It can be frustrating… free photos.

I have lost work to people offering free or close to free photos to paying, commercial  clients. A colleague, Brian, who shoots music, festivals and fashion sent me a link to a recent news article that is all too telling.

Now, truth be told, there are two charitable groups I support with some photography once a year – one being the SPCA of West Quebec. That aside, it can be frustrating to lose work, usually to amateurs, who love to see their photos used.

It’s no fun to get scooped but the effect of digital cameras is here to stay. This free phenomenon has dramatically changed the stock photography industry, festival photography and many others areas.

The value of photos like the one, below, has drooped because so many people are willing to give them away.

Free photo phenomenon

As frustrating as it is, photographers have to adapt. Free is not going away. Pursuing larger clients who recognize the value of fine work, branching into areas like video that are less affected by the free phenomenon and seeking out new markets are ways people are looking to make up for lost revenue.

Sigh…

Thanks Brian.

I got an email from Chris, a reader and past student, with some notes on shooting (and security) in public in Ottawa.

Since 911 many organizations have become more, erm, panicked about people taking photos. I have been ‘moved along’ from public places because I had a camera and was photographing.

It’s a tricky situation. Security is important but getting official permission to shoot is often overwhelmingly tough! I choose what to do about permissions depending on circumstances.

The photo below was taken on a bus service from Reykjavik to Iceland’s international airport.

• Did I ask permission? NO! They would have said a quick no.
• Is it causing any trouble? NO! Nobody is recognizable, there are no logos.
• I didn’t ask and I also didn’t make a big production of the shoot. I chose my seat knowing the photo I wanted and quietly shot with the camera in my lap.

Transport Photography

Chris suggested a link he found that is a bit of a personal rant on security and photography in Ottawa.

Chris also suggests there are OCTranspo exemptions to transit photography and photographing Ottawa buses and transit when it is for personal use:

“Exemptions for PERSONAL use of camera equipment were posted by an OCTranspo Driver:
OC Transpo (Section 19, “General Prohibitions”)
(6) No person shall operate any camera, video recording device, movie camera or any similar device on transit property without the express written permission of the Director.

BUT…

(7) Subsection (6) does not apply to the following:
a. the operation by a person of any camera, video recording device, movie camera or similar device on a transit vehicle where such operation is for personal use; or
b. the operation by a person of any camera, video recording device, movie camera or similar device on a transit station platform area where such operation is for personal use.”

Thanks Chris!

It’s a tricky area! Take photos. Do good things. Be polite. Have fun.

Remember Scott?

Scott Martin

Scott is a ProProgram student and has just launched a “Photo-a-Day” session for a year. That’s a pretty big project.

He’s ambitious. Give him some encouragement!

PechaKucha (‘Pe chak cha’) comes to Ottawa on March 31st.

Quoi?!

PechaKucha started in 2003 as a way for people to present work in an informal but structured way to a group of peers. Participants prepare 20 photos that are presented for 20 seconds – no more no less.

Editing Exercise

This is a fabulous exercise in editing and mimics the kind of decisions needed to deliver a proposal to a prospective client. You are limited to few photos to get your skills and message across – choosing only 20 is tough and depends on who is viewing and what your intended message is!

PechaKucha is generous in the number of photos and time per slide. In reality, you may present ten photos for 2-3 secomds each when catching a client’s attention.

Pecha Kucha is often considered as the basis of framework for effective presentations.

More information on Pecha Kucha:

• Wikipedia
• Ottawa Pecha Kucha Facebook page (login required)
• Youtube

Visit the Ottawa PechaKucha event on March 31st!

Pecha Kucha - Ottawa

On Wednesday night I met with our networking group – Working Creatives.

I started the group almost three years ago to develop a support network for people working full time in their creative field. We have 170 people from many disciplines contributing with 10-30 people coming out each month.

Lisa Brunetta

Last night Lisa Brunetta lead the session:

“Exhibit and Sales Opportunities for Fine Artists and Craftspeople”

Gladstone Clayworks hosted the event.

Lisa is a superstar! She facilitated a great and well attended evening of info to a diverse audience of creative professionals. Everyone learned something new from the world of exhibiting.

Thanks to everyone that contributed, especially Lisa and Gladstone Clayworks!