tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48448037742341862432024-03-05T20:02:09.375+00:00Chris Lynn PhotographyChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-56797643123225764152014-01-07T17:18:00.000+00:002014-01-07T17:18:00.132+00:00Amazing Boudoir Competition WinnersLate last year I ran a competition on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrimsbyCleethorpesBoudoir" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>. The prize was a 2-hour <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/boudoirpackage.html" target="_blank">Boudoir Shoot</a> with a selection of pictures on disc. A prize worth £150! The only catch was that the winners had to allow me to use their photos in my publicity; on my iPad portfolio, on my website and on social media...<br />
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I thought I might get 2 or 3 entries, but I was amazed when 32 ladies contacted me! I chose 3 and some of the results are below! Yes... I know there are only 2 girls there... Number 3 has decided she's not quite ready yet. Keep an eye out for hers coming soon though! Hopefully...<br />
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Thank you to Joss and Dawn and well done!!! <br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-77392167948411102762013-09-18T17:26:00.001+01:002013-09-18T17:26:25.842+01:00Why Are You Entitled to a Discount?Over the last few days I've been asked twice if I could offer a discount on photos. One was an "if I bought a lot..." and the other was a "what if I give you cash in hand...". Over the last few years I've often been asked if I'll do a discount. And the justifications for the request have always been the same as the 2 I've had this week.<br />
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I wanted to explain why I don't discount my photos and why I don't like people asking me to. This isn't aimed at anyone specifically so please don't be offended or take it personally...<br />
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Everyone likes a good haggle, me included. And the truth is, actually I do discount my photos sometimes. If you've ordered £259 of photos from a studio shoot, the chances are I'll call it 250 quid. It shows good will on my part and makes your payment a round number (even though you're probably paying by cheque or card). But it's generally a small discount relative to the overall cost. What I don't do is knock 25% of your bill because you asked me to!<br />
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I take photos for a living, which means the money I take from you has to first pay for my business costs (consumables, rent, rates, electricity, water, advertising, etc.) What's left over has to pay my bills at home. If there's any left over from that I might go on holiday! I have to make enough money from what I do to cover all of that which is a struggle. Especially when what I sell is essentially a luxury. I have worked hard to set my prices at a level that is fair for me and for my customers. I won't go into my pricing structure in depth, but you can read about <a href="http://chrislynnphoto.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/why-does-pro-photography-cost-so-much.html" target="_blank">why pro photography costs so much</a> in my previous posts.<br />
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I understand that £15 for a 7x5" photo might sound expensive when Tesco (et al.) are selling prints for pennies. But my prices are there for all to see. I have a page on my website specifically for <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/portprices.html" target="_blank">portrait prices</a>. I don't hide anything from my customers then slap a huge bill on them once they've fallen in love with the shots! So you really should have an idea of how much you can get for your budget before you come in.<br />
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The bulk ordering argument is something I find difficult to counter. Many businesses offer bulk discounts, from wholesalers to 2-for-1 offers. So why don't I? Well it's really down to averages. The bulk of my work is done before you even see your photos regardless of how much you spend, so I need my hourly rate to average out across all the shoots I do in a year. That means that people who spend a lot with me are essentially subsidising the small orders. The difficulty I have is when the lower spenders think theirs is a big order and ask for money off. A £500 order is likely to attract a bit of a saving as a gesture of good will and a thank you for your custom. A £50 order is not...<br />
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The cash in hand argument is a lot easier. I pay tax. Simple as that. Everything I take goes through my books and is declared to HMRC. Asking for a discount because you're paying cash has an implicit under-the-table subtext. Sorry to disappoint, but cash, cheque, card or PayPal is all the same to me.<br />
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What I dislike the most though is the fact that people only seem to ask for discounts from small, local independent businesses. No-one goes into Sainsbury's and asks the cashier for a free tin of beans because they've bought 6 of them. M&S won't knock a tenner off the price of your new dress just because you've asked them to. So why should you expect a local business to do the same?<br />
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Please think before asking for discounts and maybe don't do it. Or at the very least accept our polite "sorry, but no" and don't argue the point. You never know, you just might get a couple of quid knocked off next time!<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-3952402034116209042013-08-19T17:18:00.000+01:002013-08-19T17:18:00.338+01:00The Ups and Downs of Self EmploymentTaking the decision to go self employed is a big one! It's a scary prospect and for most people (including myself) most of it is a complete unknown until you actually experience it. People can tell you what it's like but you can't know until you do it yourself. There are many negatives to being self employed, but (in my experience at least) a lot more positives.<br />
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Most of the points below can be both a negative and a positive, so it's really down to your own attitude as to what you take from it. I've chosen to enjoy it, so I do!<br />
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<u><b>Your Income Becomes Irregular</b></u><br />
Having a 'proper' job means you know when you're getting paid and how much. Being self employed (at least at the start) means exactly the opposite. For me, I get paid when I work. I'm quite seasonal so I get more money at certain times of the year and less at others. During the quiet times it can be squeaky bum time regarding paying the bills (which annoyingly are higher in my quiet periods). You have to make sure you don't go on spending sprees when times are good and put some away for the off season.<br />
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<u><b>Your Hours Become Irregular</b></u><br />
I suppose this depends on your type of business. If you run a shop, your opening hours are generally 9-5 Monday to Saturday. But running a shop isn't just about standing at a till. And for me it's even less regular... My <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/portraits.html" target="_blank">portrait</a> and <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/weddings.html" target="_blank">wedding</a> work is to the general public, so I have to fit around their free time. I find myself busier after 3.30pm (school) and after 6pm (work) for studio sessions. Saturdays are also popular so my working hours are basically the opposite of someone with a 'proper' job! Weddings are also (usually) on Saturdays, so the first day of most people's weekend is the busiest day of my week! And if I have a wedding on a Saturday, I can't do anything else, so I see people in the studio on a Sunday as well...<br />
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The seasonality of what I do means I can be working 10-12 hour days (or longer), 6 or 7 days a week in the weeks leading up to Christmas, have no free Saturdays in the summer, but then have almost nothing in January and February. My <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/commercial.html" target="_blank">commercial photography</a> and <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/google-business-photos-lincolnshire.html" target="_blank">Google virtual tours</a> level it out a bit, but not completely.<br />
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This does mean, though, that I often don't have any bookings on week days so I take my appointment free days as my weekends. I rarely get 2 together mid-week, but at least I do get some time off which I think is important. Too many people work all hours because they think they have to and run themselves into the ground. Don't feel guilty about having time off! Just don't over do it...<br />
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The real positive to this though is that my girlfriend works shifts so her days off aren't always on a weekend. So we can take a mid-week 'weekend' and spend it together at a time when places are quiet!<br />
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<u><b>Always on Duty</b></u><br />
For me the biggest negative is the fact that I'm never completely off duty. I take time off when I can, and having the studio means I can leave work at work at the end of the day. But I always have my phone on me. People don't seem to think twice about ringing at all times of the day. I regularly get calls at 8 or 9pm while I'm sitting at home or in the pub. I even had a call on New Year's Day enquiring about <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/weddings.html" target="_blank">wedding photography</a>! He even seemed a little bit miffed when I pointed the date out to him and asked if I could call him in a couple of days...<br />
