As some of you already know, I’ve been working on a book called, “So You Think You Can Be a Rockstar Photographer”. It examines the impact that social media has had on the profession of professional photography.
In compiling the research for this book, it became very clear that there’s so much misrepresentation and fraud that the entire industry is beginning to appear not credible.. It is so easy to “appear” as an established professional photographer (as in the story of Meagan Kunert) and there’s so many things that a potential bride and groom may not know to ask photographers that they’re considering hiring.
A lot of brides for example, would have no idea that their photographer should carry a certain amount of liability insurance, or to ask if the images on the photographer’s website were taken at actual paid events, or at a shooters workshop (where a professional photographer hires models and stylists) for participants to use as samples of their work online.
Misrepresentation in photography is very damaging to the industry. The public at large may soon begin to not trust professional photographers in general.
Here are some early images of the questionnaire. It will probably have a few final tweaks, but once it’s done it will be released to potential brides. I think for you, it would also be a great gesture, (and a great-booking advantage) if the you gave your potential client a copy of this form completely filled out and signed.
Just like the diamond industry goes to great lengths to educate their consumers that a) a diamond should cost the groom three months salary or b) what the four C’s mean in measuring the quality of the diamond. Having a standardized, “Truth in Disclosure Form” will at least protect the consumer from fraud.
I understand that to some photographers this may seem intimidating because your natural tendency would be to look through every single one of these boxes hoping that you would score an “A” on every answer. But that’s not the point. The point is to be truthful in the categories listed, and with that information, the potential client can simply be more informed. I think this is extremely important to have circulating around for these reasons.
As for, “will the brides even know meaningful answers?” I plan on publishing a guide to the range of answers possible, and how to weigh their meaning.
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I really like this because it holds people accountable. My only problem with using it for myself, is that I have been a portrait photographer for several years, and I am dutifully working as a second shooter before deciding to take on wedding jobs as primary because I feel it’s the right thing to do. I feel like the first few questions totally undercuts the people who try to do the right thing by second shooting and makes it seem like that work meant nothing. There have been and will be gigs where I am not the paid primary but I certainly take on the role. I wouldn’t perform any differently or less than I do now.
I like the idea of a disclosure form, but will the average consumer understand what many of the responses mean? Something more definitional needs to be there to help the customer with the photographer jargon. Otherwise, this may not have the impact you intend. My two cents.
Nice info but I have to take issues with a few things. I am a professional wedding photographer but there are so many of us in our town that weddings are few and far between for each of us. I have only shot two weddings so far this year and I cannot afford insurance, I barely can afford my car insurance. Plus the form asks about the camera bodies being used. What does that have to do with anything. Sure they may shoot a little better but I know people who deliver great images with a Rebel. It is not only about the camera but with the person behind the controls. Your form while having the best intentions, further hurts the industry for those of us who are doing our best to make it but cannot afford what you say we should have.
this is the best document I have see to educate our customer, can’t wait for a PDF
This is actually a preatty decent list on the exception of a few things. I am not sure how you do thing where ever you are from, but Photographers here work with the Bride and Groom, not the venues. Really, who cares about what venue you worked with, it was a church then we moved to a reception hall…and I agree with Charles I don;t think its important to know what camera bodies you are using but more the fact that you should know if your photographer has a backup system available in case something goes wrong…and it has for me, thank goodness I had a backup body!
I just finished school, so I was to post images that are from paid clients only, I would have what 2 or 3 images. Also why does it matter if I’m renting equipment for a wedding or event. Most commercial photographers don’t own ALL of their gear, so why so I have to? I understand the idea behind the form, but some of it is not realistic. How many usable images do you produce per hour, well that depends on the lighting setup, sometimes one sometimes a lot.
Nice! I agree that your average bride and groom may not fully understand the impact of your answers.
I like it! Separates the wannabes from the pros. Might actually use this. Thanks.
I like it! Separates the wannabes from the pros. Might actually use this. Thanks.
I think this form speaks volumes. Being a pro shooter for 20+ years with well over 1,000 weddings shot, I find myself sometimes competing against people who don’t even have a backup camera, flash or a clue. Our industry is full of pro/consumers who have never had to deliver a quality product on time for a competitive price. These are the folks who when asked how much is an 8×10 is, they reply $2.20. I think you are selling yourself short thinking the customer doesn’t understand the answers to most of these questions. Clients in my area (NY/NJ) area who are paying 3k-7k for wedding photography know.
If someone gave me one of these I would laugh and tell them that the answers will cost them an additional $1500 deposit.
Some people still think the wedding/event industry is a career where you can make a living wage…. hint: it is not. It is a great hobby to make a little supplemental income.
It is also a competitive, low paying endeavor, not deserving of this pretense of professional pruning.
You either like my photos and trust me with your $800 wedding shoot or not. But I won’t answer something like THIS with the silly “under oath” (hint: just saying “under oath” doesn’t mean anything in court) in support of a hobby.
Just my $0.02.