Can Just Anybody be the Knot's Best of Weddings 2010?

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but there seem to be some "Knot Knowledgeable" folks here.

I'm in the process of having my website updated and plan to try out the Knot once I've completed the task. At present they have three levels of advertising fees which can get rather pricey for the monthly rate at the top level. Does anybody have views/experiences on what you get from the different fee levels, from a value standpoint? Thanks.

i never went through with it because it was too expensive.

Check into being the one and only featured photographer at your local David's Bridal. I forgot how much the cost was, (not cheap) but I've heard it works well. They only take one. If they have an opening it may be worth it. Problem is, you gotta sign up for at least a years worth. I told them I'd be happy to do a month as a test run but they said no.

Interesting you bring up David's Bridal, Scott.

A friend of me just sent a link to a Craigslist post from them. They have now partnered with some national chain of wedding photo and videographers, and are solicitating resumes with the intent of building a "stable" of photographers that you would contract through them.

Perhaps this is similar to what you mentioned. I'm almost tempted to submit a resume, equipment list, and referrals just to see what they consider I'm worth...... but not sure if I want to venture that route yet.

sctbiggs wrote in post #9957034
i never went through with it because it was too expensive.

Check into being the one and only featured photographer at your local David's Bridal. I forgot how much the cost was, (not cheap) but I've heard it works well. They only take one. If they have an opening it may be worth it. Problem is, you gotta sign up for at least a years worth. I told them I'd be happy to do a month as a test run but they said no.

i dunno about that. i can't see them using craigslit for anything. link?

i know, if you walk into your local store and ask them about being a partner with them they will give you a form to fill out and fax in. one of their reps will call back and go through the details.

each store only takes one local photographer. you can display x amount of large framed images in the store and are allowed to use their local vendor table/area to put out smaller photos, books, albums, business cards, etc. You are allowed to come in and do drawings/contest or just mingle with their customers to promote your business. (well, you have to let them know ahead of time obviously) Signing up also gets you in their online database. Whatever that is, I never checked it out.

sapearl wrote in post #9956988
I don't mean to hijack this thread, but there seem to be some "Knot Knowledgeable" folks here.

Please, hijack away! I'm curious about working with them, too.

I've tried a few times to get information but their site offers little and they've been unresponsive to my inquiries. I've searched threads about TheKnot on POTN and some have implied less than desirable business practices on their part but no one has ever expressed specifics.

So I would be likewise very curious regarding any insights.

I know - that surprised me also Scott, about the Craigslist thing too. I'm not at my home machine right now and will have to look that up later today. Sorry about that .

sctbiggs wrote in post #9957317
i dunno about that. i can't see them using craigslit for anything. link?

i know, if you walk into your local store and ask them about being a partner with them they will give you a form to fill out and fax in. one of their reps will call back and go through the details.

each store only takes one local photographer. you can display x amount of large framed images in the store and are allowed to use their local vendor table/area ......

Np Robert..... I'll be happy to share what I discover. I've heard mixed stories also, across the spectrum of service experiences. It'll be a little while though before I get the site revision wrapped up.

Peacefield wrote in post #9957336
Please, hijack away! I'm curious about working with them, too.

I've tried a few times to get information but their site offers little and they've been unresponsive to my inquiries. I've searched threads about TheKnot on POTN and some have implied less than desirable business practices on their part but no one has ever expressed specifics.

So I would be likewise very curious regarding any insights.

OK - back at homebase now . I found that link to Craigslist:

http://cleveland.craig​slist.org/tfr/16723268​86.html

I believe this is one of those "partnering" situations then where somebody rents space/enters into contract space in their stores. Partner being referenced is Lindelle Studios / MJS Photography which appears to be involved in some controversy. I won't go into that here - have no idea as to it's veracity in all fairness - but it makes for some interesting reading if you google them.

sctbiggs wrote in post #9957317
i dunno about that. i can't see them using craigslit for anything. link?

i know, if you walk into your local store and ask them about being a partner with them they will give you a form to fill out and fax in. one of their reps will call back and go through the details.

each store only takes one local photographer. you can display x amount of large framed images in the store and are allowed to use their local vendor table/area to put out smaller photos, books, albums, business cards, etc. You are allowed to come in and do drawings/contest or just mingle with their customers to promote your business. (well, you have to let them know ahead of time obviously) Signing up also gets you in their online database. Whatever that is, I never checked it out.

sapearl wrote in post #9959556
http://cleveland.craig​slist.org/tfr/16723268​86.html

Wow! ..

I know..... so if these folks are bulk recruiting, and I honestly don't know anything about them.... what does that do for the industry in general as far as:

1. Product consistency? Dozens of shooters as well as styles.
2. Quality level?
3. Pricing for the independent photographer/studio?
4. Reliability?

Tomi Hawk wrote in post #9959624
Wow! ..

sapearl wrote in post #9959666
I know..... so if these folks are bulk recruiting, and I honestly don't know anything about them.... what does that do for the industry in general as far as:

1. Product consistency? Dozens of shooters as well as styles.
2. Quality level?
3. Pricing for the independent photographer/studio?
4. Reliability?

Yep pretty scary .. and I'd also like to mention to you, that I really hold you in high regard .. here at POTN. Your posts are always so well thought out, explained,
and just down-right common sense!

You articulate precisely what I feel everytime you respond to one of my posts, or anyone else's.
I was gonna make mention of this weeks (months) ago .. regarding that *IS Lens* thread. It's one reason I simply put the word "Wow" in response here.
I felt that if I had said anything else, I might have to wear my flack-jacket.