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But I do understand why they do it. People can't be researching and booking <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/" target="_blank">wedding and portrait photographers</a> during work hours. They come home, have dinner and sit down with a glass of wine and the laptop, find my number and ring. I always answer if I can (after losing a very lucrative wedding to someone who did pick up) but it would be nice sometimes for time off to actually be time off...<br />
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<u><b>It Can Get Mighty Lonely...</b></u><br />
I see plenty of customers and clients who are all entertaining in their own way, but for quite long stretches of time I'm on my own in my office. I might be editing photos, designing a wedding album or producing leaflets so I'm busy, but there's no-one to talk to. That's the one thing I miss about having a 'proper' job in a big company - workmates. It would be nice to nip out for lunch with my team, or have a quick pint on a Friday with the rest of the office...<br />
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But there are ways around it. I've joined a few networking groups which gives me a good social aspect to my day. Yes, they're very good for business, but more important than that, it's a few hours of social interaction with people who aren't my customers. Customers are great, but you can't have the same relationship with them as you can with a colleague or a friend...<br />
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<u><b>Doing What I Love</b></u><br />
That's all there is to it. I love what I do and enjoy all of it despite the bad stuff. I'm happier now than I've been for years and happier than I ever was with a 'proper' job! So if you're thinking of going self employed - do your research, make a plan and just do it! <br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-8955599238672434872013-08-05T11:56:00.000+01:002013-08-05T11:56:00.480+01:00Another Stunning WeddingHere's a few pages of the album that went out to Elaine and Jason recently. The ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening party were held at the <a href="http://www.oakridgehotels.co.uk/index.php?site=3" target="_blank">Ashbourne Hotel</a>, North Killingholme. An absolutely stunning venue for a wedding and wedding photos!<br />
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Congratulations, guys. I hope you like your album...!<br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-24876273693211367742013-07-22T17:51:00.000+01:002013-07-22T17:51:00.298+01:00DiversityNo. Not the dance troupe! I'm talking about adding as many strings to your business bow as possible. I've talked before about <a href="http://chrislynnphoto.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/surviving-in-recession.html" target="_blank">surviving in a recession</a> and one of the ways I've managed to do that is by diversification.<br />
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Obviously I am a wedding photographer, but they are mostly only on Saturdays. That gives me all week to shoot other people! Hence my portrait work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-5SX60khdQckE9UrOsorP8u-7_w0-mEXQznxT3ZVIlLxjZOzKWtWUMbYjrwpNKjmUqf3Ej15P8F-jvPQPQazBV0AbDN0Boun9AVNImIkIFewljtVD0491U-68e3Cf4NSbhDhPLb5cqXp/s1200/072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-5SX60khdQckE9UrOsorP8u-7_w0-mEXQznxT3ZVIlLxjZOzKWtWUMbYjrwpNKjmUqf3Ej15P8F-jvPQPQazBV0AbDN0Boun9AVNImIkIFewljtVD0491U-68e3Cf4NSbhDhPLb5cqXp/s200/072.jpg" width="200" /></a>I've have a target market for my <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/portraits.html" target="_blank">family portraits</a> and target my advertising accordingly. I don't exclude anyone but targeting a certain sector of the local population will naturally limit my market. So to extend my market a little bit I started taking different types of photos in my studio. As well as family photos I also offer <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/boudoir.html" target="_blank">boudoir photography</a>, <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/maternity.html" target="_blank">maternity shoots</a> and <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/pets.html" target="_blank">animal and pet photography</a>. That has the studio covered but is still mostly evenings and weekends to fit around school and work. I still have the daytime to fill... Which is why I started the <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/commercial.html" target="_blank">commercial photography</a> part of my business.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeIdUbfd71MD2v-tl3sgAuW4LlLPnVRoVRPPhyh7tlh8rCw8SXlozkfqAukgf8eAUWmh5yBOZs9MEYgDxClMs4QzjWEVNY1OT5qNM4e8w6LjMOu8WJCwaK-pfE0ZSezlbXp7rMP-nysaL/s1200/DSC_4095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeIdUbfd71MD2v-tl3sgAuW4LlLPnVRoVRPPhyh7tlh8rCw8SXlozkfqAukgf8eAUWmh5yBOZs9MEYgDxClMs4QzjWEVNY1OT5qNM4e8w6LjMOu8WJCwaK-pfE0ZSezlbXp7rMP-nysaL/s200/DSC_4095.jpg" width="200" /></a>Businesses are generally open 9-5 Monday to Friday, which is when the studio is quiet. So why not go out and do some work for them?! I spoke to a few businesses and built up a good list of contacts which enabled me to go out and photograph businesses and their products to be used in their marketing materials. This in itself has been diverse from <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/commercialgallery.html" target="_blank">hotels, to restaurants, to Vulcan bombers, to massage therapists, to food, fitness and fashion</a>!<br />
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I'm also a Google Trusted Photographer, which means I am able to provide Google Business Photos. That basically means I create 360 degree panoramic <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/google-business-photos-lincolnshire.html" target="_blank">virtual tours for businesses in Lincolnshire</a>!<br />
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Even with all of that I realised there's a sector of the market that would actually like to take their own photos. So why not let them do it in my studio! It's only a small part of what I offer, but I have made my <a href="http://www.grimsbyphotostudio.co.uk/" target="_blank">studio available to hire</a> to pros and amateurs alike! But once I started renting to amateurs I found a lot of them didn't really know what they were doing, so I started running <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/courses.html" target="_blank">studio photography courses</a>! <br />
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Who knows... maybe I'll spot another gap and start doing even more types of photography soon! We'll have to wait and see.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-13404883729262130352013-07-03T18:08:00.000+01:002013-07-04T14:47:48.220+01:00Weddings - A Guide for GuestsThat might seem like a strange title for a post, but the guests at a wedding play a massive part in the day. No one guest can really make or break a wedding, but there are things you can do to help make the day run smoothly. Naturally my advice is mostly based around the photos, but anyone who has been to a wedding will know that the photos can take up the vast majority of the time between the ceremony and the food. This isn't an exhaustive list, but addresses some of the gripes I (and other photographers) have at weddings that could be greatly helped by reading this!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYnAt9i7Y4eRFgtR8U3SDNPi9BH9io1aIt_1yVsrHHycEK0DT7_ohdTs1VwSpiRV7mU6j6LqIn_WHkx6kfZiMPX1HgsKyP4MOI2xMLsmYzEHs5Ot6mIb-oTR7vxHyRCU5Q4XnML6lb3Vl/s1200/DSC_4792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMYnAt9i7Y4eRFgtR8U3SDNPi9BH9io1aIt_1yVsrHHycEK0DT7_ohdTs1VwSpiRV7mU6j6LqIn_WHkx6kfZiMPX1HgsKyP4MOI2xMLsmYzEHs5Ot6mIb-oTR7vxHyRCU5Q4XnML6lb3Vl/s200/DSC_4792.jpg" width="132" /></a><u><b>Pay Attention</b></u><br />
I know you're not at a wedding to be photographed, but the bride and groom have probably written me a list with your name on it. Please listen to me while I'm trying to arrange the groups! No-one likes the group photos, but the bride and groom have asked for them so the quicker we can get through them the better!<br />
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<u><b>Don't Wander Off</b></u><br />
This is an extension of the above... It's difficult for a lone photographer to corral more than 100 guests into one place when I don't know anyone's name. It's even more difficult if Aunty Mabel has nipped to the loo or Uncle George has gone to the bar! I know you're bored watching me take my shots, but there's every chance you'll be asked to be in one!<br />
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<u><b>Don't Be A Comedian</b></u><br />
I keep saying it, but no-one likes the group photos so I will try and get through them as quickly as possible. If you're one of the people who we've had to spend 5 minutes trying to find, please please please just come over, get into position and smile. Don't make jokes about being late, don't do a deliberately slow silly walk and don't make yourself the centre of attention. Apart from it annoying me (not that I would ever show it!) it annoys the happy couple. Weddings are fun, but can be stressful for the bride and groom so the less fuss the better. Don't be remembered for the wrong reasons...<br />
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<u><b>Don't Assume I'm Not Talking To You</b></u><br />
With 100 people all in the same photo together, sometimes I'll need to ask someone to move. That might be you. If I look at you it probably is you. Please don't look over your shoulder or to either side. It'll get everything moving a lot quicker!<br />
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<u><b>Don't Get In My Way</b></u><br />
When I'm posing the couple or setting up a group shot, please at least let me finish what I'm doing before you wade in and take your own shots. I need everyone in the shot to be looking at me and smiling. If you're there with your camera the chances are at least one person will be looking at you or talking to you spoiling the shot. Which means I have to take it again which makes the whole process last a lot longer than it needs to... <br />
