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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
? For those that offer both

Pacman
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Jan 27, 2005, 10:54 AM

Post #1 of 10 (1418 views)
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? For those that offer both	Can't Post

Are you shooting your own stills for formals and not offering them for the other times when you are shooting video?

If you have a dedicated still person, how did you hire them? Is this a freelance type situation where you just call and see if they are available before you book or something a little different?

I am leaning towards hiring someone to shoot stills, but I guess I would only make them available if the client also hired us for video. (For right now at least) It would almost have to be on an as needed basis because I couldn't pay a salary at this stage of the game. This makes me nervous that they may not show if it's a freelance deal though.

How much are you paying them for a gig if they do nothing more than shoot and download the files at the end of the night?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.....Thanks.

PAC

raider
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Jan 28, 2005, 5:55 AM

Post #2 of 10 (1390 views)
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Re: [Pacman] ? For those that offer both [In reply to]	Can't Post

I shoot the stills while my hired help mans the vid cam. I pay that person $150-$200. Now this is my opinion, but I consider the real talent of videography in the editing, whereas with photography it's at the click of the shutter. That's why I can take someone with a modicum of video camera knowledge and teach them what I want, how to get it, techniques, etc. and have good footage. Plus, while I'm not shooting, I can grab the video and get B roll.
~Brent

mmm...smells digital - don't you just love that new camera smell?

scotthayes
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Jan 28, 2005, 8:03 AM

Post #3 of 10 (1385 views)
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Re: [raider] ? For those that offer both [In reply to]	Can't Post

i have a guy who works for me when I am the video guy. when I am the still guy I have two assistants who shoot video for me.

If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!

GmElliott
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Jan 28, 2005, 9:02 AM

Post #4 of 10 (1383 views)
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Re: [raider] ? For those that offer both [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I consider the real talent of videography in the editing, whereas with photography it's at the click of the shutter.

I couldn't disagree more. Videography= garbage in garbage out. Maybe....if your shooting consists of very basic, straight forward, static shots...then yes. I feel the aquisition of the shots is just as important as the edit. Besides I'd rather have the content of the footage drive the program rather than the editing. I could raise the same argument with photography. You can take a shot that isn't properly exposed but if your post processing skills are there you can transform it into something beautiful.

Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com

scotthayes
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Jan 28, 2005, 12:15 PM

Post #5 of 10 (1369 views)
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Re: [Glen Elliott] ? For those that offer both [In reply to]	Can't Post

nice avatar Glen! you using that monster MKII of yours to shoot
the pups? Tongue

If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!

raider
User

Jan 28, 2005, 12:22 PM

Post #6 of 10 (1367 views)
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Re: [Glen Elliott] ? For those that offer both [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'm a very creative editor and I'm rather picky of a photo's composition right from the camera - thus my take on it. Plus I hate trying to correct blurry pics.
~Brent

mmm...smells digital - don't you just love that new camera smell?

GmElliott
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Jan 28, 2005, 12:34 PM

Post #7 of 10 (1364 views)
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Re: [scotthayes] ? For those that offer both [In reply to]	Can't Post

Why yes...they are loyal subjects. Always ready when I need to practice shooting- no complaints from them either!

I caught that yawn in a 8-10 shot burst I saw her begin to yawn and held the shutter button *Ra ta ta ta ta ta* like an AK-47 Tongue

Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com

scotthayes
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Jan 28, 2005, 12:48 PM

Post #8 of 10 (1357 views)
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Re: [Glen Elliott] ? For those that offer both [In reply to]	Can't Post

sometimes, you just need an excuse to open it up a bit. Angelic

If your gear is paid for, KEEP IT!

GmElliott
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Jan 28, 2005, 3:38 PM

Post #9 of 10 (1344 views)
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Re: [scotthayes] ? For those that offer both [In reply to]	Can't Post

lol...yeah tell me about it.

Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com

Beverly
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Feb 2, 2005, 9:36 AM

Post #10 of 10 (1268 views)
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Re: [Pacman] ? For those that offer both [In reply to]	Can't Post

We offer both photo and video services. When we are booked for both at an event I am the photographer and I have one-two videographers with me depending on the package purchased. Other than my husband who on occasion helps video (he generally does post-production and computer maintance). I contract out between 4 other local videographers. We all work together and help each others companies. When one of us is booked we referr clients to the other. When we need to borrow equipment we exchange it out also. It is a great relationship to have with other professionals.

My advise is to make sure that you completely trust the person you are hiring. You need to have a working relationship with them. Make sure they sign a contract. Starting out I would not put someone on pay roll. Contract labor is the best way to go for small businesses.

For my videographers I generally pay them around $30 an hour with a minimum of 5 hours. I also provide their food while we are out on shoots. Photographers are a little different. Most photographers want to own sole rights to their work. There for making the profit on reprints.

I would make sure that you have your own photography equipment if you hire someone you do not know. Just in case they do not show up you can still take the photos yourself. Remember the bride is going to be looking at you when the photographer does not show. So make sure you have a plan B. However I would not try to do both as a policy. It is impossible to give good quality video and photo if you are personally doing both at the same time.

Another thing to consider is that most brides will want to speak and meet with the person that is going to be taking their wedding photographs. So I would make sure this person is willing to do this and is available on short notice and what is the charge for them to come out and meet with brides before booking them.

There are a lot of thing to think about. It is risking going into wedding photography with someone you do not know. Be careful and way out the pros and cons.

Good Luck.