Building Portfolio - Free Disc??

[Olivia Price]

So I'm in the very early stages of building my portfolio and gaining much needed experience in photography. I just recently posted an offer for a free session and those whom participated would get their photos on a disc with hi-res images. Was this a bad move or is it acceptable since I'm portfolio building??

About forms....I have everyone sign a model release form....should I also have them sign a type of contract stating they will not alter these images?

Also, how did you bring in those to help build your portfolio? I'm going thru friends, family & facebook right now. Are there other options? I'm hoping to specialize in maternity, birth photography & newborns so I don't think model mayhem is an option. I'm waiting on business cards and will soon hand them out to people I meet while out and about.

And finally, would anyone be willing to take a look at my facebook page and let me know how you think I'm doing so far? I get a lot of great feedback from friends/family....but I take their opinion with a grain of salt. I would much prefer an outsiders view!

Thanks in advance......let the beating begin

[NicoleScraps]

Was this a bad move or is it acceptable since I'm portfolio building??

That is really up to you. I think that you will find many people on this forum who are for giving the disk and many others who are adamently opposed to giving the disk. But keep in mind that what you do at this stage is setting the tone for the rest of your business. People will expect in the future what you give now.

should I also have them sign a type of contract stating they will not alter these images?

You need to accept that if you hand over digital files, sometimes people are going to mess with them. Not always, some people actually listen, others do not care and do what they want. If this is a big concern of yours, don't give the disk. Offer for them to buy prints at your cost or slightly above cost while portfolio building.

Also, how did you bring in those to help build your portfolio?

Look for local support groups for pregnant and nursing women. You'll find all the preggo women and babies that you need. Seriously. Check out the yahoo groups, your local hospitals, facebook pages and groups, etc. I don't know how populated your area is, but there's got to be something like that.

And finally, would anyone be willing to take a look at my facebook page and let me know how you think I'm doing so far?

I did. I liked you page. I think that your work is quite good. I saw some little nit picky type things like cropping on limbs at weird spots and things like that, but for the most part, I was impressed.

[ChrisAdval]

Originally Posted by Olivia Price

So I'm in the very early stages of building my portfolio and gaining much needed experience in photography. I just recently posted an offer for a free session and those whom participated would get their photos on a disc with hi-res images. Was this a bad move or is it acceptable since I'm portfolio building??

About forms....I have everyone sign a model release form....should I also have them sign a type of contract stating they will not alter these images?

Also, how did you bring in those to help build your portfolio? I'm going thru friends, family & facebook right now. Are there other options? I'm hoping to specialize in maternity, birth photography & newborns so I don't think model mayhem is an option. I'm waiting on business cards and will soon hand them out to people I meet while out and about.

And finally, would anyone be willing to take a look at my facebook page and let me know how you think I'm doing so far? I get a lot of great feedback from friends/family....but I take their opinion with a grain of salt. I would much prefer an outsiders view!

Thanks in advance......let the beating begin

I checked your flickr and facebook, and what I've noticed was bad placement, and design of the watermark/logo. I know some photographers would just wouldn't have one at all, but from a marketing standpoint when doing trade/free work the purpose of getting your name out there is vital especially if its actually some good photos and the person your shooting has a ton of friends/family to show them to.

Check my watermark/logo


Ilya Studio 08 by Chris Adval, on Flickr

yea some may say its too big, but I think its just right to let the general public viewer know where to go after seeing my photo and its not overly distracting because its in neutral colors (black or/and white). Some of your photos I see on flickr have watermark in the middle of the shot, which kills the shot completely.

As for giving the people you shoot CD with high res, sure... if they're paying for them. I only give them web access or flickr links because its no different honestly. The likelihood of them printing them at a professional printing lab is very unlikely, so they don't really need high res at all.

If its a (TF) trade/free shoot I have a contract specifically designed for that because I list exactly what I'm going to do with the photos and if I need to change anything I bring up a new contract. Check out my page that has all my documents (Chris Adval Learning Model Photography: Interested in Modeling for Me?)


And finally I would get as many photos critiqued as much as possible to ensure you're delivering quality photos to your future clients... yes photography is subjective, but keeping paying clients happy... isnt. Everything that is considered high quality has a set standard in the business world of photography.