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<u><b>Don't Hide</b></u><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUB70ZiG7art-RqJlMkI24XUfsJRPqVDnw61EfaeW6w6c6y9o6LTAtYSHNxoAfU246WCyi__YhJhlrP2ZiN53cLnDpmHfJipNbBMF_mvGVy4SjzacSkF_sxq8O78bcaUPYijKO2XbeOqRh/s1600/DSC_4682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUB70ZiG7art-RqJlMkI24XUfsJRPqVDnw61EfaeW6w6c6y9o6LTAtYSHNxoAfU246WCyi__YhJhlrP2ZiN53cLnDpmHfJipNbBMF_mvGVy4SjzacSkF_sxq8O78bcaUPYijKO2XbeOqRh/s200/DSC_4682.jpg" width="132" /></a>If you take one thing away from this post, make it this. Don't hide from me!!! A lot of people don't like having their photo taken. I get that. But the bride and groom have chosen me to photograph their wedding because I take a lot of photos of their guests. They have paid me a lot of money to do so. If you are constantly hiding from my lens it make that part of my job a lot more difficult. It makes no difference to me personally whether I snap you or not, but it does matter to your hosts! Think about them... I <u>will</u> get you eventually, so you can either just let me do it early doors or spend 4 hours looking over your shoulder!<br />
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<u><b>And Finally... Smile!</b></u><br />
You're at a wedding! It's a happy occasion! Tell your face... I'm going to get a shot of you anyway and it might make it to the album so you might as well make it a nice one!<br />
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Hopefully you'll take something from this and maybe you'll even apply some of it next time you're at a wedding. Either way, have a lovely day!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-83461602055680000822013-03-27T17:44:00.000+00:002013-04-12T09:51:58.582+01:00Surviving in a RecessionBefore I start, this isn't a bit about saving money, recycling old furniture and finding bargains. If that's what you're after you're better off looking at <a href="http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/" target="_blank">Martin Lewis</a>... This is more about being self employed at a time when people have less disposable income.<br />
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My business, like many others, falls into the category of "non-essential" or maybe even "luxury". It's not something people absolutely must have (like food) and it's not something people need in an emergency (like a plumber for a leaking dishwasher). Photos are very much a "nice to have" item. It's nice to have <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/portraits.html" target="_blank">fun family photos</a> to display at home. It's nice to have some <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/boudoir.html" target="_blank">sexy boudoir photos</a> to give your other half as a gift. But these things are not necessities.<br />
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In a recession, people have less disposable income to spend on niceties. And the media's over hyped, sensationalist reporting of the situation makes people think they have even less than they actually do! The first things to be sacrificed are the luxuries. Fewer people will come to have their photo taken and the ones that do will spend less on prints and canvasses. So how do we deal with this?<br />
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For me, it's about making the most of what I have and trying to maximise what's available. I try to make myself as visible as possible so as many people as possible know about me. My <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a> ranks well in Google. I have a <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps?layer=c&z=17&sll=53.568087,-0.045524999999999996&cid=-3614572887357759400&panoid=VN-tiyHKXhytCDcA3bsDQg&cbp=13,238.1679755475242,,0,0&q=photographer+cleethorpes" target="_blank">virtual tour on Google</a> and <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/virtual-tour.html" target="_blank">on my website</a>, I'm on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ChrisLynnPhoto" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/ChrisLynnPhoto" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, I have a visible shop front, I have leaflets and I <a href="http://www.4networking.biz/" target="_blank">network</a>. I've also extended the range of products and services I offer to maximise my audience.<br />
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But what's more important is that I work hard to build and maintain my reputation and high level of customer service. Happy customers will come back. But what's more, they will recommend you to their friends which is worth more than any expensive advert I could put in the newspaper!<br />
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My business started in a recession so I haven't had to deal with a fall in revenue. In fact, year on year, my business has grown, which gives me a lot of confidence. So if I can ride out this recession and continue with the trend I've started, when the newspapers finally tell people it's OK to start spending again I can only grow even more!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-66243042674882309402013-02-05T18:01:00.000+00:002013-02-05T18:01:00.126+00:00You Can't Do That! Can You...?
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<span lang="EN-US">The laws associated with photography are
quite clear, but not widely known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What can and can’t be done regarding photographs and photography seems
to be clouded in confusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
speak to a lot of people who are either unaware of what is and isn’t allowed or
hold a belief that is the polar opposite of what is actually true!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This post aims to dispel a few myths…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US">I’ve
bought it so it’s mine!</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">People often believe that because they have
purchased a printed photo from me that it is theirs and they are entitled to do
with it as they please.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
referring to scanning of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is not the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
the individual copy of that photograph is yours, but only that copy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you would like another copy of a
photograph you will need to buy it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ownership of any photograph remains with the photographer and only
he/she can make copies of that photograph.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The only exception here is by giving
(usually written) permission to someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case there would usually be some form of
compensation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often sell digital
copies of photographs to people and give them permission to print.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case ownership of the photo
remains with the photographer who still retains all his original rights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only right the customer has here is
to print off multiple copies.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s a theme that runs through this post,
but you do not automatically own any rights to pictures of you unless you took
them yourself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US">It’s
on the internet so it’s public property!</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This is absolutely not the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A photograph will always remain the property
of the photographer and copyright will remain with him/her unless assigned to
someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is as much the
case with photos you may find on the internet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">You may not save, copy, edit, reproduce,
print or in any way use an image, whole or in part, that you find on the
internet without express consent from the copyright owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basically, all you’re allowed to do
with pictures you see on the internet is look at them!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">That goes for things you come across in
Google Images, and photos you see on photographers’ portfolios on
Facebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you’re in the
picture!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US">You
can’t show other people my picture!</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I own the picture and can do (almost)
whatever I want with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am able
to copy, print, display and even sell photos of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I don’t even need your permission!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only limitation here is that I must
not use your photo in a defamatory or offensive way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Generally, the only way I would use your
images is in my own advertising or portfolio to show my work to other potential
customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it may be the case
that I might submit a photo to a competition or other gallery where the public
would see your photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
perfectly allowable and doesn’t require any special permission from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a provision in the law however
for you to request that I do not do this if you have commissioned the photos
from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if you ask me not to,
I won’t.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In reality, I do have permission from all
my customers anyway as part of the booking form signed by everyone who uses
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And realistically, even though
I don’t have to, I will always ask for specific (verbal) permission before using
any photos in this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just
polite apart from anything else!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US">You
can’t take my picture without my permission!</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">If you are in a public place, you can have
your photo taken without giving your permission or even having been
