Dan Saultman on wed 3 sep 97
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Hi Carol,
I don't have any direct contacts in Philly. But here are some
suggestions that I have used successfully to find a good photographer
when out of town and winging it.
1. Look in the yellow pages for a medium sized ad agency that offers
=22full service=22 capabilities. And ask for the art director or creative
director. I suggest =22medium=22 sized ad agencies because the big
agencies act like bigshots and won't give you the time of day usually.
Ask for a couple of names of photographers they use. Of course any
method of search will work, like finding a photographer's guild or
other organization.
2. Make sure you seek a photographer that is qualified and geared
toward =22table top=22 product photography. Use that term. That
immediately weeds out the portraitists, landscapists and wedding
photographers.
3. Mention your format needs. 35mm transparencies for juried shows
etc. If you are doing a brochure or high quality printed materials you
should get 4x5 transparencies. Although 35's work for smaller
pictures.
4. Then ask if you can visit the studio. At the studio you can look at
samples, (all photographers have light tables) and meet the person and
view the environment where you will be spending some time. You could
even impress them by asking for a loupe to look at a few slides for
crisp focus and cleanliness.
5. I have worked with photographers that were trying hard to break
away from weddings and would bend over backwards to accomodate your
wishes so don't rule out such an opportunity. Their samples tell the
story. But be forwarned, art directing your photos is a slow process
and often boring as hell. Bring some magazines to read, a sack lunch
and a thermos of hot chocolate.:-)
6. Bracketing. Bracketing is when a photographer shoots several
versions of a shot to play with the lighting settings of his camera. 3
should be the rule. Often you can get 2 usable ones out of the three.
You're paying for the film so keep an eye on things.
7. Finally, establish budget and full ownership of your slides at the
beginning of your search for a photographer. Some photographers insist
on a credit everytime you use their shot in print. Others may demand
royalties on usage. It sounds rediculous but in some cases they
deserve this consideration. Just explain your usage and it will go
fine.
Explain your luster problem and bring a pot when you visit. Sometimes
a photographer can use a special dulling spray to cut back on
super-shiney surfaces but then you may not like having this sprayed on
your pot because it may be hard to get off a surface that is glossy in
spots and matte in others. Remember, soft lighting is the best, it's
the most forgiving, no harsh shadows no hot spots where the highlights
are.
Hope these suggestions helped. Good luck.
Best wishes
Dan Saultman =80 Colorado
http://www.concentric.net/=7Eclay-art/Index.shtml
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=3E Hi Dan,
=3E Can you recommand any =22good=22 craft photographers in the Phila. =
area? My
=3E work has luster on it and is difficult to shoot.
=3E Thank you
=3E Carol Jackaway
=3E CoilLady=40aol.com
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