Bridal Trends: DIY Cake Inspiration via Babes in Boyland

Babes in Boyland is one of the many blogs  I follow via Lovely Life and use for my photographic inspiration. I'm almost positive the website is based in Denmark given the fact that the site is predominantly in Danish ;) Please go check out this website. This is probably one of the single most appetizing and easy tutorials I have ever read.  It's also an incredible tutorial for the Rustic Bride, DIY queens, and Vintage Mavens.

xo-Ollie

Source and Photo Credits: Babes in Boyland

What is the Difference Between a Copyright Release (CRR) and an Print Release (PR)?

This has got to be one of the most common questions I get.  It is also one of the most common terminology mix-ups between clients and photographers alike. I want to make this clear:  CRR is not interchangeable with PR although it’s pretty simple to confuse the two if you don’t have an understanding for what each one of them entails. I guess that’s what I’m here for.

     We have officially entered a digitally dependent world.  We make our plans with a computer.  We date through computers.  In fact, I think you can even make coffee with your handheld devices now.  In fact, everything I do is practically done online (pretty much). I network with clients, post their photos, and edit using some type of digital device.

       With digital dependency comes digital sharing, liking, and networking.  What does this means for the photographer? It means a lot of blurred lines and mass confusion.

     Back in the good old days, when we had the ultimate right and power of the photos, the only way you could share a photo was if you sent it via snail mail.  For those of you who don’t know what this is, this was when you actually hand wrote a letter, put something in an envelope, licked a stamp (before the self-adhesive stamps), and prayed your pictures got to its location. There was no social media.  There was no Instagram or Twitter. There was no Facebook.  There was only yours, the guests, and the photographer’s recollection of the event.

     Nowadays, however, most of my photos are shared within 2 minutes of my posting them to my business site.  What does this mean for the photographer? It means that my images will now be shared throughout the far reaches of the internet with or without my permission or with proper credit due! Yikes!

That is where a print release OR copyright release comes in.

What is a copyright release?

A copyright release is a document that releases a document or photo to the client. When this transfer is complete, the picture no longer belongs to the photographer.  I, the photographer,  am legally signing over my rights to the client.  Basically, I am giving up my pictures for adoption which means I can never use that photograph without the written or explicit permission of my client. It also gives my client the right to do whatever he or she wishes with the photos including edit, alter, use for commercial purposes (get money for or use to solicit business), or use to promote gang violence (or for type of promotion for that matter).

Why are Copyright Releases so expensive?

Because I am giving my work to you FOREVER! That would be like you really liking a Rihanna song then asking her to give up all the rights to her song JUST so you can play it on your cassette tape player.  This is my baby. This is my artistic creation that I have bled over…sweat over…and spent hours slaving over.  There are very few cases I give copyright releases and it is usually for commercial purposes depending on the situation.  But even in those cases, a print release can (and usually is) negotiated. As I read on  TheLawTog.com, it’s like allowing the consumer to “ have your cake (prints) and getting to eat it too.”

Ya….that’s not kosher….

Most people simply want to print their photos.  They want to be able to drop by CVS on their way to their cousin Tony’s Bat Mitzvah and drop off their digital proofs from last year’s wedding and get them printed in an hour or so. They also want to be able to print about 300 copies of their Bridal portraits for all 300 members of their family. They want to be able to make a little scrapbook lined with fur and lace with all their printed memories from that special moment.

That is how a print release is important.

It is how we calm the war between the worlds (client and photographer).

What is a print release?

It is a document that allows you to print for personal use all while allowing the photographer to retain the rights. It’s what professional printers will ask you for if you take my awesome photos to them and say “hey I want these amazingly unique works of art printed and back to me before the end of Tony’s Bat Mitzvah.” 

It gives you the right to print these photos anywhere while I still have all physical and intellectual rights to the files.  That means, I still have the right to tell you take my photo down if you are using it commercially or otherwise without my permission. I have the right to tell you to remove that Meme from my work of art because it brings shame to my photography game.   It allows me to protect myself just in case you want to take my photo and use it at a strip club.  Do I mind the fact that you like my photo so much that you want to use it at a strip club? No…that’s pretty awesome! But do I want my business associated with your strip club since I take family photos? Not really.  That is why I keep the rights to my photos.

How can a PR be good for the client?