informed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can snap away to my
heart’s content on the streets, in a park or on the beach and I don’t need to
tell you I’m doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
previously mentioned, you don’t have any rights to the pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Full ownership and copyright would
remain with me. I am able to copy, print, display and sell the photos (again
with the same limitations regarding defamation and offence) without any payment
to you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s not something I’m particularly into
personally, but there are plenty of photographers out there who do this a lot
and are quite within their rights to do so.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN-US">But
surely that’s not the case for children!</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Children have no additional rights over
adults.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything I’ve said
before applies equally to photos of children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can (if I want) sit in a park and take photographs of
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can then display these
photos on my website or Facebook page as part of my portfolio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same defamation exception obviously
applies and anything deemed to be inappropriate or indecent would not be
allowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the principal is
exactly the same.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Of course I would never do this without
first getting at least verbal permission from the parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless of what the law says, my
reputation is much more important to me than any individual photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I have been reliably informed that
if I did this I would very likely be arrested on suspicion of any number of
child related offences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No charges
would be brought, but I’d rather not have my equipment seized and spend a night
in the cells…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">---</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I hope this has helped dispel a few myths
and set straight a few incorrectly held beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also want to make it clear that, although the law is
largely on my side, my reputation is very important to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would never intentionally do anything
to upset a customer, regardless of what the law allows me to do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-9269492638873013282013-01-14T18:03:00.000+00:002013-01-14T18:03:00.358+00:00Why Does Pro Photography Cost So Much?I've posted before <a href="http://chrislynnphoto.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/does-it-really-cost-250-to-put-some.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://chrislynnphoto.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/whats-in-wedding.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://chrislynnphoto.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/whats-in-wedding-part-2.html" target="_blank">here</a> about why we charge what we do,
but I thought it was worth adding a section specifically about bespoke
studio work. This is inspired by another blog I read. Have a read yourself <a href="http://www.professionalchildphotographer.com/information/?page_id=16" target="_blank">here</a> if you fancy it!<br />
<br />
Everyone has a digital camera these days and it's getting easier and easier for anyone to produce reasonable quality photos with little or no experience. You can pop down to Max Spielman or even Tesco and get them printed for less than a quid. Or get the right website at the right time and all you pay is the postage! Which is why people are often forcing me to justify charging upwards of £15 for a single print...<br />
<br />
It comes down to a few factors which can basically be split into 5 categories: time, equipment, premises, advertising and expertise.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Time</b></u><br />
There is a lot of time and effort that goes into a shoot that most people don't realise...<br />
<ul>
<li>Booking the shoot: 15 - 30 minutes - chatting with the customer, answering questions, filling in the calendar</li>
<li>Shoot preparation: 15 - 30 minutes - tidying, putting the heating on in advance, checking equipment, switching on, etc...</li>
<li>The shoot itself: 1 - 2 hours</li>
<li>Clearing up afterwards: 15 minutes</li>
<li>Uploading photos from cards: 15 minutes</li>
<li>Editing the photos and creating a slideshow for the client to view: 2 - 3 hours</li>
<li>Sitting with the client to view their images: 30 minutes - 2 hours</li>
<li>Finalising and ordering prints: 30 minutes - 1 hour</li>
<li>Ordering handmade frames: 1 hour</li>
<li>Delivering photos when required: 1 hour</li>
</ul>
<br />
OK, these are approximate times, but a single shoot can take anywhere between 6 and 11 hours to complete! And that doesn't take into account difficult customers...<br />
<br />
<u><b>Equipment</b></u><br />
A professional photographer won't be using an iPhone. Not for taking photos anyway. They also won't be using a £250 point and click camera from Jessops. They'll be using a dSLR which is likely to cost upwards of £1,000. They'll also have a selection of lenses costing at least £500 each. A good set of studio lights will set you back upwards of £2,500. There'll be a computer that won't be cheap and a genuine copy of Photoshop costs in excess of £700! Then there's the smaller things like background papers, props and reflectors. All of this needs servicing and/or repairing every now and again. Not to mention insurance costs...<br />
<br />
Professionals will also not get their photos printed at Tesco! They will use pro labs which are infinitely better quality. They are also a lot more expensive... <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, as a business owner I have to pass these costs onto you, the customer.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Premises</b></u><br />
I may have mentioned it before but I have a studio. I think it adds an extra special something to the whole process and lets me take photos that amateurs or pros without studio space can't take. It's the style and method of photography I've chosen and it's why my clients come to me rather than anyone else. That all costs (a lot of) money though. I have rent, electricity, phone, broadband, water, business rates, and insurance to pay. And again, this has to be passed onto the customer...<br />
<br />
<u><b>Advertising</b></u><br />
I do a lot of advertising, online and in the real world. The online stuff is mostly free but can be very time consuming. The offline advertising can be very expensive. Wedding fairs can be upwards of £100, leaflets are £50 a batch, newspaper or magazine adverts can be anywhere between £200 and £600 and networking can cost £1,000 a year! And all of this has to be done on an ongoing basis... <br />
<br />
<u><b>Expertise</b></u><br />
This one is a little harder to quantify. I have studied, been on courses and gained years of experience. Over my time I have developed a particular style which is unique to me. I think that's something worth paying for!<br />
<br />
And let's not forget I'm doing this for a living! Yes I enjoy it, but I still need to make a profit from what I do...<br />
<br />
So next time you're paying for some photos and wondering why a small piece of paper costs £15, please try and bear some of this in mind.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-75810706628284468142012-12-24T14:45:00.000+00:002012-12-24T14:45:00.671+00:00Merry Christmas!!!I'd just like to wish all of my clients new and old a massive Merry Christmas! And another Merry Christmas to those of you who aren't customers. You're all very welcome!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading my drivel over the last couple of years. I hope 2013 is as successful for you as you hope it will be!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmQSt2rU9efxWjl2waYCHircvizBi6bTq7gu3Tzum0gjafdNVI1LSB2me3oyT5RJgnb6myLVXTWdjaU7WFXdzTZPjOtmSG5X25Wq3wG7HneDEsGyA6mJOZS71xtxhlSUt2f6ZxNXIG7vs/s1600/DSC_9795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmQSt2rU9efxWjl2waYCHircvizBi6bTq7gu3Tzum0gjafdNVI1LSB2me3oyT5RJgnb6myLVXTWdjaU7WFXdzTZPjOtmSG5X25Wq3wG7HneDEsGyA6mJOZS71xtxhlSUt2f6ZxNXIG7vs/s640/DSC_9795.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-91327786906728131992012-12-17T17:40:00.000+00:002012-12-17T17:40:00.695+00:00Another Fab Wedding!Here's a few album pages from another beautiful wedding from earlier this year. A little reminder of how nice the British summer can be.<br />
<br />
Congratulations to Claire and David!<br />
<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-25100787121177942762012-12-03T17:20:00.000+00:002012-12-03T17:20:00.071+00:00Taking Better Photos - Part 3This is the last part of my mini tutorial. And it's the least obvious and intuitive tip.<br />
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<u><b>Use the Flash in Bright Sunlight</b></u><br />
What??? Why would I do that? The sun provides all the light I need! Well yes. But not always from the right angle. The camera exposes a photo for the average brightness in the shot. It's not as good as our eyes at seeing bright and dark at the same time. So you have to help it out a bit.<br />
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2 situations to look at are a good background with a dark foreground and a good foreground with a bright background.<br />
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In the first photo below, the camera has exposed for the sky, but Liam in the foreground is in shadow. Turning on the flash won't affect the sky, but will brighten the subject making him stand out much better.<br />
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In the first photo below, Luca is fairly well exposed, but the sky is over exposed and bleached out. Turning on the flash allows the camera to expose for the sky and the flash lights the foreground. And bam! Fab shot!<br />
