Hired a Professional - Now need some help with the results

[sandtown]

From Bill Johnson owner/photog at Johnson Photography:
Oh my, where to start. Well first, we are smart enough to find this blog. Second, posting our images is violation of copyrights. Third posting about contrast, exposure, and sharpness and then linking to 179 kb web image is just plain slanderous.

OK next item:The cost for our studio was for one hour and 30 images on CD-ROM with print release. We spent over 3 hours on this shoot, 1/2 hour early to make sure we are on time, 1/2 drive time, hour at first location, 15 min driving to second location, 20-30 min at second location and then 30 min drive back. Let's clear up false statement number one. We then spent approx 2 more hours in post processing the images. Then add two hours reworking images for the customer. Over 7 hours, not including emailing and phone calls to attempt to have a satisfied customer. We also stated that the customer would receive 30 images, and we gave them over 70. The first email received from the customer stated she generally loved them, but 19 she had issues with. That means over 50 she loved......said we would deliver 30 , she stated she loved over 50.......not sure where the issue is ?????? Three times the amount of time shooting, almost twice the images (that was approved by customer.) Oh yes we are definitely in this for the money.

As far as the "not a professional" comment, thank you for your opinion, and with ZERO images in your gallery I can tell you are the next Ansel Adams in the making. My images are there to see, on my website and in my studio. This is not a part time job, nor a soccer mom with camera. I shoot 2 sessions a day to make sure every single one is original and the best it can be. We been in business for 4 years and counting, not bad for not supposing to be a professional. With six studios in our town Johnson photography is the only one that is open right now. As a side note in 4 years this is the first customer not satisfied with our work. Not as funny as the drug user and drunk comment, but very entertaining none the less.
I am not hiding my work: Johnson Photography Custom photography and framing specialists. We offer custom portrait sessions at very reasonable and affordable pricing. Explore photography without Boundaries. Custom picture and art framing in the Sandusky Ohio area is also avai
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Johnson-Photography/133483033350670
If you are in the area of Cedar Point stop by at :
157 Columbus Ave <br>Sandusky, OH 44870

The images that are posted are small web sized images, 179 kb. The original images are 3.5 to 5.5 MB, best case scenario, and the data shown in the web image is 4.994% Over 95% of color, contrast, clarity is not there due to small file size. On the 5.5 MB images the web size files show 3.178% of the data, yup 96.5% of data was removed. Now let's post these small images and ask opinions on their color, sharpness, exposure, or any other merit of the photo.

Next item: slanting horizon lines. Would anyone please point to the rule set in stone that the horizon should be and will be flat in every portrait. It's called an art for a reason, if the customer wanted a mall chain photo she should have gone to the mall. No other portraits we have taken looks like hers, and how many more photos of a family in khaki and white shirts, sitting in the grass do we really need. We stand out, we are different, it is art. This is the reason for changing the horizon line, it's the only item given to me be different. Narrow mindedness and the fear of pushing bounds is the death of art. If the horizon line MUST be level, turn the image you don't need the raw files.

Lighting: We use natural light for outdoor portraits, always have always will. If a portrait is requested on a boat in summer, it's going to be sunny. (shocking) If we are to use a flash on the right in the images on the boat it looks unnatural as the natural light is every where but on there faces, no thanks. As far as moving the boat, this thread is the first that has been mentioned. Bad placement of sun, I'm good but I can't move the sun (really cool if I could) the location was chosen by customer, and time was agreed on by customer.The sun is where it is, the boat was where it was. The bow pointed north, no matter what time of day the sun would be an issue. I was asked to recapture a portrait exactly, that is what was done, to the customers request.

The images in question were taken to a PPA certified master photographer for his opinion and printed. As the histograms show the images are correctly exposed. The natural lighting was better than could be expected as fill light and recover sliders push and pull areas of the image not allowed by digital photography limitations. And sharpness is right on. I'll follow the opinion of a 30 year master photographer face to face than a rant from an anonymous post.

I am sorry that a customer of ours was not satisfied, I work very hard to insure that every one is. Rude and obnoxious emails that have a different complaint each time makes it impossible to satisfy the customer. Posting small files and requesting a critique is (illegal) and very underhanded thing to do.

I stand by my work, and always will. I don't always hit a home run, it's an art, and subject to likes and dislikes. They are good portraits and incredible prints. 20x30 print was amazing, nice color and razor sharp.