You have the right to print as many copies of my photos as you want. You are allowed to post files to social media platforms (with provisions of course).  You are also allowed to use it for invitations and cards (with provisions also).  You get to retain the use of these files for the rest of your natural life. And, best of all, you never have to come back to me and ask me to mail you a new set of photos…well unless you lose the USB I sent you. That’s a whole other bag of worms.

How can a PR be good for the photographer?

I maintain control over the disbursement of my stuff.  I can make sure no clients are altering my photographs and circulating bad versions of my work.  Remember, our images are our marketing. It allows me to keep the originality in my work. It prevents my work from being used for things and purposes I may not support or agree with (commercial).

You have to think, the digital world has essentially stripped artists of some of their power.  It is a double edged sword.  While our work is marketed and shared at a staggering rate in comparison JUST to work of mouth, we are constantly on guard for those seeking to change our work for their purposes. We cannot soon forget how the internet has circulated pictures of unsuspecting people, thereby, branding them for life with shameful associations (i.e. distasteful pictures, unflattering pictures, pictures with memes). With that being said, photographers have to see if anyone is  using their photos on blogs without creating links back to our work. We HAVE to monitor the integrity of the work we do on a daily basis. That’s pretty hard. Especially when people don’t understand or respect why and how this is so important.

Biggest Question of All:

Can I let my friend borrow my print release to print photos?

No.  Negative. Not a chance.  This is a no go.  Did I say NO?

This is stealing.  I put the name of the person who purchased the print release on the card.  It is for their use only. If your friend wants to print photos, she can either ask you to print her a copy or she may purchase a copyright release from me. I would prefer the latter, but I am also a realist. It’s about respecting the work it takes to produce a photo.  Plain and simple. Just as it is illegal to make copies of movies without permission, the same goes to my photos.  It’s about integrity.  So, I urge my clients and those reading this blog to consider what it took to give you this photo. Respect that.  Spend your money…Lots of money.  Smile and Say “Cheese.”

How to Pick the Right Wedding Photographer

Most brides are bombarded by hundreds of vendors vying for their attention.  It's a shark tank out there.  And with the average wedding costing around $30K, its understandable why brides would be so choosy and vendors would be so aggressive.  As a photographer, I will be the first one to tell you that many times, we are the last one picked.  Most people just want someone to "take some cheap pictures."  What those brides, don't realize, however, is that the photographer is probably the most important and lasting choice you will EVER make.  Unlike the caterer, our services are life lasting.  Unlike the venue, our job isn't done at the end of the wedding.  In fact, our services will be what all of your "accurate" memories will be dependent upon.  What we capture is what you and your family will see forever.  So yes, you pay for what you get.  If you want your memories to be a bunch of mediocre photos, fine.  If you're happy with your Uncle Buck using his "real good camera" to butcher your wedding day, also fine.  You get what you pay for. But if you want your wedding to be storybook memories for years to come, I'd say pay a little more.

Picking a photographer requires research.  It requires actually talking to the photographer to make sure they fit what you are looking for.  If you like candid photo journalistic style photos, I would not recommend getting those who enjoy doing posed shots. That is why it is vital for you, as the bride, to really look through their portfolio.  For instance, I have a very photo journalistic, artistic, and creative style of shooting. I'm very much so suited for rustic vintage inspired weddings. But, I CAN shoot in many different styles which is apparent through my portfolio. This may not be apparent with all other photographers, so ask.

Choose your Style

Before you decide to book the first photographer with the best price, decide what style you like.  What appeals to you? What strikes your fancy?  Do you like documentary style shooting? Do you prefer simple traditional photos (where parties are facing the camera). Or do you like an artistic approach where lighting and coloring play a significant role.  This is very important.  In fact, this will determine if you like your photos.

There are times I have been hired by clients for my price who did not understand my style.  They, in turn, were not happy with my approach and voice.  This is because they picked on price rather than style.  That is a no no.  Although photographers work for you, they also work within their capacity.

Go to their website. Google them. Check them out. Like their Facebook Page.