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So that's my 3 top tips for taking better photos. Whether you're out walking the dog or on a sunny beach somewhere, try to apply 1 or all of these to your shots and see the difference it makes!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-21594435630642399732012-11-19T17:27:00.000+00:002012-11-19T17:27:00.579+00:00Taking Better Photos - Part 2So we've looked at the Rule of Thirds. Now it's time to add a bit of a dynamic edge to your photos. A good photo will tell a story, but it will also take the viewer on a journey...<br />
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<u><b>Lead In Lines</b></u><br />
These are a great way to lead the viewer's eye around the picture. Look for diagonal lines that will lead you to the main subject in the photo. Take a bit of time to walk around and move your shooting point to make the most of things like stairs, railings, footpaths and tree lines.<br />
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It adds a bit of movement to the shot and makes it a bit more interesting. And if you can combine this with the Rule of Thirds, even better!<br />
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Get out there and give it a try!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-16978115410291780472012-11-06T17:19:00.000+00:002012-11-06T17:19:00.170+00:00Taking Better Photos - Part 1People often say to me that they'd like to be able to take better photos. Well, it's really not that hard! It takes years of experience to be a good professional photographer, but there are a few tips and tricks you can use to improve your photography, whether you're an enthusiastic hobbyist or just want better holiday snaps!<br />
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You don't need a big expensive camera. A phone is usually perfectly adequate! I won't talk about exposure or shutter speed here as most cameras will deal with all that for you. Have a go at these tips and see how your photography improves. This is part 1 of 3. Keep an eye out for the rest...<br />
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<u><b>Rule of Thirds</b></u><br />
Composition is a very important part of making a good photo. Think about where you want your subject to be positioned within the frame. Should it be in the middle? At the top? Where do you put the horizon???<br />
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A simple rule is the rule of thirds. Imagine the photo split into thirds horizontally and vertically. Something like this.<br />
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Try to place straight lines in the picture on one of the imaginary third lines. That's things like horizons, trees and towers. Moving them off centre slightly adds a bit of interest to the picture and avoids it being split down the middle making 2 halves of a picture.<br />
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For an extra bit of interest, try to put interesting objects on one of the intersection lines as well. That's things like faces, rocks and anything else you want people to notice!<br />
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Give it a go next time you get your camera out and see the difference!<br />
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<br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-46357296731205728632012-10-23T17:58:00.000+01:002012-10-24T10:28:58.866+01:00A Fantastic Wedding!It occurred to me that I've never put up any photos from a wedding. Every once in a while a wedding really sticks out in my mind as being really good. From the bride's preparations in the morning, the group shots, the weather to the speeches and all the bits in between everything goes smoothly and it's a really happy occasion.<br />
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I won't write much more as I think the photos speak for themselves. Congratulations to Sami and Martin!<br />
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Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-24235798794092251752012-09-26T15:45:00.000+01:002012-09-26T16:47:43.174+01:00Coping with CompetitionEvery industry has competition and every industry has its competitors. It seems (to me at least) that photographers have more competition than most! I've mentioned in a previous post that photography is an easy business to get started in and it seems that anyone with a posh camera can call themselves a photographer! The local newspaper keeps printing stories about new photography businesses in the area...<br />
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But just because someone is in the same industry it doesn't necessarily mean they're competition. Yes, we're all looking for people to sell photos to, but are we all looking for the same people? I don't think so.<br />
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Photography customers all have different criteria when choosing a photographer. Particularly regarding <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/weddings.html" target="_blank">wedding photography</a>. Some people are on a budget and will book the cheapest photographer they can find (not something I recommend!). Some people like the kudos of booking the area's most expensive photographer. Others will book the best photographer they can afford (a much more sensible approach...). No one photographer can appeal to all markets so we have to pick one to work in.<br />
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There are literally dozens of 'professional' <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/" target="_blank">photographers in Grimsby and Cleethorpes</a>, but I really only count 5 or 6 of them as genuine competition. We're all full time and fully insured. We all put a lot of time and effort into marketing ourselves. We all offer good customer service and excellent attention to detail. And we all supply the best products from the best suppliers. We don't appeal the the 'cheap is best' market, but none of us is the most expensive in the area either.<br />
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But even that competition isn't really a problem. There are about 150,000 people living in and around Grimsby and Cleethorpes so there's plenty to go around! There are tons of <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/weddings.html" target="_blank">weddings in North East Lincolnshire</a> every single weekend, so again there's plenty to go around without us all stepping on each other's toes.<br />
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And don't forget, photography is very subjective. We all have our own particular and distinctive style which some people won't like. It took a while to get my head around it, but I genuinely don't mind any more if someone books a different photographer over me.<br />
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Having said that, I still like it when I win a customer ahead of my competition!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-49301417843674662442012-05-04T10:56:00.000+01:002012-05-04T10:56:22.032+01:00Photoshop - How Much is Too Much?Photoshop (or any number of other editing packages) is an essential tool for all photographers. There are many film purists who believe it's cheating, but it's really just a different development process. In the olden days you had your film and paper and dunked it in a series of chemicals. It's a skilled process and takes time and practice to get it right. You could also add variation to the chemicals, time and light modifiers to give special effects.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXRWSZI57HTTb7BLQNvcGY_-YA1yQXMo7zFernxeeIYRPZhXDGFbF30s_actfmItDJT7TQTyT0leAmuVlu11d_SamTGWpxh2isG4UnUInXPFKcU6iGB4bQuspchPqVJI5Ef40ZAmGRZVK/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXRWSZI57HTTb7BLQNvcGY_-YA1yQXMo7zFernxeeIYRPZhXDGFbF30s_actfmItDJT7TQTyT0leAmuVlu11d_SamTGWpxh2isG4UnUInXPFKcU6iGB4bQuspchPqVJI5Ef40ZAmGRZVK/s200/blog2.jpg" width="150" /></a>Today, with digital, it's exactly the same. You just do it on a computer! But you can take it further than you could with film. Exposure and white balance adjustments are easy and done all the time to correct a poor original, or just to enhance an already good picture. There is an argument that says it makes photographers lazy. "It's OK. I'll fix it in Photoshop!" Well, yes. But if you take a lot of photos that need fixing you quickly learn to spend 5 minutes getting it right in-camera to avoid hours of staring at a computer screen... And don't forget, every edit you do in Photoshop degrades the original slightly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCwcbzm7ekGpdtj7oKCHOOXqfDvLbF7ghAidZfxMIm31QRVDv8Bfwi835j-QSjwJVYRgIWnSVRXYwpCoMEQ1UkNxc2UYHtMcJg5I5G4hWTbDnjWWlS8P1kNNdnIindEKE-5LAGAqF8Hqu/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCwcbzm7ekGpdtj7oKCHOOXqfDvLbF7ghAidZfxMIm31QRVDv8Bfwi835j-QSjwJVYRgIWnSVRXYwpCoMEQ1UkNxc2UYHtMcJg5I5G4hWTbDnjWWlS8P1kNNdnIindEKE-5LAGAqF8Hqu/s200/blog3.jpg" width="150" /></a> I use Photoshop (or more often Lightroom) on all of my pictures. I'll improve the crop and boost the contrast and colour vibrancy. Occasionally I may need to get rid of a bit of red eye or brighten up a flash photo indoors. For <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/portraits.html" target="_blank">studio photos</a> I'll generally add a bit of punch and remove the background or clean up a dirty floor. I can also remove spots if you want me to.<br />
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Which brings me to my point. How much is too much? There are some excellent examples <a href="http://mashable.com/2011/12/01/before-and-after-photos/#36603-7" target="_blank">here</a> of celebrity photos that have had 'work' done. But where is the line? My personal view is that I will get rid of anything that isn't permanent or that the camera has exaggerated. By this I mean I will remove spots, bruises, rashes, cuts and scrapes. I'll also remove baby dribble where I can. I can clean up fluff from clothes and even swap faces from one picture to another so everyone is smiling at once. I'll also remove ugly fire exit signs from the background in <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/weddings.html" target="_blank">wedding photos</a>. And I can reduce wrinkles and lines that look worse under the studio light.<br />