[Olivia Price]

Thanks for all the feedback!

Nicole - I will definitely look into local groups...what a great idea! I will definitely work on my composition and cropping as well. Was there a picture you could point out specifically for me?

Chris - I know the watermark is distracting, but since I'm posting on the web I wanted it in a place that couldn't be cropped/edited out. I've recently noticed a high amount of pictures being stolen and used by others on their websites. Since these photos are mostly of my friends and family I really want to protect them and make sure that the images don't get stolen and used in a manner that they shouldn't be. The images that I give them don't have the watermark.

As for the CD....I had second thoughts AFTER I posted that I would give a disc with images in return for them sitting for my session. I think in the future I will offer access to a shared file on a printing website for their printing pleasures. Can anyone think of any issues with this idea or know of a better alternative? Keep in mind that I am not charging anything for my sessions at this time. I just don't feel that my work is ready for purchase .

[NicoleScraps]

Originally Posted by Olivia Price

Thanks for all the feedback!

Nicole - I will definitely look into local groups...what a great idea! I will definitely work on my composition and cropping as well. Was there a picture you could point out specifically for me?

Sure. Looking at the "Hailey" album. They are really great. I like them a lot. But this one is cropped right at her knees. Makes it look like her legs are....well, cut off. I would have cropped it to mid-thigh or mid-calf. And this one, her feet are cut off. I don't think that you have a composition problem, persay, your poses are really good. Just that you need to pay attention to these little details.
I have three rules that I force myself to follow.
1. The eyes always have to be well lit and in focus.
2. No cropping at any joints. If you are showing almost all of the body, make sure that the hands and feet are in the frame.
3. Make sure that the horizon or background is straight (unless you are purposely going for an angled look).

Those are my only rules. They are always in the front of my mind. The rest is a matter of creativity and personal style.
Good Luck to you.

[Olivia Price]

Thanks Nicole, I will pay more attention when shooting/cropping! The feet one was a composition problem. I took the shot and cut out the feet

[3bayjunkie]

Here is what I am offering. Free proofs from the shoot. These are just 4x6 prints. very inexpensive. And you can include some business cards and other printed material if you want.

I would also put the images on a DVD for them. I don't use watermarks because I don't like them. If I put anything online it is not print resolution so if someone wants to print low resolution copys of my work, more power to them.

I am also working on my portfolio. I just got my camera and am going to do some portraits this week. I have a wedding next May and once I have these in my portfolio I feel better charging since future clients have something to look at.

I don't believe in charging a rediculously low price for starting out. Either you charge what your time is worth or just do it free for making portfolio.

[ChrisAdval]

Originally Posted by Olivia Price

Chris - I know the watermark is distracting, but since I'm posting on the web I wanted it in a place that couldn't be cropped/edited out. I've recently noticed a high amount of pictures being stolen and used by others on their websites. Since these photos are mostly of my friends and family I really want to protect them and make sure that the images don't get stolen and used in a manner that they shouldn't be. The images that I give them don't have the watermark.

As for the CD....I had second thoughts AFTER I posted that I would give a disc with images in return for them sitting for my session. I think in the future I will offer access to a shared file on a printing website for their printing pleasures. Can anyone think of any issues with this idea or know of a better alternative? Keep in mind that I am not charging anything for my sessions at this time. I just don't feel that my work is ready for purchase .

don't worry about your work being stolen, thats why we have copyright laws and compared to movies, music, video games,, and software... photos are far least that is stolen for commercial purposes. If anyone edits your photo (crop out the watermark/logo) thats when you can sue for copyright infringement. If you're super worried about the photos being stolen don't post it online, it’s harsh but thats the only way you know they won't be stolen... but now it’s too late for that for the photos that are already online.

[Olivia Price]

3bayjunkie - I never thought of offering proof prints to them! That's a good idea! About the watermark I'm not as worried about the photos being printed as I am about them using the photos on their website for who knows what. And I totally agree with you about the charging thing!

Chris Adval - Great points! I do get signed waivers from everyone so they are aware that the photo's will be posted online.....so I guess I shouldn't be too worried since they are aware of the possible risks.