Thank you for allowing me to add my two cents.
Bill Johnson
Johnson Photography LLC

Sorry I don't have any response to the Breaking Bad comments, never watched the show

 

[kdeerhake]

1. It's nice how quickly you can respond to this after I sent you the link a few hours ago, but you cannot respond to me in weeks.....
2. I was given permission by Bill to do whatever we chose with the images and in his words "you can do whatever you want with the images, even post them on your facebook." FYI you are getting full credit for the images.
3. The one image that you were hired for is one of the worst ones

I'll post my emails later or just delete the thread topic.

 

[Aayria]

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

From Bill Johnson owner/photog at Johnson Photography:
Oh my, where to start. Well first, we are smart enough to find this blog. Second, posting our images is violation of copyrights. Third posting about contrast, exposure, and sharpness and then linking to 179 kb web image is just plain slanderous.

OK next item:The cost for our studio was for one hour and 30 images on CD-ROM with print release. We spent over 3 hours on this shoot, 1/2 hour early to make sure we are on time, 1/2 drive time, hour at first location, 15 min driving to second location, 20-30 min at second location and then 30 min drive back. Let's clear up false statement number one. We then spent approx 2 more hours in post processing the images. Then add two hours reworking images for the customer. Over 7 hours, not including emailing and phone calls to attempt to have a satisfied customer. We also stated that the customer would receive 30 images, and we gave them over 70. The first email received from the customer stated she generally loved them, but 19 she had issues with. That means over 50 she loved......said we would deliver 30 , she stated she loved over 50.......not sure where the issue is ?????? Three times the amount of time shooting, almost twice the images (that was approved by customer.) Oh yes we are definitely in this for the money.

As far as the "not a professional" comment, thank you for your opinion, and with ZERO images in your gallery I can tell you are the next Ansel Adams in the making. My images are there to see, on my website and in my studio. This is not a part time job, nor a soccer mom with camera. I shoot 2 sessions a day to make sure every single one is original and the best it can be. We been in business for 4 years and counting, not bad for not supposing to be a professional. With six studios in our town Johnson photography is the only one that is open right now. As a side note in 4 years this is the first customer not satisfied with our work. Not as funny as the drug user and drunk comment, but very entertaining none the less.
I am not hiding my work: Johnson Photography Custom photography and framing specialists. We offer custom portrait sessions at very reasonable and affordable pricing. Explore photography without Boundaries. Custom picture and art framing in the Sandusky Ohio area is also avai
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Johnson-Photography/133483033350670
If you are in the area of Cedar Point stop by at :
157 Columbus Ave <br>Sandusky, OH 44870

The images that are posted are small web sized images, 179 kb. The original images are 3.5 to 5.5 MB, best case scenario, and the data shown in the web image is 4.994% Over 95% of color, contrast, clarity is not there due to small file size. On the 5.5 MB images the web size files show 3.178% of the data, yup 96.5% of data was removed. Now let's post these small images and ask opinions on their color, sharpness, exposure, or any other merit of the photo.

Next item: slanting horizon lines. Would anyone please point to the rule set in stone that the horizon should be and will be flat in every portrait. It's called an art for a reason, if the customer wanted a mall chain photo she should have gone to the mall. No other portraits we have taken looks like hers, and how many more photos of a family in khaki and white shirts, sitting in the grass do we really need. We stand out, we are different, it is art. This is the reason for changing the horizon line, it's the only item given to me be different. Narrow mindedness and the fear of pushing bounds is the death of art. If the horizon line MUST be level, turn the image you don't need the raw files.

Lighting: We use natural light for outdoor portraits, always have always will. If a portrait is requested on a boat in summer, it's going to be sunny. (shocking) If we are to use a flash on the right in the images on the boat it looks unnatural as the natural light is every where but on there faces, no thanks. As far as moving the boat, this thread is the first that has been mentioned. Bad placement of sun, I'm good but I can't move the sun (really cool if I could) the location was chosen by customer, and time was agreed on by customer.The sun is where it is, the boat was where it was. The bow pointed north, no matter what time of day the sun would be an issue. I was asked to recapture a portrait exactly, that is what was done, to the customers request.

The images in question were taken to a PPA certified master photographer for his opinion and printed. As the histograms show the images are correctly exposed. The natural lighting was better than could be expected as fill light and recover sliders push and pull areas of the image not allowed by digital photography limitations. And sharpness is right on. I'll follow the opinion of a 30 year master photographer face to face than a rant from an anonymous post.

