M8 on the street corner nor by listing a million dollers worth of gear on your website. The way to be professional - run a business instead of pandering to list lovers.
Like I said, its only one aspect. And personally, your views of the internet, security etc are not on par with the average person.

Many couples find their photographers online through referal based sites, recomendations, google etc. Not everyone goes to every local studio to check them out. Its not a sales pitch, but rather a reassuring factor that you not only know what you are doing, but have the goods to get it done properly. I no longer have it on my site, but wouldn't be opposed to having it again someday.

[Banbert]

I would be very surpised if he gets anything of the kind from Canon.

I would be very suprised if he didnt get anything from Canon, whether its cash or equipment in kind etc I am sure the amount of click throughs he must get from other photographers via his website must have a worth to Canon and the other equipment manufacturers mentioned on his site or maybe he sisnt interested in more than one revenue stream eh ? ... but hey what do I know I am a newbie at all this so Iwill bow to your superior knowledge of the mehcanics of the internet. ;)

[coreypolis]

I would be very suprised if he didnt get anything from Canon, whether its cash or equipment in kind etc I am sure the amount of click throughs he must get from other photographers via his website must have a worth to Canon and the other equipment manufacturers mentioned on his site or maybe he sisnt interested in more than one revenue stream eh ? ... but hey what do I know I am a newbie at all this so Iwill bow to your superior knowledge of the mehcanics of the internet. ;)
nah, I've seen him post when he buys new gear and the pains of dealing with service like the rest of us.

[Banbert]

Well everyones so sure but without being sure for certain, so I will remain waiting to be surprised.

[Banbert]

Anyway before we go round and round again, and unless DJ posts saying "yeah/naye I have had kick backs from canon and other manufactruers" we will be left guessing ..... but I will say this for sure .... If it were my website I would deffo make money from that equipment page.

[coreypolis]

Anyway before we go round and round again, and unless DJ posts saying "yeah/naye I have had kick backs from canon and other manufactruers" we will be left guessing ..... but I will say this for sure .... If it were my website I would deffo make money from that equipment page.
who knows.

He just bought a g7 for his trip, but you never know.

Michael Reichman doesn't get compensation, but does get special treatment and first dibs at new equipment and the ability to demo it, and he gets way mroe hits at Luminous Landscapes.

[Claire]

The groom I shot asked about what lenses I had, but mainly 'cos he's into photography. He even asked if I had a tripod or would like to borrow his! lol

[jessiper]

The groom I shot asked about what lenses I had, but mainly 'cos he's into photography. He even asked if I had a tripod or would like to borrow his! lol

That's funny. It's usually the groom who asks about my gear. Like how many mega pixels, or what type of camera I have.

[Claire]

That's funny. It's usually the groom who asks about my gear. Like how many mega pixels, or what type of camera I have.

Well, he asked and offered as he said they'd be at the location a few days ahead and he thought that if I didn't have one (being a hobbyist, not a pro), he could bring his. He even said he could bring his 100mm macro if I wanted to borrow it! I nicely told him thanks, but I have a tripod and will bring it, but also that I don't reallý use it very much. Now, the 100mm would have been nice to try out, but to borrow gear from the groom when shooting his wedding is just waaaaaay too unprofessional! LOL :lol:

[cwphoto]

Well everyones so sure but without being sure for certain, so I will remain waiting to be surprised.

I'll tell you what: if he gets paid by Canon simply for having some shots of their gear on his website you can have a choice of any of my lenses.

There are very, very, very few pro photographers whom have such arrangements with Canon - this guy isn't one of them.

[cwphoto]

but hey what do I know I am a newbie at all this so Iwill bow to your superior knowledge of the mehcanics of the internet. ;)

Smart move. ;)

[cwphoto]

If it were my website I would deffo make money from that equipment page.

That's funny.

[Banbert]

How much traffic does DJ's website get do you reckon cwphoto ? How many photographers and wanna be photographers visit his website do you reckon ? If its a decent number like I imagine it is then whether he makes any money or not from it at the moment the fact remains that its a potential revenue stream, whether its hard cash or gear .... right sort of traffic = potential revenue.

Out of interest cwphoto, how much traffic does your website get, whats your goal conversion rates compared to your bounce rates ?

[cwphoto]

Out of interest cwphoto, how much traffic does your website get, whats your goal conversion rates compared to your bounce rates ?

I dunno. All I know is that I have more work than I can poke a stick at.

[Banbert]

I dunno. All I know is that I have more work than I can poke a stick at.

And thats the true test of course and thats doesnt surprise me because you have a really nice portfolio, but if your spending money elsewhere on advertising or promotion to get/maintain that business then spending some on the non visual side of your wesbite could possibly be a more cost effective method of gaining business. if its all referals though happy days and respect to you for achieving that.

[cwphoto]

And thats the true test of course and thats doesnt surprise me because you have a really nice portfolio, but if your spending money elsewhere on advertising or promotion to get/maintain that business then spending some on the non visual side of your wesbite could possibly be a more cost effective method of gaining business. if its all referals though happy days and respect to you for achieving that.

