Monday, August 30, 2010

Stop. Collaborate and Listen.

Yes, today's post takes inspiration from the great bard. No, not Shakespeare...Vanilla Ice.

No, I haven't lost my mind.

This summer, I've been asked several times to work as an assistant photographer at weddings for other photographers in the area. It's a privilege and an honor to work with these folks, some of whom I've looked up to and emulated over the years.

Working as an assistant photographer brings with it its own unique benefits and challenges. I've worked with a handful assistants over the years, but haven't had the opportunity until this season to do it myself. Here's what I've learned.

Yes, the advice of Vanilla Ice is solid. Stop. Collaborate, and listen. Being an effective assistant means that, first and foremost, the principal photographer has the responsibility for directing the work that's being done. So here's what I do.

First, I make a concerted effort to stop doing things "my way" and learn the ebb and flow of a different photographer. There's no way I can emulate his or her style; that would be an effort in futility, and that's not why I was hired in the first place. But what I strive to do is emulate their personal style. Some photographers are very subtle, quiet and passive. Others are more upbeat, involved and have an up-front style. The photographer's style is usually why they were hired in the first place.

I'm there to collaborate. It's fun to work as an assistant, because a lot of the pressure is off my shoulders. I don't have to worry about shot lists, locations, timeframes, etc. I get to share ideas with the main photographer, work with him/her on different ways of shooting, and come up with ideas that may not have been possible otherwise. For instance, on one shoot I was able to photograph the bride and groom from a third-story hotel room with a long lens while the primary photographer worked with them on the ground. We came up with some great shots that wouldn't have been possible with a single camera.

Most importantly, I'm there to listen. Listen to the needs of the photographer, the family, the venue. I'm always free to offer my own ideas, but I was hired to assist, not direct. I've learned more by listening and learning than I could ever have imagined.

So there you have it. In the immortal words of the IceMan, Stop. Collaborate, and Listen. It's good advice.

About the author: Rich LaVere is a videographer and photographer based in Elmira NY. It's not true that his personal motto is, "If there was a problem, yo I'll solve it."

Friday, May 21, 2010

Senior Portraits

Over the past few days, we've had several calls from High School students and their parents asking if we shoot senior portraits. The answer is yes.

It's no secret that senior portraits are one of the biggest expenses facing a soon-to-be graduate. We've seen portrait packages that cost in excess of $300 to $400 and higher. Frankly, we think that's just ridiculous. Additionally, many of the local school districts use out-of-town photographers, so your money doesn't stay local. We generally advise students to use the school's photographer for the yearbook portrait, and come to us for what we call an "extended session".

Our portrait packages include an hour of unlimited photography, either in our studio or at your location (for a nominal location fee). Our studio shoots can also include a number of local locations within walking distance of our Downtown Elmira location, with parks, "industrial" backgrounds, even the Chemung River. When you hire us, you "own" us for that hour. We don't put limits on wardrobe changes, locations, backgrounds, or the number of poses.

In addition, we take the time to get to know you...what your interests are, what you like to do, what your hobbies are, etc. Then, we tailor our portrait packages so that your photos are uniquely you, not some cookie-cutter assembly-line photograph that looks like everyone else's.

Our portrait packages for seniors are the same as our standard portrait package...we don't mark up anything. Our package pricing is simple and affordable; w
e offer two simple photography packages that cover most situations, including portraits and pet photography:

Package One ($125):

• One-hour photo shoot
• 4x6 proof book of all photos taken (includes a LaVere Media watermark)
• No contractual limit on number of photos
• Reprints available based on our pricing schedule below
• Online web gallery for viewing and ordering

Package Two ($200):

• One-hour photo shoot
• 4x6 proof book of all photos taken—no watermark
• No contractual limit on number of photos
• CD-ROM with high-resolution electronic files of all photos
• Copyright release form (allowing you to get your own reprints at a lab of your choice)
• Reprints available based on our pricing schedule below
• Online web gallery for viewing and ordering

Additional options with either package:

Location fee (within a 20-mile radius of Elmira): $50
Travel outside a 20-mile radius of Elmira: .35/mile

Reprints beyond the initial proof book are priced as follows:

4 x 6: $ 2.00
5 x 7: $5.00
8 x 10: $12.00
Wallet (4): $5.00
11x14: $20.00
16x20: $30.00
20x30: $40.00

Other sizes at quote. Other products such as books, calendars, etc. are also available at quote.

Give us a call, or check out our pricing and information at getagreatphotographer.com. We think you'll like what you see.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

February's Most Important Holiday

In honor of Groundhog Day—the only holiday that celebrates an animal—LaVere Media is offering specials on our great pet photography packages. We already offer the best value in pet photography in the area, and these specials make our great pricing and exceptional service even better!

Special #1: 10% Donation to SPCA

During the months of January and February, we're donating 10% of all proceeds from Pet Photography sessions to the Chemung County NY SPCA. Get your pet photographed and contribute to a great cause at the same time!

Special #2: Free Softcover Photo Book

When you purchase a pet photo session in January or February, you'll get a free 20-page softcover book with photos from your session! You can also upgrade to a hardcover book and a range of options. The book is absolutely free with your level 2 package! Click Here for pricing...opens in new window)

Special #3: Groundhog Day Gift Certificates

Are you celebrating Groundhog Day and don't know what to get that special someone? Why not a LaVere Media Gift Certificate? We're offering special pricing on a portrait session you can use for yourself, a loved one, or that special Groundhog in your life! Use the link on our "specials" page to order today. We'll even gift-wrap it for you.