I am sorry that a customer of ours was not satisfied, I work very hard to insure that every one is. Rude and obnoxious emails that have a different complaint each time makes it impossible to satisfy the customer. Posting small files and requesting a critique is (illegal) and very underhanded thing to do.

I stand by my work, and always will. I don't always hit a home run, it's an art, and subject to likes and dislikes. They are good portraits and incredible prints. 20x30 print was amazing, nice color and razor sharp.

Thank you for allowing me to add my two cents.
Bill Johnson
Johnson Photography LLC

Sorry I don't have any response to the Breaking Bad comments, never watched the show

Rant threads are awesome.

I love it when we get the other side of the story!

Thanks Bill!

 

[shootermcgavin]

ha ha I thought this thread was dead, this is great... I need to find this law where it is illegal to post small files and ask for critique, big files are ok I would assume.

 

[gsgary]

From Bill Johnson owner/photog at Johnson Photography:
Oh my, where to start. Well first, we are smart enough to find this blog. Second, posting our images is violation of copyrights. Third posting about contrast, exposure, and sharpness and then linking to 179 kb web image is just plain slanderous.

OK next item:The cost for our studio was for one hour and 30 images on CD-ROM with print release. We spent over 3 hours on this shoot, 1/2 hour early to make sure we are on time, 1/2 drive time, hour at first location, 15 min driving to second location, 20-30 min at second location and then 30 min drive back. Let's clear up false statement number one. We then spent approx 2 more hours in post processing the images. Then add two hours reworking images for the customer. Over 7 hours, not including emailing and phone calls to attempt to have a satisfied customer. We also stated that the customer would receive 30 images, and we gave them over 70. The first email received from the customer stated she generally loved them, but 19 she had issues with. That means over 50 she loved......said we would deliver 30 , she stated she loved over 50.......not sure where the issue is ?????? Three times the amount of time shooting, almost twice the images (that was approved by customer.) Oh yes we are definitely in this for the money.

As far as the "not a professional" comment, thank you for your opinion, and with ZERO images in your gallery I can tell you are the next Ansel Adams in the making. My images are there to see, on my website and in my studio. This is not a part time job, nor a soccer mom with camera. I shoot 2 sessions a day to make sure every single one is original and the best it can be. We been in business for 4 years and counting, not bad for not supposing to be a professional. With six studios in our town Johnson photography is the only one that is open right now. As a side note in 4 years this is the first customer not satisfied with our work. Not as funny as the drug user and drunk comment, but very entertaining none the less.
I am not hiding my work: Johnson Photography Custom photography and framing specialists. We offer custom portrait sessions at very reasonable and affordable pricing. Explore photography without Boundaries. Custom picture and art framing in the Sandusky Ohio area is also avai
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Johnson-Photography/133483033350670
If you are in the area of Cedar Point stop by at :
157 Columbus Ave <br>Sandusky, OH 44870

The images that are posted are small web sized images, 179 kb. The original images are 3.5 to 5.5 MB, best case scenario, and the data shown in the web image is 4.994% Over 95% of color, contrast, clarity is not there due to small file size. On the 5.5 MB images the web size files show 3.178% of the data, yup 96.5% of data was removed. Now let's post these small images and ask opinions on their color, sharpness, exposure, or any other merit of the photo.

Next item: slanting horizon lines. Would anyone please point to the rule set in stone that the horizon should be and will be flat in every portrait. It's called an art for a reason, if the customer wanted a mall chain photo she should have gone to the mall. No other portraits we have taken looks like hers, and how many more photos of a family in khaki and white shirts, sitting in the grass do we really need. We stand out, we are different, it is art. This is the reason for changing the horizon line, it's the only item given to me be different. Narrow mindedness and the fear of pushing bounds is the death of art. If the horizon line MUST be level, turn the image you don't need the raw files.

Lighting: We use natural light for outdoor portraits, always have always will. If a portrait is requested on a boat in summer, it's going to be sunny. (shocking) If we are to use a flash on the right in the images on the boat it looks unnatural as the natural light is every where but on there faces, no thanks. As far as moving the boat, this thread is the first that has been mentioned. Bad placement of sun, I'm good but I can't move the sun (really cool if I could) the location was chosen by customer, and time was agreed on by customer.The sun is where it is, the boat was where it was. The bow pointed north, no matter what time of day the sun would be an issue. I was asked to recapture a portrait exactly, that is what was done, to the customers request.