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What I won't do is give you longer legs or bigger boobs. I won't take 2 stone off you either! There's plenty of discussion about the damaging effects of Photoshopped celebrities to young girls (and boys) which I won't go into. But to me the issue is more fundamental. A photo is a memory captured forever. If the photo doesn't reflect the way you actually looked at that time, it's not really a memory, it's a fantasy. There is a place for fantasy, but that's not really my business. My job is to make you look your best. But importantly you are still you!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-80399588266010436822012-04-16T17:33:00.003+01:002012-04-16T17:33:00.560+01:00Why Use a Studio?In the current climate, photography is a very popular profession for people going self employed, whether following redundancy or just to supplement an existing income. It's (relatively) inexpensive to set up and you don't need any special qualifications or really any experience to get started. (OK, you'd be daft just to start up without a bit of ability, but you'd be surprised the number of people who do...)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHy2vMiIulnmpRo9NX1wBIzklT3m-B0E-GMKIx3nYDqxLHhyphenhyphenj3HThJnI4Jh0PLQF0wnpY1fZu0WeHHH35t0fTdoOzDhuTu6xrbkjIrDQsBUYapeey0vjzlGwcwtbX2kJl8UHugWrwypem/s1600/portraits32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHy2vMiIulnmpRo9NX1wBIzklT3m-B0E-GMKIx3nYDqxLHhyphenhyphenj3HThJnI4Jh0PLQF0wnpY1fZu0WeHHH35t0fTdoOzDhuTu6xrbkjIrDQsBUYapeey0vjzlGwcwtbX2kJl8UHugWrwypem/s200/portraits32.jpg" width="132" /></a>The easiest way to get started is to go mobile. Whether it's in the home or on location, by far the highest number of 'professional' photographers don't use a studio. It has its obvious financial advantages to the photographer, but there are also advantages to the customer as well - no need to pack the kids up in the car, no need to find parking, no need to leave the house at all! Location shoots are good to put the shots into context and can help people relax. Kids are often more comfortable in the park than in a studio, for example...<br />
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But I still have a big soft spot for studio work. But why? Well, for one thing it's a bit of an event coming into the studio. It's nice to make an outing of it. It's as much about the experience as it is the photos. My studio (and many others) is set up to make individuals, couples and families comfortable and relaxed. When you walk in it has the 'wow' factor! It's not just a photo shoot, it's a <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/portraits.html" target="_blank">Photo Experience</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eya4LBfLh1y4DTyPkDGIjGwQZSaAk1omsHyus-8BVqn8dny9JbZoE377DvPJD1GSq2SrPFlL0iKfQB65uk83utN1VUzO25GLeusGTymofvy-2RaWnuBJpO3Kv4P_83SThBk9MNa0I0zr/s1600/portraits35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eya4LBfLh1y4DTyPkDGIjGwQZSaAk1omsHyus-8BVqn8dny9JbZoE377DvPJD1GSq2SrPFlL0iKfQB65uk83utN1VUzO25GLeusGTymofvy-2RaWnuBJpO3Kv4P_83SThBk9MNa0I0zr/s320/portraits35.jpg" width="212" /></a>From a technical point of view, there's a lot more flexibility in the photos I can take in the studio. There are no space concerns that you can have in a living room, so I can fit a lot of people into one shot, I can get in close or back away to give different perspectives. I also have everything I need in one handy place. If I want to take some contrasty black and white pictures I have the kit to do it. That's not so easy in your home...<br />
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I have a whole load of props to use to add a bit more interest to your shots that I can't transport, such as chairs and two chaise longues! <br />
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I also have the space for you to come and view the pictures on a big screen. I don't need to invade your house for a second time and we don't all need to crowd around a laptop screen to see your shots!<br />
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As always it's down to personal choice, but please do think carefully before investing in your memories!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-84138958838629992102012-03-28T17:18:00.002+01:002012-03-28T17:18:00.252+01:00Just Do It!Since setting up on my own I've learned a lot of things about business and even more things about the mind set behind running a business. I won't bore you with stuff like tax, accounting and insurance, but I thought I'd share a few things I've picked up about getting your head in the right place. This has all come from my own experiences as well as advice from <a href="http://www.e-factor.co.uk/" target="_blank">eFactor</a> and people I've met at <a href="http://www.4networking.biz/" target="_blank">networking groups</a>.<br />
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<u>Just Do It!</u><br />
The first thing I learned a long time ago is to go for it. If you have an idea the only thing stopping it working is you! OK, some ideas are daft, but do a bit of research to see if it's viable and do it. There's a massive temptation to make sure everything is perfect before you launch a new business or idea. If you wait until every last detail is ironed out you will never do anything!<br />
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No-one likes failure, but how do you know if something will work or not unless you give it a go? The most important thing here is not to avoid trying something for fear of failure. It's very tempting not to give it 100% so you can say later that you didn't really put in the effort which is why it didn't work... It's a horrible feeling to think you gave it your all and it still didn't work, but suck it up, and get on with it!<br />
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<u>Have a Plan</u><br />
Having said that, it's important to have a plan! Do the research and work out what you're going to do before just flying at it hell for leather (whatever that means...). <br />
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<u>Don't Make Excuses</u><br />
If it goes wrong there is always a reason. But it's surprising how many times it's down to you. Whether it's lack of effort, lack of commitment or bad planning you can often track a failure back to your own actions. Put in the effort, give 100% commitment and do the groundwork and you can avoid or at least mitigate 99% of any problems that come your way.<br />
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<u>Get Back Up Again</u><br />
Just like Chumbawumba said...! You will experience problems and you will get knocked down, but don't let it become an issue. If it all goes tits up, dust yourself off and put it right. More importantly, know why it went wrong and learn from it. Everyone makes mistakes, but there's no excuse for making the same mistake over and over.<br />
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<u>Take Advice</u><br />
Listen to what everyone tells you. But be warned, EVERYONE you speak to will have a 'good idea'. And some of them will be contradictory. Listen to them all but use your own judgement to decide which ones to act on. Agencies like <a href="http://www.e-factor.co.uk/" target="_blank">eFactor</a> have a whole host of business experts with a variety of specialisms. Find the one that knows your industry the best. Networking groups like <a href="http://www.4networking.biz/" target="_blank">4Networking</a> have thousands of members who have all been through what you're going through, so speak to as many people as possible.<br />
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<u>Don't Wait for it to Come to You</u><br />
Because it won't! Brilliant, you have a website. Well done, your business cards look lovely and your roller banners are stunning! Has anyone seen them? Market yourself to your target market. Get those leaflets through doors, promote your website, get adverts in papers, join a networking group, get on Twitter and Facebook, attend shows and fairs, pick up the phone, go door to door, whatever. Just get yourself out there! People won't order anything from you if they don't know you exist! It might take a bit of time but stick at it.<br />
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<u>And Finally... Smile!!!</u><br />
Keep positive! If you experience a problem go at with the mindset of "how can I solve this?" rather than "oh no, this is a massive problem..." It's amazing how much easier things are with a positive outlook on life!<br />
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I'm no expert but these are a few things I've found useful and I hope you do too. For more stuff like this (only much better) have a look at <a href="http://www.getoffyourarse.biz/" target="_blank"><i>Get Off Your Arse</i></a> by Brad Burton. Straight talking advice from someone who's been there!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-41115417090041630392012-03-07T17:54:00.001+00:002012-03-07T17:54:00.080+00:00I'm Not Sexy Enough for Boudoir Photos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lVrImEFLliWZ8Eq84kUn2jR4IhfiLjTFEDVHRTiP5t_f3odoi1o-yAskK4kq80F54pQOBk3G7xDK4kXVEOiTD-kP3MKLaUKxu3MFuS79BoXCyPhSggaVVtGCTNy0rLpsShBo2G7mRfgl/s1600/boudoir04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lVrImEFLliWZ8Eq84kUn2jR4IhfiLjTFEDVHRTiP5t_f3odoi1o-yAskK4kq80F54pQOBk3G7xDK4kXVEOiTD-kP3MKLaUKxu3MFuS79BoXCyPhSggaVVtGCTNy0rLpsShBo2G7mRfgl/s200/boudoir04.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Yes you are! Everyone is!<br />
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I get a lot of people saying to me "I'd love a <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/boudoir.html" target="_blank">boudoir shoot</a>, but I'm just not that sexy." Well my response would be that you are in your own way.<br />