Read their Reviews

I happen to have 5 out of 5 stars on my Thumbtack webpage.  But as a photographer, I want to have a few four stars too.  Why?  It's more trustworthy.  And you should feel the same way.  Although I know I am perfect (photographers all feel they are perfect), I know the reality is that not all of my clients think I am perfect 100 percent of time.  NO ONE is perfect 100 percent of the time.  Read the reviews. Read their pros and their cons.  And, if they have a bad review, READ THOSE TOO. These will give you those all too important clues to if they are easy to work with, personality flaws, or if they have a penchant for taking their time on editing your photographs. I am an over-repsonsive photographer in that I LOVE talking to my clients.  I like communicating.  But not ever photographer is the same. That's why you need to read their reviews.  But, keep in mind, sometimes there are those clients who are malicious and will write harmful reviews just because they are "difficult clients." Ask the photographer about this experience.  Ask them how they handled it.  How they answer you will speak volumes about who they are as a person than any review.

INTERVIEW INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

I am shocked by how many people are willing to give me their money without at least talking to me on the phone. It's unreal.  I, as a photographer, don't like this.  How can you ensure I am a fit for you and how can I ensure you are fit for me.  Believe me, we have a fit too.  I take on a limited number of events a year and therefore have to be choosy about the opportunities I take.  When clients want to hire me and haven't viewed my work, it makes me very cautious.  You, as the consumer should also be cautious of photographers who are willing to do the same.  Consultations are important for this reason.

Make sure that you are also prepared for the appointment.  Most photographers want to know the venue (to make sure you are a fit for them). Have this info.  Know how many photographers you want on that day.  The standard rate for additional photographers is 100-500 more  than the quote amount if they quote you for just one photographer.  Remember, we have to pay every additional photographer that comes and shoots on your wedding date.

Ask to view Full Albums

Photographers showcase their BEST work.  For that reason, you should ask a photographer to see a FULL gallery so that you can see their range of work.  You want to see how they shoot indoors, outdoors, at night, during the day, on bright days, and on overcast days.  You want to see if they are capable of handling your wedding. This is the best method of gauging that.

I am the first to tell my clients that I am a natural light photographer.  I can shoot indoors (and quite well), but I'm not a studio photographer. So, you won't catch me with a bunch of extra equipment.  It's just not my style.  That is something you also need to know about your photographer. WILL THEY BRING A LOT OF EQUIPMENT. To a photographer, this equipment is not distracting.  It is necessary. But to a client, during a very intimate wedding, it can be distracting if you are not expecting this.  So ask them if there is a lot of equipment required to get those storybook shots you love.

View their albums very critically.  Remember, this is YOUR big day and no one else.  Do they take pictures of everyone and everything. Do the photos look washed out and blurry.  Do the pictures look edited? These are the questions you need to ask yourself.

Compare Pricing and Packages

There is a difference in purchasing a package for $1200.00 and a package for $3000.00 at my shop.  One gives you 4 hours of coverage while the other one gives you a full range of coverage.  Packages are built to give clients help making their decisions.  It throws a little bit of what we offer in a a little group for a discount. Is important to compare what each package will give you and to ask your photographer if they are willing to customize those packages.  I have some clients who do not want photobooks in their package and simply want more time.  I negotiate these things.

That is the difference between customizing a package and simply ordering a package.  I also offer my clients the opportunity to purchase me hourly or buy products a la carte. 

Know  Your Rights

Most photographers own exclusive rights to their photos. In my contract, I am allowed to use my photographs   for promotional usage, on my website, blog, business, or any publication.  But, if you do not want this, you need to tell your photographer. Also, most photographers stipulate if you are allowed to share the images with or without watermark.  This is something you should know up front.

Know Expectations

It usually takes me anywhere from two weeks to a month to get digital proofs posted for my clients.  A lot of my clients ask why does it take this long? Because we are weeding through a massive amount of massively large files.  I know it usually takes about 3 hours of editing for every hour shot at an event I shoot.  That doesn't include the time it takes me to upload photographs, change formats, etc. It's just in editing. I am also a workaholic who will continuously work on files for days and days until I'm at the cusp of burn out.  Not every photographer is like me however. Some require 8 weeks. Some require longer. For nine-12 hour events,  I require at LEAST one month to edit. 

Also understand that some photographers may not give you an unedited product.  I know I don't want my unedited work floating around the internet.  I'm sure yours may not.  You definitely need to know if this is the case.

How many images will you get? I usually guarantee at least 50 edited images per hour shot.  Will they be retouched or will this be required. These are all important and necessary questions.