Subcontracting

[akj]

I've been thinking about who we might be able to market our skills to, besides consumers . What about wedding photographers? Do you think they would have a need for our skills? Not just the ones who do digital work but those who use traditional film as well. For instance, they may get a client who is happy with their photos but would be happier with a few changes here and there, such as, "Aunt Betty couldn't make it to the wedding but we really would like her in one of the pictures," or "Cousin Jimmy isn't smiling in this picture--Could you make him smile?" or "Grandma Moses just can't keep her eyes open for a picture--could you open her eyes?" Other things that may interest them is removing objects or changing backgrounds, etc. This is not restoration work per se, but more like photo retouching or enhancement.

The photograper may have the skills to do these things but maybe they don't have time and would be just as happier having someone else do them if they can make money off your work. Of course, there would need to be a contract signed saying that you work for the photographer and not the client so in case of "problems" you still get paid, etc.

The photographer could provide either film/print to scan, or a file on CD. (a file would be the ideal) You would do the fixing and give the photographer either a finished print or file. You could really be a stickler and say that you will work with files only and you wouldn't even have to mess with scanning and printing. You could charge just a flat rate per hour.

Anyway, just a thought. I'm sure there are potential problems to this idea. Whatdaya think guys? Share your insights.

Amanda

[kathleen]

amanda,

as a recent vet. mother of the bride, i think your suggestion is excellent. I found my daughter's wedding pictures to exhibit many of the problems you described. a lot of he's better in this one, she's better in that one; i want a good one of everybody.

you could leave a card with wedding dress shops . . . disappointed after the fact? call us kind of thing. (hoping the disappointment extends no further than the pictures)

[thomasgeorge]

Akj, I have done some of that with the local photographer and it works out pretty good especially as regards wedding photos and the reception shots. Trouble is some photographers might balk at this because once the images are burned to cd, and given to the customer, problems with reprints and copyright arise. While the photographer I occasionally work with is loath to keep negatives and considers reprint business to be as enjoyable as a root canal, others feel differently. Perhaps a compromise like just the reception shots on CD or something like that. What you suggest WORKS and is well worth looking into as it requires no new equipment(if you have a CD burner), is easy to do and,as a good selling point, tell folks that with the pictures burned to CD and stored in a safety deposit box, should a disaster strike their dwelling and damage their photos, New ones are just a drive to the box away. Tom

[kathleen]

since my daughter's wedding was in memphis, i thought it suitable and appropriate to include elvis in the assemblage. haven't been able to find a good photo of him, but have found one of this elvis impersonator from the middle east, amal shookup.


no apologies

[thomasgeorge]

I dont think " THE KING " would mind. To not include him,especially in Memphis would be a hangin' offence!! Tom

[Ed_L]

Amanda,

I think your idea has some potential. But, as Tom points out, some photographers might feel that if it is put on a CD, they stand to lose reprint business, and often times that's where they make their money. But if the photographer had the only access to the CD, it might be more workable. It's sure worth looking into. You might even offer manipulations, such as putting the couple into a glass of champagne (where's the spel chekker?) Most times these special effects are probably done in the lab, and you'll have to see if you can make it worth his while to have it done digitally. But -- good thinking! Check out all possibilities.

Ed

[Doug Nelson]

Another possibility is funeral homes. I've not tried this myself, but I've seen more than one site mention that many families want a good photo of the loved one to display at the service and don't have one in good condition.

A further elaboration on this (my idea) would be to research ways of imprinting onto ceramic (or other) medallions for inclusion on the headstone.

[kathleen]

re the medallions, i was just thinking about that last week. I have seen a few tombstones with such; when i was making arrangements for my grandmother, i asked about it out of curiousity. this was in 95, and the guy said there was only one company he knew of that did it, seems like he said they were in N.Y. and it seems like it was pretty high, i'm thinking in the $500 range. you've piqued my curiousity, i'll have to check it out.

[akj]

Good thoughts everyone,

I was actually thinking that once you are done editing the image you would give it right back to the photographer. You wouldn't have anything to do with it after that. That way he/she would always be in charge of the image in case the customer wants reprints or whatnot. That way, once your part of the job is done--you hand it off--and let them worry about the rest. That way, you do what you like doing--editing photos--and they can keep doing what they like doing--taking/making photos.

It's at least worth looking into maybe--as long as you really know what you're doing. People are usually pretty picky about their wedding photos.

Amanda

[Doug Nelson]

I don't like this at all, myself, but I guess its a valuable service for someone:

I ran across a website for a photo retoucher that works with hospitals to provide retouched "lifelike" photos of stillborn children for the grieving parents.

I won't paste an URL here because he had before/after images that I found extremely distasteful. But he did seem to have a lot of business, and (example photos aside) he did seem sympathetic and sincere.

[thomasgeorge]

Doug, I can see one major problem with that particular aspect of restore/retouch and that is the effect on the person doing the work. That sort of grief and frankly the horrible images you would have to look at DO have an effect on a person. I KNOW as all my Working life I delt with death,disasters and their aftermath. If a person has a strong Mental make up perhaps they could handle it, but having spent too much time exposed to that sort of stuff I advise CAUTION. If someone out there decides to "go for it" develop a sense of humor to help counter the grief you will encounter and be sure you have someone close to you that you can vent to on occasion. Tom

[DJ Dubovsky]

Hey how about this one. People love to spend money on their pets. How about pet supply stores and vets advertising your services to mount a favorite pet portrait on holliday backgrounds or maybe memorialize their deceased pets with a loving montage of favorite photos and stories to caption them.
DJ

[Ed_L]

Now you're using the old noggin. GREAT thought!

Ed

[DJ Dubovsky]

What can I say, you bring out the business person hidden in me Ed.
DJ

[thomasgeorge]

Dj, I think you are on to something! People wont bat an eye at dropping some bucks on their pets. Good thinking! Tom