Not a pro, but have a job and questions

[Vetteography]

I am shooting pictures at a kid's party this weekend (my wife volunteered me :p )

While this isn't making me any real money, it is a gig and I would like to use that to my advantage. It is a big, extended family with many, many relatives and friends in the area.

What is the consensus on putting a signature on the photos. Nothing big, but something that would identify me as the photographer? I have seen this type of branding on studio photographs, portraits and the like.

For the old pros here, is this something you do? Does it depend on the job? The client's wishes?

Is this a stupid idea? I can take the truth :lol:

[conkeroo]

I am shooting pictures at a kid's party this weekend (my wife volunteered me :p )

While this isn't making me any real money, it is a gig and I would like to use that to my advantage. It is a big, extended family with many, many relatives and friends in the area.

What is the consensus on putting a signature on the photos. Nothing big, but something that would identify me as the photographer? I have seen this type of branding on studio photographs, portraits and the like.

For the old pros here, is this something you do? Does it depend on the job? The client's wishes?

Is this a stupid idea? I can take the truth :lol:

I personally wouldnt mate, might just seem a little over zealous, if you know what I mean. But what about handing out your business card? Or if you dont have any, because it'll probably be a little less formal, get chatting and give people your number. That way people will see you as, well, a person and not just a signature. The sig might just annoy people. Better just to be safe. All the best with it.

[tim]

Is this a stupid idea? I can take the truth :lol:

From a pro it'd be unacceptable. From someone doing it as a favour it'd be annoying and unlikely to get you more work IMHO. There's at least one thread on similar subjects from a couple of months back.

[Vetteography]

I had a feeling that was the answer. Thanks folks, for keeping me from screwing up!

[amfoto1]

Huh?

I "sign" all my event photos. Most definitely! In fact every pro I know does. Some go so far as to include the ©, their website and/or phone number. Personally I think these take it too far. But my signature goes onto every event photo.

Following is not an event photo, but shows you my "signature".

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/9/a/7/event_4491623.jpeg

Now, shots for publication, stock or licensed for commercial usage should not have any sort of signature on them. But, these are quite different matters.

We're talking about event photos here. I sign portraits and fine art prints, too.

[Vetteography]

Huh.... thanks for the different perspective.

I can see where your signature is small and unobtrusive....

Well, I'll think about it and decide before I deliver the pics after Saturday.

[scorpio_e]

Why not deliver the images on a CD. If you have lightroom you can export the images to a web format.Lightroom can include you name and contact info on the main page :)
You can also auto launch the cd with 1st run autorun express ( freeware)
Professional and you get you name out:)

[Vetteography]

I don't have lightroom :(

But the CD idea is already in the works! I have a lightscribe burner and already designed the face of the CD. Going to deliver it so they can show a slideshow or delve deeper and copy/email/print the pics individually.

[Sledhed]

Personally, I wouldn't put it on the front either but I have no problem having them back printed.