The images in question were taken to a PPA certified master photographer for his opinion and printed. As the histograms show the images are correctly exposed. The natural lighting was better than could be expected as fill light and recover sliders push and pull areas of the image not allowed by digital photography limitations. And sharpness is right on. I'll follow the opinion of a 30 year master photographer face to face than a rant from an anonymous post.

I am sorry that a customer of ours was not satisfied, I work very hard to insure that every one is. Rude and obnoxious emails that have a different complaint each time makes it impossible to satisfy the customer. Posting small files and requesting a critique is (illegal) and very underhanded thing to do.

I stand by my work, and always will. I don't always hit a home run, it's an art, and subject to likes and dislikes. They are good portraits and incredible prints. 20x30 print was amazing, nice color and razor sharp.

Thank you for allowing me to add my two cents.
Bill Johnson
Johnson Photography LLC

Sorry I don't have any response to the Breaking Bad comments, never watched the show

What sort of images would you like to see ? why would i want to put images in a gallery on here, also had a look at your uninspiring wedding shots

 

[e.rose]

Sorry I don't have any response to the Breaking Bad comments, never watched the show

You should totally check it out... it's ADDICTING!

 

[CCericola]

Sorry I don't have any response to the Breaking Bad comments, never watched the show

You should totally check it out... it's ADDICTING!

HEHE I see what you did there.

 

[KmH]

ha ha I thought this thread was dead, this is great... I need to find this law where it is illegal to post small files and ask for critique, big files are ok I would assume.

USC Title 17 - U.S. Copyright Office

 

[Robin Usagani]

Holy crap... How did I miss the response by the photographer???

 

[MLeeK]

Holy crap... How did I miss the response by the photographer???

I did too!!! Now I have to read it all over again!

 

[Robin Usagani]

Sorry Bill.. (you probably wont check this thread). I am a fan of natural light. On the shots not on the boat, you had the ability to put the sun wherever you want. If this was my gig I probably would have had really good photos else where. The chance the client wont be happy will be reduced significantly even if I didnt do a good job on the boat shot. I probably would tried my best to shoot the boat shot when the sun has totally disappear from the horizon so you don't have direct sunlight. Just orange glow in the sky.

 

[MLeeK]

I'd say the shoot was on par with everything else on his website. Granted it's not fantabulous, but it's exactly as expected from what shows in their work. His work isn't fantastic by any means, but it's consistently about the same. With the exception of the major white balance issues he hasn't figured out how to fix in the however many years he claims to be in business.
Bill, my friend, you had a fail on lighting. But you handled it amazingly well overall. You failed to control the environment in which you were shooting properly and because of it you have light issues. Natural light photographers who are GOOD at what they do control every aspect of the light they are working in and the moment a boat in the full light of day came up they'd have said not only "NO," but "OH HELL NO." I am a strobist with a ton of lights in my arsenal and I might have even said no because of the logistics and placement problems with the fill light I'd need. At the very least I'd have shot for HDR.
The lighting on the images you produced is much better than I would have expected considering the conditions you were working in. I am guessing there is no small amount of editing to get to that point. Nicely done. HOWEVER... The client hired you for your expertise. You should have given that expertise and said that a boat in the full light of day is not going to work for you and why.
Now why would you do that? Because it is your reputation on the line. The potential for disaster was huge and you knew it. If I were hired to shoot something I did not have the ability to shoot I'd have to say "No, thank you..." or "I can do this and that and... but the situation you are talking about is a poor one for THIS reason..." Lesson learned. This may well have been a shoot I turned down.

OP-If your emails were rude and didn't get you any response you might ask yourself why? A professionally worded, tactful, respectful approach might have served better. HOWEVER that's also no excuse for blowing off the irate client. Both of you get a point off for that one.

As for "small town..." You and I both know that Sandusky isn't small by any standards and it's a burb of Cleveland, so your defense there doesn't hold water either. Google Cleveland OH photographers and see what you get. Hell, google Sandusky OH photographers and see what you get. You can find some amazing ones on craigslist there...

ANNNND in closing... For $150 what do you expect? Ansel Adams? Annie Lebovitz? That was damn cheap for what you got! You really do get what you pay for (which is also why the other clients are happy... they are paying cheap as hell for a decent photographer.) Bill, you need to really look at your pricing model there!

 

[DiskoJoe]

From Bill Johnson owner/photog at Johnson Photography:
Oh my, where to start. Well first, we are smart enough to find this blog. Second, posting our images is violation of copyrights. Third posting about contrast, exposure, and sharpness and then linking to 179 kb web image is just plain slanderous.