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We all have a lot of preconceptions that come from magazines and TV about what sexy is. Is it that cute little lip bite? Is it those come to bed eyes? Well, yes it is. But it's also a cute giggle or a cheeky grin. Everyone can be their own version of sexy! Someone who is relaxed and confident in a sexy outfit is sexy. Fact!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEad5lzl7Oyh8_9JcFxL_tsF5OntAsRW8DBBm3ZzUbjxgSeuWzV0Fw2S2Uywt5qJa7ydYy_wUxRWwsx1_MOPTzj5dcNZeRN-fyO9FpdRH1moOAlzpE0j3GWxhopAEp_DEwuXLubvZ7ltf8/s1600/boudoir17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEad5lzl7Oyh8_9JcFxL_tsF5OntAsRW8DBBm3ZzUbjxgSeuWzV0Fw2S2Uywt5qJa7ydYy_wUxRWwsx1_MOPTzj5dcNZeRN-fyO9FpdRH1moOAlzpE0j3GWxhopAEp_DEwuXLubvZ7ltf8/s200/boudoir17.jpg" width="132" /></a>And don't worry about your size or shape either. Chances are you're having the photos taken for your other half. And they think you're sexy! Whatever size or shape you are there is an outfit and a pose that shows off the good bits and hides the bits you're not so keen on. Whether you're a size zero or a more Rubenesque shape I can make you look sexy!<br />
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So if you think you want some <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/boudoir.html" target="_blank">boudoir photos</a>, but think you won't look sexy - just do it!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-10987010934055657172012-02-27T17:51:00.000+00:002012-02-27T17:51:00.207+00:00Studio for HireBefore I start, yes, this is a blatant advert for my studio which is available to rent. But it's also a bit about the thought process I went through to make the decision to let it out at all.<br />
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<a href="http://www.grimsbyphotostudio.co.uk/images/index01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.grimsbyphotostudio.co.uk/images/index01.jpg" width="200" /></a>My studio is fab! I (along with my dad and a few friends) put in a lot of time, effort and money to make it look ace! And I'm really proud of what we achieved so I want as many people as possible to see it. It's also a very useful, functional space for my <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/portraits.html" target="_blank">portrait photography</a>. It has everything I need for <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/portraits.html" target="_blank">children's photos</a>, <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/boudoir.html" target="_blank">boudoir photography</a> and everything else I do including a disabled access toilet and a private changing room. Which got me thinking, it's probably perfect for other photographers needing <a href="http://www.grimsbyphotostudio.co.uk/" target="_blank">studio space in Grimsby and Cleethorpes</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.grimsbyphotostudio.co.uk/images/index03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.grimsbyphotostudio.co.uk/images/index03.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>But here's my dilemma. Would I be helping out the competition? Amateurs wouldn't be taking the business from me, except that maybe their friends and family might use me if they weren't getting it for free... And amateurs with enough experience can quickly go pro and take work from me! Even worse, a pro is already in competition and taking photos of customers I could have had!<br />
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<a href="http://www.grimsbyphotostudio.co.uk/images/index05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.grimsbyphotostudio.co.uk/images/index05.jpg" width="200" /></a> But let's be logical. There are other studios in town. If I turn someone away, they'll just go somewhere else. The pros have already won their client and will do the work whether they have my studio or not. They definitely won't say "Sorry, Chris wouldn't let me have his studio. You'd better let him take your picture instead". So why shouldn't I let them have it?<br />
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And so I do! The studio isn't being used by me all the time and is essential an unnecessary expense when it's not in use. The studio is also obviously mine. It's covered in my branding and full of my photos and leaflets. There's always the chance that a client will remember the studio more than the photographer and come back later for portraits from me. Or maybe some <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/weddings.html" target="_blank">wedding photography</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.grimsbyphotostudio.co.uk/images/index06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.grimsbyphotostudio.co.uk/images/index06.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
So my doors are open to anyone wanting to use it. I now get paid a small amount for sitting in my office at the computer doing what I would otherwise have been doing for free! In fact there's someone using it as I type this.<br />
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And it's available to you if you need it! More info is at <a href="http://www.grimsbyphotostudio.co.uk/">www.grimsbyphotostudio.co.uk</a><span id="goog_1357015825"></span><span id="goog_1357015826"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-62778025158248895522012-02-15T17:04:00.000+00:002012-02-15T17:04:00.575+00:00What do You Look For?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiLdjh5oetrMb7GX_mDbr3YMKBvEHdHz9PQnlb4mjBkPzb62PSv0ZAird4XENpqvPdOq8svptbYvmAbeayUI_7bxKtMdA2KgPh-6Ojk9Yg3a_TjGZIVieAcaJp4bFh48XhryDFnBorylZ/s1600/wedding37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixiLdjh5oetrMb7GX_mDbr3YMKBvEHdHz9PQnlb4mjBkPzb62PSv0ZAird4XENpqvPdOq8svptbYvmAbeayUI_7bxKtMdA2KgPh-6Ojk9Yg3a_TjGZIVieAcaJp4bFh48XhryDFnBorylZ/s200/wedding37.jpg" width="132" /></a>This is really a plea for your comments. I'd be really interested to know your thoughts. What do you look for when choosing a photographer? Whether it's for <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/portraits.html" target="_blank">family portraits</a> or a <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/weddings.html" target="_blank">wedding photographer</a> what is the most important thing you consider when making your decision?<br />
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Is it simply the first one you find on Google? Is it the one with the fanciest looking website? Does a fancy website put you off if you think they'll be too expensive? Is it how easy it is to find the info you're looking for? Do you go mainly on price? Do you choose purely on the quality of the photos? Do you as for recommendations from friends? Would you prefer to go to a professional studio or have the photographer come to you? Is it down to the personality of the photographer? Or is it something else???<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlksXqWCFpYBJalWtuSsYnJWsvtybrQHXJDK4KVHKxwxkfmjPPDVtBM7CvuA7DFZeAJ49exWVB8lLffzaiB_p1xEL-pnx-RTMTXvasTJaK5jLnYHzVOh7Ui9BBJLmdZFYB5NJ2Jd2vTv7D/s1600/portraits11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlksXqWCFpYBJalWtuSsYnJWsvtybrQHXJDK4KVHKxwxkfmjPPDVtBM7CvuA7DFZeAJ49exWVB8lLffzaiB_p1xEL-pnx-RTMTXvasTJaK5jLnYHzVOh7Ui9BBJLmdZFYB5NJ2Jd2vTv7D/s200/portraits11.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>There's a lot of questions there, but which is most important to you? Please feel free to leave any comments below, get in touch on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ChrisLynnPhoto" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or just email me!<br />
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Thanks!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-9520062294318245052012-02-06T17:17:00.002+00:002012-02-06T17:17:00.940+00:00A Cautionary Tale...I've had an interesting experience in the last couple of weeks. It leads to a couple of good pieces of advice as well...<br />
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Just before Christmas I was approached by someone who had recently got married and booked their photos with someone else. They were very unhappy with the photos they had received and wanted my opinion of them to help them with the arguments they were having. They gave me the edited photos, unedited originals and a selection of photos gathered from their guests. Their complaint was with the edited photos. Their opinion of them was that they were over exposed and made everyone's faces look very pale and 'dead' (their word...). They were also unhappy with the photos the photographer had chosen to edit.<br />
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My personal opinion is actually that the photos are very good! They have been edited very well and are consistent throughout the collection. Poses and crops are creative and of a good standard. They have, however, been edited in a very specific style. Colour saturation is quite low and contrast is quite high. This gives very dark black tones and very bright light tones. It can give the impression of very bright faces and skin tones. This style is currently quite fashionable and modern, but is not to everyone’s personal taste. <br />
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But here lies the difficulty. She is a professional, but was also a friend of a friend. As such no Ts & Cs were agreed to and no booking form was signed. That means it was never recorded what was actually agreed. So it boils down to the photographer's word against the couple's. That's piece of advice number 1. Always make sure the paperwork is in place. That goes for the photographer as well as the client. As a photographer I have no comeback at all if the case goes to court and my professional indemnity insurance may be invalidated. As a customer you also really have little comeback. It just becomes a war of words...<br />
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The couple were also unhappy with the photos that were chosen to be edited. Around 1000 photos were taken and around 200 edited. This is actually quite normal. I operate in a similar way. I'll probably select the best 300 though, but that's just me. The couple were surprised with this though as, again, it hadn't been discussed in advance that this would happen! So piece of advice number 2 - keep talking! Again, that goes for both parties. I'll spend as much time as necessary on email, by phone or in person to find out exactly what my couples want and explain to them why it's not possible if it's not. I manage their expectations about how many photos they'll see, how they'll be edited, my involvement and in-your-face-ness on the day, and the timings. Everyone knows what's going to happen so there are no nasty surprises.<br />
