More Models for C&C and One Recommendation Needed

[pgriz]

Beautiful shots. The comment I'd make on the last one was that you need a little (very little) light on the hair on your left side to separate her head from the background. Everything else looks really good - great light, excellent catchlights, good pose, well-controlled DOF, good camera position....

 

[FattyMcJ]

still I want the experience. I told him I am an intermediate level photographer and I am willing to do it for free.

Honestly...I didn't read the rest of your post after this. Such a disappointment. Someone comes TO YOU, offers MONEY for what you do...and you give it away for free.

Way to hurt the market in your area. :thumbup:

At least your images are pretty good. You shouldn't be giving them away.

Some food for thought...

http://rising.blackstar.com/photographers-stop-leaving-money-on-the-table.html

http://rising.blackstar.com/photographers-excuses.html <---a MUST read.

 

[pgriz]

Umm, FattyMcJ, do you realize the OP is in Abu Dubai? I have no idea if that place is crawling with starving photographers, or whether the OP has the field exclusively to himself. I would think that Samerr, given his relatively recent experience, is being cautious to not overpromise.

Thank you also for posting those two links. The phrase "leaving money on the table" is one that leaves me with some distaste, as it is a phrase that some salesmen in my industry (I own a contracting business) use as justification for charging outrageous fees. The reason that particular phrase is repugnant to me is that it implies that the customer is prepared to pay a specific amount, and if the salesman isn't able to get that full amount, then they "left the money on the table". Of course, reality is much more complicted, and the amount a customer is willing to pay may be quite variable - they may agree to a much higher amount, willingly, if they understand the value equation, and if that value is important to them. If they don't see the value, then they will balk at paying "outrageous" amounts. My customers usually end up paying 20-100% more than the competition, but that's because I focus on delivering an experience and end-result that my competition just can't match. Other than that particular phrase, I am in general agreement with John Harrington (the writer of the items you linked to), that any business person (photograher, contractor, caterer or other service provider) must create in the minds of his/her customers an appreciation and desire for the service being provided.

Returning to the OP's situation, I think that his work has excellent promise, and once the skill level (and confidence) is there he will be able to convince his prospective clients of his value.

 

[Samerr9]

So far so good.. Hopefully I am less busy soon and have more chance to use it. Warmer weather would be nice as well... haha

Come here, it is becoming warmer but still not very hot

Best of luck regarding your work and shoot alot when you have the time..

 

[Samerr9]

Beautiful shot.
I agree with willis - this does not look over-edited at all to me

Thank you.. I am glad to hear so. Hope will get better ones soon

 

[Samerr9]

Beautiful shots. The comment I'd make on the last one was that you need a little (very little) light on the hair on your left side to separate her head from the background. Everything else looks really good - great light, excellent catchlights, good pose, well-controlled DOF, good camera position....

wow.. Thanks alot pgriz, I am really flattered now and getting mroe and more excited for the next model shootout (hope next Friday if the models had the time)

 

[Samerr9]

still I want the experience. I told him I am an intermediate level photographer and I am willing to do it for free.

Honestly...I didn't read the rest of your post after this. Such a disappointment. Someone comes TO YOU, offers MONEY for what you do...and you give it away for free.

Way to hurt the market in your area. :thumbup:

At least your images are pretty good. You shouldn't be giving them away.

Some food for thought...

Photographers, Stop Leaving Money on the Table | Black Star Rising

12 Excuses for Shooting Photos for Free <---a MUST read.

Thank you for your comment and the links. I dind't have the time yet to go through the links but I will soon and get back to you.

I kind of agree with pgirz that I was driven by coutiousness to do it for free as I need to gain confidence. I gave the agent a call afterwards and he has 7 models that need portfolios and I confirmed on the phone that I will do two for free and then we can discuss the prices for the remaining and discuss the quality.

I hope I am not harming the market (I brought it in an offer way get 2 and we will discuss the 5) - and I will have two portfolios for me with 2 models also for free..

Umm, FattyMcJ, do you realize the OP is in Abu Dubai? I have no idea if that place is crawling with starving photographers, or whether the OP has the field exclusively to himself. I would think that Samerr, given his relatively recent experience, is being cautious to not overpromise.

Thank you also for posting those two links. The phrase "leaving money on the table" is one that leaves me with some distaste, as it is a phrase that some salesmen in my industry (I own a contracting business) use as justification for charging outrageous fees. The reason that particular phrase is repugnant to me is that it implies that the customer is prepared to pay a specific amount, and if the salesman isn't able to get that full amount, then they "left the money on the table". Of course, reality is much more complicted, and the amount a customer is willing to pay may be quite variable - they may agree to a much higher amount, willingly, if they understand the value equation, and if that value is important to them. If they don't see the value, then they will balk at paying "outrageous" amounts. My customers usually end up paying 20-100% more than the competition, but that's because I focus on delivering an experience and end-result that my competition just can't match. Other than that particular phrase, I am in general agreement with John Harrington (the writer of the items you linked to), that any business person (photograher, contractor, caterer or other service provider) must create in the minds of his/her customers an appreciation and desire for the service being provided.

Returning to the OP's situation, I think that his work has excellent promise, and once the skill level (and confidence) is there he will be able to convince his prospective clients of his value.

I honestly don't really know the status of the market in here (I am in Abu Dhabi but the offer was in Dubai about an hour drive from my home). All i know that professional photographers charge 1,500$ to 2,000$ a session! I need to make more research on the local market of photography to better understand how to get clients and charge. On the other hand, I hope my strategy is working and I wont loose the opportiunity.

Thanks again for your motivating words and agreement in the way of approaching

 

[vtf]

Your portraits are well done. Like whats been mentioned, be aware of the backgrounds and on your last one very nice. Keep it up. Good work.

 

[Samerr9]

Your portraits are well done. Like whats been mentioned, be aware of the backgrounds and on your last one very nice. Keep it up. Good work.

Thank you

I am trying my best to do more and improve.. Thanks to all of you