Who takes YOUR portraits?

[mandyatm]

If you are a family photographer, do you have someone take portraits of your family? I take tons if pictures of my kids, but I am obviously never in them. I wanted to have someone take our pictures, so I contacted a photographer who is new to the area that I happened to meet once in a playgroup. She said she didn't want to work with a "competitor" for confidentiality reasons. Two other photographers didn't even return my calls. I don't know, I think I would be honored if another photographer wanted to use me, I was kind of surprised by the response. Maybe I am just naive?

Anyway, I called another one that is an hour away (so not really in my area) and she was more than happy to schedule my session. Would you do a session for another local photographer?

[candleman]

if they pay me .. sure, why not

strange that they turned away a paying customer.

[jdepould]

My camera takes great pictures. I don't need to hire anyone else.

Edit: sorry, could resist. How did you present the question to the first three?

[kirbinster]

Why not just use a remote release and do it yourself ????

[mandyatm]

Well, it is pretty hard to get the attention of a 4 and 1 year old when nothing is behind the camera. And that would not be capturing us how we really are. I want someone to take pictures of us interacting with each other and having fun. I am sure, as photographers, you can see what the difference would be.

jdepould - I just filled out the online form on their website as they didn't have their phone numbers listed (which I find strange). I didn't mention that I was a photographer yet, just asked if they had any session availability. The one photographer said she recognized my name and new I had my own business (I was going to tell her anyway when she contacted me). I don't know if the the other 2 looked me up or just were too busy to call.

[kirbinster]

Originally Posted by mandyatm

I want someone to take pictures of us interacting with each other and having fun.

You said portrait, so I took you at your word. Live candid shots are a totally different animal than a portrait. Why not search for an budding amateur in your area on Flickr or other photosharing site - I'm sure they would help you out.

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by mandyatm

jdepould - I just filled out the online form on their website as they didn't have their phone numbers listed (which I find strange). I didn't mention that I was a photographer yet, just asked if they had any session availability. The one photographer said she recognized my name and new I had my own business (I was going to tell her anyway when she contacted me). I don't know if the the other 2 looked me up or just were too busy to call.

That's really weird. It's not like there are any big secrets involved in photography.

[candleman]

some people are strange...
my friend as a kid.. his parents would dilute their milk with water.. then when putting it on cereal make you dilute it again.
they sure as hell werent poor or health concious.
again... some people are just wierd

suggestion:
...got an interval setting on your camera?
you could set-up the shot and have the camera go off every 5 seconds.. and you could just play with the kids...

[mandyatm]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

You said portrait, so I took you at your word. Live candid shots are a totally different animal than a portrait. Why not search for an budding amateur in your area on Flickr or other photosharing site - I'm sure they would help you out.

I found someone who agreed to do it, I was just wondering if it is all that uncommon for photographers to hire someone else to do their family pictures, or if other photographers would be opposed to working with their competition. I mean I wouldn't do my own engagement or wedding pictures, I don't really see the difference.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by mandyatm

Iworking with their competition. .

that sort of phrase is probably what is turning them off.

They are not working with you, they are hired by you to provide a service.
big difference.
If you used the words 'work with" that probably implied as in "alongside" one another as a sort of working partnership.
tell them you want to hire them.. theres no need to mention anything about photography as all you are is just another client..