OK next item:The cost for our studio was for one hour and 30 images on CD-ROM with print release. We spent over 3 hours on this shoot, 1/2 hour early to make sure we are on time, 1/2 drive time, hour at first location, 15 min driving to second location, 20-30 min at second location and then 30 min drive back. Let's clear up false statement number one. We then spent approx 2 more hours in post processing the images. Then add two hours reworking images for the customer. Over 7 hours, not including emailing and phone calls to attempt to have a satisfied customer. We also stated that the customer would receive 30 images, and we gave them over 70. The first email received from the customer stated she generally loved them, but 19 she had issues with. That means over 50 she loved......said we would deliver 30 , she stated she loved over 50.......not sure where the issue is ?????? Three times the amount of time shooting, almost twice the images (that was approved by customer.) Oh yes we are definitely in this for the money.

As far as the "not a professional" comment, thank you for your opinion, and with ZERO images in your gallery I can tell you are the next Ansel Adams in the making. My images are there to see, on my website and in my studio. This is not a part time job, nor a soccer mom with camera. I shoot 2 sessions a day to make sure every single one is original and the best it can be. We been in business for 4 years and counting, not bad for not supposing to be a professional. With six studios in our town Johnson photography is the only one that is open right now. As a side note in 4 years this is the first customer not satisfied with our work. Not as funny as the drug user and drunk comment, but very entertaining none the less.
I am not hiding my work: Johnson Photography Custom photography and framing specialists. We offer custom portrait sessions at very reasonable and affordable pricing. Explore photography without Boundaries. Custom picture and art framing in the Sandusky Ohio area is also avai
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Johnson-Photography/133483033350670
If you are in the area of Cedar Point stop by at :
157 Columbus Ave <br>Sandusky, OH 44870

The images that are posted are small web sized images, 179 kb. The original images are 3.5 to 5.5 MB, best case scenario, and the data shown in the web image is 4.994% Over 95% of color, contrast, clarity is not there due to small file size. On the 5.5 MB images the web size files show 3.178% of the data, yup 96.5% of data was removed. Now let's post these small images and ask opinions on their color, sharpness, exposure, or any other merit of the photo.

Next item: slanting horizon lines. Would anyone please point to the rule set in stone that the horizon should be and will be flat in every portrait. It's called an art for a reason, if the customer wanted a mall chain photo she should have gone to the mall. No other portraits we have taken looks like hers, and how many more photos of a family in khaki and white shirts, sitting in the grass do we really need. We stand out, we are different, it is art. This is the reason for changing the horizon line, it's the only item given to me be different. Narrow mindedness and the fear of pushing bounds is the death of art. If the horizon line MUST be level, turn the image you don't need the raw files.

Lighting: We use natural light for outdoor portraits, always have always will. If a portrait is requested on a boat in summer, it's going to be sunny. (shocking) If we are to use a flash on the right in the images on the boat it looks unnatural as the natural light is every where but on there faces, no thanks. As far as moving the boat, this thread is the first that has been mentioned. Bad placement of sun, I'm good but I can't move the sun (really cool if I could) the location was chosen by customer, and time was agreed on by customer.The sun is where it is, the boat was where it was. The bow pointed north, no matter what time of day the sun would be an issue. I was asked to recapture a portrait exactly, that is what was done, to the customers request.

The images in question were taken to a PPA certified master photographer for his opinion and printed. As the histograms show the images are correctly exposed. The natural lighting was better than could be expected as fill light and recover sliders push and pull areas of the image not allowed by digital photography limitations. And sharpness is right on. I'll follow the opinion of a 30 year master photographer face to face than a rant from an anonymous post.

I am sorry that a customer of ours was not satisfied, I work very hard to insure that every one is. Rude and obnoxious emails that have a different complaint each time makes it impossible to satisfy the customer. Posting small files and requesting a critique is (illegal) and very underhanded thing to do.

I stand by my work, and always will. I don't always hit a home run, it's an art, and subject to likes and dislikes. They are good portraits and incredible prints. 20x30 print was amazing, nice color and razor sharp.

Thank you for allowing me to add my two cents.
Bill Johnson
Johnson Photography LLC

Sorry I don't have any response to the Breaking Bad comments, never watched the show

Rant all you want. Your work still sucks.

 

[DiskoJoe]

AFter reading the rant from Bill closer I have one question - Whats up with the Ansel Adams reference? A friend of my parents said that to me once and about kicked his ass for being such a ****ing dick.