Would someone have a quick look at these please

[John Youngs Photography]

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[pburness]

John,
You asked for honesty.....
I wouldn't of said any of the photo's where particularly outstanding, and if I was being asked to pay for one or more then I would have difficulty determining which one to put my money on and depending how much you are asking for the photo's then I may not be willing to purchase any.

While most of the photo's are reasonably well exposed, there are many other issues, distracting backgrounds, uncomfortable poses, people not looking at the camera etc. Although that's not a reason for people not to return your calls.

What I would suggest is that you maybe offer them another shoot, carefully understand their expectations of what they are looking for, plan accordingly and offer them a print FOC from the new shoot. If they then want to purchase more they will.

Good Luck.
Phil

[John Youngs Photography]

Originally Posted by pburness

John,
You asked for honesty.....
I wouldn't of said any of the photo's where particularly outstanding, and if I was being asked to pay for one or more then I would have difficulty determining which one to put my money on and depending how much you are asking for the photo's then I may not be willing to purchase any.

While most of the photo's are reasonably well exposed, there are many other issues, distracting backgrounds, uncomfortable poses, people not looking at the camera etc. Although that's not a reason for people not to return your calls.

What I would suggest is that you maybe offer them another shoot, carefully understand their expectations of what they are looking for, plan accordingly and offer them a print FOC from the new shoot. If they then want to purchase more they will.

Good Luck.
Phil

Thank you...

Yeah I do need to get more photos of her looking at the camera. I was going for candid but I think I have to much candid.

I am thinking of offering a re-shoot but to be fair it was only a week before Christmas so maybe to much going on for them to buy any.

So the photos are not rubbish then ?

[pburness]

Not rubbish, but some attention to detail is required when doing this type of work.

Phil

[Cathus]

Hi,

I've had a look and I'd say there are a few there I'd be glad to have taken. They clearly aren't meant to be studio shots but home shots in the environment of Xmas, though some of them are too close-up for environmental shots, i.e. you just have a little section of xmas tree decorations in, I'd got for none or wider.

Personally, I'm not too keen on the faded black & white/white vignette type of shot but that's a personal preference.

A few of them the lighting is too harsh.

I'd give them a couple of days & then ask them what they thought of the shots, it is a very busy & distracting time of year.

[John Youngs Photography]

Originally Posted by pburness

Not rubbish, but some attention to detail is required when doing this type of work.

Phil

*LOL* Thanks, that's a relief ....

[John Youngs Photography]

Originally Posted by Cathus

Hi,

I've had a look and I'd say there are a few there I'd be glad to have taken. They clearly aren't meant to be studio shots but home shots in the environment of Xmas, though some of them are too close-up for environmental shots, i.e. you just have a little section of xmas tree decorations in, I'd got for none or wider.

Personally, I'm not too keen on the faded black & white/white vignette type of shot but that's a personal preference.

A few of them the lighting is too harsh.

I'd give them a couple of days & then ask them what they thought of the shots, it is a very busy & distracting time of year.

Thanks a lot and you are spot on. I was trying to get the little girl with some of Christmas in the shots. Really appreciate your feedback

thank you

[Stormsong]

It is very difficult to shoot photographs of people you don't know. I was a photographer for a weekly newspaper for more than 10 years and part of my every day job was to take photos of individuals and groups at launches, charity events, school events, award nights, celebrations, fundraisers, sports events etc etc. Even the most outgoing people have a certain shyness when someone walks into a room and points a camera/flash/lights/tripod at them. One thing I always did was to chat to the person/people for a good few minutes before posing any photos, to try and get them to relax a bit. It seemed to do the trick as the posed, formal shots were less stiff, if you know what I mean.

Candids should be just that - they should not appear to be posed and definitely not 'sit there and look at each other and don't look at the camera'. They should be shots that are not directed by the photographer. People should be comfortable in their own environment and the photographer should be as inobtrusive as possible. One of the best ways to get candids is to let people do something they like: playing with the dogs/children, painting, kids eating cake or sweets, opening presents, or kids playing with their toys etc etc. Candid photography is about observing the subjects and choosing the right moment to take a photo. It does take time, but spending time is what makes good photographs. And of course it helps to shoot without a flash, if possible, as it can be very distracting (and to turn that damn 'beep' button off if you are using autofocus!)

As others have suggested, I would say that you contact the couple - phone them, don't send a text - and offer a print of their choice free of charge. Also ask them if what you photographed was to their expectations. If it wasn't, offer to redo the shoot. Good customer service goes a long way - and is remembered long after the shoot has been forgotten.

Regards,
Denise

[KeithT]

I think that most are very good images, but one or two need a tad more contrast, especially number 16. I prefer shots where people are not looking directly into the camera myself. Having said that, having a few full-on facially speaking does add to the mix.

[John Youngs Photography]

Thank you both very much I will take on board the advice