I would realy like to see legislation get involved .. for the photographers sake!
Then again, anytime that there is any kind of legislation .. it usually involves money. It's sad to see what has happened to this industry as a whole.

Whats even more sad, is to know where it's headed ......

Thank you Tomi - that's a very considerate thing to say and makes my evening . Now, can you put in a good word to my wife about that "common sense" level of mine? She sometimes begs to differ .....

POTN has given me a lot - in saved aggravation, terrific timely knowledge and info, comraderie, and nice friendships. It's the least I can do to try and give back now and then.... although sometimes I get a bit curmudgeonly if I haven't had my morning coffee yet .

The concept of licensing, certifications, professional degrees of accomplishment - that's a tough one. Judging by history, groups or professions typically don't get "legislated" unless somebody either dies, gets very ill, or large numbers of people get scammed or ripped off for huge sums of money. And even in these cases, "good control" does not always evolve.

There are professional associations for photogs, but nothing like licensing in say, the real estate market. I don't know what the answer is. Basically though it boils down to consumer education and buyer beware. Individuals need to be judged by their portfolio value, be it electronic, published, in print or hanging on a wall.

As far as where the industry is headed - we will see some real horrors and disasters, just as we will enjoy brilliant, highly creative and genius work. Because basically the industry is a reflection of human nature, our values, and the eye and energy that we bring to it.

Tomi Hawk wrote in post #9959747
Yep pretty scary .. and I'd also like to mention to you, that I really hold you in high regard .. here at POTN. Your posts are always so well thought out, explained,
and just down-right common sense!

You articulate precisely what I feel everytime you respond to one of my posts, or anyone else's.
I was gonna make mention of this weeks (months) ago .. regarding that *IS Lens* thread. It's one reason I simply put the word "Wow" in response here.
I felt that if I had said anything else, I might have to wear my flack-jacket.

I would realy like to see legislation get involved .. for the photographers sake!
Then again, anytime that there is any kind of legislation .. it usually involves money. It's sad to see what has happened to this industry as a whole.

Whats even more sad, is to know where it's headed ......

sapearl wrote in post #9959833
Thank you Tomi - that's a very considerate thing to say and makes my evening . Now, can you put in a good word to my wife about that "common sense" level of mine? She sometimes begs to differ .....

Hahaha good one .. as usual .. however, I have no clue in terms of relationship common sense .. I married a 6 foot Norwegian model ..
Only because she proposed to me!!!!!! And the odds of anyone ever asking me again, I thought I'd better say yes! Hahaha .. an IQ of 182 ..
and also a member of The Mensa group .. she honestly couldn't boil water, or cross the street to save her life! We're still great friends though .. after I asked for a divorce .. wheww ..

So I guess what I'm saying is .. errr, you're on your own there bud ..
You do have a great insight in terms of photography, and you do a good job of *solving issues* that other posters might start threads on ..

Problems with technical issues to legal .. from people issues to worldly advice.
You're a guy that I would love to sit and have dinner with, and just pick your brain about alotta different subjects .. but when it comes to "wifes"? lol ..
Ummm .. I just always agree .. seems to have worked so far .. and I'm not even married anymore .. err, wait .. uhhh ..

Dear Mrs Sapearl,
Trust everything that your hubby says .. he's really a very practical guy.
And no .. we've never met, though I think I've been a pretty good judge of character over the years by how people present themselves online ..

Now then .. back to that Online Dating service .. where was I? Ok .. Norwegian Brides, Norwegian Brides .. got it .. k .. talk amoungst yourselves!

That's pretty good Tomi - a very enjoyable follow-up post with visions of 6' Norwegian blond Mensa beauties.... a bit different than the usual industrial landscapes and bridges that I shoot .

But regarding any insight into human nature that I may or may not have, I'm a long time fan of PBS as well as a local volunteer, so just think of me as the "Click & Clack" of POTN . Let's just say that 30+ years of marriage and two daughters have managed to impart a bit of common sense into my thick skull..... and they are all waaaaaaay smarter than I am.....

Tomi Hawk wrote in post #9959984
Hahaha good one .. as usual .. however, I have no clue in terms of relationship common sense .. I married a 6 foot Norwegian model ..
......

So I guess what I'm saying is .. errr, you're on your own there bud ..
You do have a great insight in terms of photography, and you do a good job of *solving issues* that other posters might start threads on ..

Problems with technical issues to legal .. from people issues to worldly advice.
You're a guy that I would love to sit and have dinner with, and just pick your brain about alotta different subjects .. but when it comes to "wifes"? lol ..
Ummm .. I just always agree .. seems to have worked so far .. and I'm not even married anymore .. err, wait .. uhhh ..

Dear Mrs Sapearl,
Trust everything that your hubby says .. he's really a very practical guy.
And no .. we've never met, though I think I've been a pretty good judge of character over the years by how people present themselves online ..

Now then .. back to that Online Dating service .. where was I? Ok .. Norwegian Brides, Norwegian Brides .. got it .. k .. talk amoungst yourselves!

sapearl wrote in post #9959666
I know..... so if these folks are bulk recruiting, and I honestly don't know anything about them.... what does that do for the industry in general as far as:

1. Product consistency? Dozens of shooters as well as styles.
2. Quality level?
3. Pricing for the independent photographer/studio?
4. Reliability?

They're basically a budding/expanding wedding mill. They (wedding mills) don't pay much. Maybe less than 1/3 of what a low to middle market independent would make. I won't name names because I don't want them to have the free publicity but a certain one I "tried out" for only paid its primary shooters $500 if they were absolutely excellent and its seconds usually got about $300.