My that's a very nice thing to say, TY. My advertising budget is now very small - I live and die by referrals and I'm a good networker. Lucky for me because I'm a lousy marketer generally. What I really need to do is rationalise my non-shooting photography work (ie; editing) so I can take on a few more of the jobs as a shooter that I currently need to knock back - need a good PS expert, that part bores me to tears.

But you won't be feeling so complimentary when I tell you that your Cricket team just lost the 2nd Ashes Test!

And after declaring their first innings closed at 6/550-odd. My my... :p :D

[Banbert]

My that's a very nice thing to say, TY. My advertising budget is now very small - I live and die by referrals and I'm a good networker. Lucky for me because I'm a lousy marketer generally. What I really need to do is rationalise my non-shooting photography work (ie; editing) so I can take on a few more of the jobs as a shooter that I currently need to knock back - need a good PS expert, that part bores me to tears.

But you won't be feeling so complimentary when I tell you that your Cricket team just lost the 2nd Ashes Test!

And after declaring their first innings closed at 6/550-odd. My my... :p :D

Aye I have just been reading about the cricket, dont really follow it closely but didnt really expect anything but a crushing defeat this tme round after our flash in the pan last time .... I dont think we have improved that much in recent years but last year we performed better than what we truelly are....... getting the follow on and then trying for a draw would have been a realistic result for us to aim for in this match but we missed that by quite a bit.


Have you invested much time in your PS and PP training ? I only ask that because even just starting out I can see that I will be investing time and money in PS and PP training down the line on top of the courses I am already doing, I like the approach DJ has to PP. Investing money back in your own skills is sometimes one of things people forget about in what is typically smaller business enterprises like photography.

My wife has never done any PS stuff but she is showing an interest in doing some now that she can see how much time it takes me so I am hoping she develops an interest and the skills to help us in that area.

Do you do your album design and layouts yourself or do you already farm that out ? Were currently very cheap but a couple of brides for next year want Graphistudio books additional to their weddings and I love the approach they take in doing the album layouts for you for very little extra cost ..... thats the sort of album design and lyout I want to be involved in ... someone else making the albums.

[cwphoto]

Have you invested much time in your PS and PP training ? I only ask that because even just starting out I can see that I will be investing time and money in PS and PP training down the line on top of the courses I am already doing, I like the approach DJ has to PP. Investing money back in your own skills is sometimes one of things people forget about in what is typically smaller business enterprises like photography.

My wife has never done any PS stuff but she is showing an interest in doing some now that she can see how much time it takes me so I am hoping she develops an interest and the skills to help us in that area.

Do you do your album design and layouts yourself or do you already farm that out ? Were currently very cheap but a couple of brides for next year want Graphistudio books additional to their weddings and I love the approach they take in doing the album layouts for you for very little extra cost ..... thats the sort of album design and lyout I want to be involved in ... someone else making the albums.

I wa trained on PS (fairly lightly) back when I did my Diploma (around ten years ago). I should probably do a course to lift skills but to be honest I'd rather outsource as much as I can to give me more time back to shooting and family.

I decided a long time ago that I wanted to be a Photographer and not a Graphics Artist expert if it meant that the former would suffer. I see the two discplines as obviously related but not necessarily important to be good at both if you wish to specialise like me - providing you can engage others that can match my vision in post then that's a perfect world for me.

My Magazine albums are entirely out-sourced in terms of design and manufacture. My clients get to evaluate a draft online (example: http://www.dreamproduction.com.au/e_albums/a020/03/finish.html), and then the supplier builds it for me. My Matted albums are still designed by me, although the supplier (a different one: Queensberry) is able to build for me too.

[Banbert]

I wa trained on PS (fairly lightly) back when I did my Diploma (around ten years ago). I should probably do a course to lift skills but to be honest I'd rather outsource as much as I can to give me more time back to shooting and family.

I decided a long time ago that I wanted to be a Photographer and not a Graphics Artist expert if it meant that the former would suffer. I see the two discplines as obviously related but not necessarily important to be good at both if you wish to specialise like me - providing you can engage others that can match my vision in post then that's a perfect world for me.

My Magazine albums are entirely out-sourced in terms of design and manufacture. My clients get to evaluate a draft online (example: http://www.dreamproduction.com.au/e_albums/a020/03/finish.html), and then the supplier builds it for me. My Matted albums are still designed by me, although the supplier (a different one: Queensberry) is able to build for me too.

Cheers for the info, i see where you coming from and if its the photography that you love then I guess thats the way to do it.

I have the details for Queensberry but havent looked into it too much yet as most of the B&G's we have booked so far have been on a tight budget or interested in the graphistudio books we are also offering instead ..... is it purely a cost reason why you dont get queensberry to do your layouts, or do you still want to retain more control of them yourself ?

p.s thats a really nice way of viewing the album layout from the supplier.

[cwphoto]

I have the details for Queensberry but havent looked into it too much yet as most of the B&G's we have booked so far have been on a tight budget or interested in the graphistudio books we are also offering instead ..... is it purely a cost reason why you dont get queensberry to do your layouts, or do you still want to retain more control of them yourself ?

p.s thats a really nice way of viewing the album layout from the supplier.

Yeah, I find Queensberry a bit pricey so I just get them to do bare minimum and I never really got my head around PhotoJunction anyway (especially as they wanted me to pay for it - WTF?).