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The real complaint (and to me the real issue here) is that the photographer is refusing to fix it. In her opinion the photos are good and she doesn't need to do anything. The couple got what they paid for. Without paperwork this is hard to prove, but even with paperwork it shows terrible customer service! Apparently the photographer was almost hostile when the bride complained and made her feel like it was her fault she didn't like the photos! She may well have delivered exactly what was agreed but there is a reputation at stake here. I realise there are limits and there will always be difficult customers, but if it had been me, I would have bent over backwards to give them what they wanted. I would have re-edited the photos having discussed it and done it quickly! There's probably around 10-15 hours work involved in that, but in the end I have another happy customer. And a happy customer is one that will recommend me to their friends.<br />
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I know from the couple that this photographer has lost at least 1 wedding because of this and will not be recommended by them in future. I also know that one of their friends is coming to talk to me about their wedding because of the customer service I've given to someone who isn't even a customer! So piece of advice number 3 - make sure your customer service is up to scratch. People are actually more likely to recommend someone who has successfully fixed a problem than someone who has just done a good job in the first place! Reputation counts for a lot.<br />
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I hope you've learned something from this. I've banged on for a while so I'll stop now!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-19095305343082813602012-01-26T17:09:00.000+00:002012-01-26T17:09:00.294+00:00What's in a Wedding? - Part 2Part 2 of the whole wedding process. I've already covered up to the end of the ceremony. Here's the rest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0cRnWbRx6UWHTEYweo-z7WLBsxFHyFYL4kggvy3iRlr9aChNn9IKdwYFWmlctEgerQsCsmPbaq9oFFhyphenhyphenY2sxGzyPJ2Ipn0bz8QH8gzDz11M3SiLJ74tw1IgEsqiTLZXcfouqmQ8-Zylu/s1600/278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0cRnWbRx6UWHTEYweo-z7WLBsxFHyFYL4kggvy3iRlr9aChNn9IKdwYFWmlctEgerQsCsmPbaq9oFFhyphenhyphenY2sxGzyPJ2Ipn0bz8QH8gzDz11M3SiLJ74tw1IgEsqiTLZXcfouqmQ8-Zylu/s200/278.jpg" width="132" /></a><u><b>After the Ceremony</b></u><br />
I'll be around to capture all those special moments that happen afterwards. The little moments between the bride and groom, friends meeting for the first time in ages, everyone congratulating the happy couple. I'll also get the essential confetti shot. After you've gone back to the reception venue (if it's different) I'll let your guests get a drink and some canapes and then get cracking with the group photos. This can be quite a quick job or a bit of a long process depending on how many pictures you want. I'll then take the bride and groom away by themselves to get a few romantic portraits and a staged cutting of the cake photo just to make sure. When I'm not otherwise occupied, I'll get even more photos of your guests enjoying themselves and a natural and relaxed way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgBFkUMtw-BFv1K5yfignFjsSeooZFtlCBTv-F7w8b_VsDMrghitB5E6CoTVE08WhDX0BchrMqiO8kc7v_Vb6iNMGQoWAJJzk1e3u92hegA6i0ISCK6SRne90Dp3M-fwQVLgefBVOh1CT/s1600/DSC_1015-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgBFkUMtw-BFv1K5yfignFjsSeooZFtlCBTv-F7w8b_VsDMrghitB5E6CoTVE08WhDX0BchrMqiO8kc7v_Vb6iNMGQoWAJJzk1e3u92hegA6i0ISCK6SRne90Dp3M-fwQVLgefBVOh1CT/s200/DSC_1015-a.jpg" width="200" /></a><u><b>The Speeches</b></u><br />
Speeches are usually after the meal, so I'll hang around while you eat and come back in time for the groom's bit moment. I'll all the speeches and will do my absolute best to get all the memorable moments as well as the guests' reactions. If you'd like me to I can also stay to photograph the first dance!<br />
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<u><b>The Following Week</b></u><br />
While you're away on your honeymoon I then have the job of editing all the photos. I usually take around 800 pictures and they need sorting down to about 300 or so. They then all get cropped, edited and generally enhanced. I'll pick out a few of them to give special effects to such as black and white, sepia and other processes Photoshop is capable of! That can all take up to 15 hours to complete! I'll then put your proofs onto a CD (and my website) and send them to you.<br />
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<u><b>Building the Album</b></u><br />
Once you've chosen your favourite 100 or so pictures I then have to design the album. It's all done by hand using specialist software to make sure each album I produce is absolutely unique to you. That can be another 4 - 6 hours' work! Once you've approved the design I can order (and pay for) the album.<br />
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<u><b>Still Not Done...</b></u><br />
I also have your thank-you cards to design and order (and pay for...) and your album to hand deliver (or post if you're too far away).<br />
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Once you've got your album it all starts again...<br />
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I hope that rather long post gives you an idea of just how much effort, time and cost goes into producing your wedding album. I love it though and take a lot of pleasure in giving a couple something very special to help them remember their big day for years to come.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844803774234186243.post-16030812469812215642012-01-17T17:08:00.000+00:002012-01-17T17:08:00.062+00:00What's in a Wedding?I wrote a post a while ago (<a href="http://chrislynnphoto.blogspot.com/2011/05/its-how-much.html" target="_blank">here</a>) about why photographers charge so much for weddings. It was a bit general and a bit whiney so I thought I'd take you through the whole process. So... what's involed?<br />
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<u><b>Advertising</b></u><br />
I have to let you know I'm there! There's lots of ways to do it. I have a <a href="http://www.chris-lynn.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a>, a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ChrisLynnPhoto" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page and a <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisLynnPhoto" target="_blank">Twitter</a> feed. All of which take time to update. I also have hundreds of leaflets and flyers in shops and hotels spread around the area. I've talked about it before but I do a lot of networking. That can be quite expensive, both in terms of time and money. And then of course there's the wedding fairs. They can cost up to £120 for a stand and always happen on Sundays!<br />
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<u><b>Consultation</b></u><br />
Once you've found me you'll naturally want to meet me, have a chat and see some sample albums. I'll come to your house or you can come to my studio and we'll sit for about an hour and go through any questions you might have. You can look at 3 or 4 sample albums, thank you cards and other photos in my portfolio. We'll go through exactly what you want from me and if you like what you see you'll book me and pay a deposit.<br />
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<u><b>Before the Wedding</b></u><br />
A week or so before the wedding I'll get back in touch with you again to finalise the details. What are the timings? What group photos do you want? Is there anyone special I absolutely must get a shot of? Again, I can come to you or you can pop into my studio for a coffee.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kV4-EAGwVvO3aRKhOB9Zl9BIAT9lIDXzCelzeEHuMXYNrMWyGCqgcJhyB-_aRynTPXDssHPqx1wNLdHEIPwUzO6PXfSJ69hvLcBxFT3CvBF98rUxNXkgZDoGO4oPuEnt-0mRvPCmo2l7/s1600/DSC_4256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kV4-EAGwVvO3aRKhOB9Zl9BIAT9lIDXzCelzeEHuMXYNrMWyGCqgcJhyB-_aRynTPXDssHPqx1wNLdHEIPwUzO6PXfSJ69hvLcBxFT3CvBF98rUxNXkgZDoGO4oPuEnt-0mRvPCmo2l7/s200/DSC_4256.jpg" width="200" /></a><u><b>On the Morning</b></u><br />
I'll be at the bride's house or hotel in time to photograph the girls getting ready. Hair, make-up, getting into the dress, all the important behind-the-scenes stuff! I normally get there about 3 hours before the ceremony itself to make sure I don't miss anything.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Tk17m-OFZU3-L8qfWLpDr69ljKGpPoNjjqnicdf-J9y6uyxqczDEVacHlFMCLaarxvezorqbKl9RSBPvWB9Tzyqnjh9dx5OhlovA6o0asFOh-81OKqRi8F6j5VNcJVicHaAJnAaoeMFD/s1600/105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Tk17m-OFZU3-L8qfWLpDr69ljKGpPoNjjqnicdf-J9y6uyxqczDEVacHlFMCLaarxvezorqbKl9RSBPvWB9Tzyqnjh9dx5OhlovA6o0asFOh-81OKqRi8F6j5VNcJVicHaAJnAaoeMFD/s200/105.jpg" width="200" /></a><u><b>The Boys</b></u><br />
About 45 minutes before the ceremony I arrive with the boys. I'll get a few shots of them all together, the groom on his own and with the best man. I'll also get shots of the venue itself and the guests arriving.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIpojgQn0tIsxzrfxBjAXc7nkrACeV3xtso9FV2bnmW0RRLSeCgaoJLZfoGkQ9lwc-WHZKQCuFHzBjEzEcPtpTQTD09zjsNp_UC_w5ZEzrx9wXQxw6t6yMmbPefwKez_p_kecz_PQQTye/s1600/DSC_7606a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIpojgQn0tIsxzrfxBjAXc7nkrACeV3xtso9FV2bnmW0RRLSeCgaoJLZfoGkQ9lwc-WHZKQCuFHzBjEzEcPtpTQTD09zjsNp_UC_w5ZEzrx9wXQxw6t6yMmbPefwKez_p_kecz_PQQTye/s200/DSC_7606a.jpg" width="133" /></a><u><b>The Ceremony</b></u><br />
If the vicar/registrar allows it I'll be there, out of the way, to capture all the important moments throughout the ceremony itself - the bride's arrival, the exchanging of vows, readings, exchanging the rings, the first kiss and the new Mr and Mrs walking out together.<br />
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That's probably enough for now. Keep an eye out for Part 2 next week!Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460993878962697500noreply@blogger.com0