We are probably all familiar enough with the idea that photography is about capturing light as it paints our subjects in various colors, tones, and hues, but recently I am discovering that many are starting to refer to their photographic pursuits in very lofty terms, those being natural light, available light, and ambient light. I can understand the desire to distinguish ones craft, because it is often difficult to “stand out” in a crowd. Continue reading “Natural, Available, or Ambient?”
Month: October 2010
The Vetting Process
It seems that the more I shoot in various capacities, the fewer shots I take in any given scenario, primarily because I am thinking “yeah, the light’s not right”, or “I don’t have the right lens”, or some other obstacle is preventing me from getting the shot I really want. Whether it’s me being more selective in the shots I take, or something else, is entirely open…case in point, at a recent sports event, I captured less than 500 photos. Of those 500, only 24 got pulled for client delivery, and of those 24, I was really only particularly happy with 2-3 of those shots. Is that being too picky?
So, (and I know this will be specific to the type of photography), the question comes to mind for me: What is a good pull rate? Should I be keeping half my shots? 25%? 10? What percentage should I be pulling from a shoot to deliver to a client?
Clearly, many of the images are thrown in the digital dumpster, but I am wondering whether I should be keeping more for delivery, or for “recovery” at a later date when software improves even further? Is it even worth keeping those? What are the odds I’ll come back in five years saying “If only I had a shot of a hockey player in a white-and-blue jersey center-framed against a white and yellow wall”? My guess is slim to none, so why bother keeping those shots?
Hence the question – what is the average pull rate for photography work? Only client pulls? Client pulls + 10%? +25%? Would really be interested in hearing what others deem to be “acceptable” pull percentages, so please – sound off in the comments and let me know your thoughts…
In the meantime, keep on shooting, and we’ll see you back here again tomorrow!
Blood, Sweat, and Tears
Over the weekend a lot has been going on here…and rather than regale you with the “honey do” list (like toting rocks around the yard), I’ll get to the more fun stuff that is likely more interesting (and also more photography related)… Continue reading “Blood, Sweat, and Tears”
September Winner – October Begins
Another month of fantastic entries in the monthly contest series has ended and as always, the quality of entries just keeps getting better and better. When I saw the folder of images to review and judge, I think Tracy actually heard me utter “How am I supposed to pick a winner from these?” So, after much deliberation (I even enlisted the help of some photographer-friends to help me narrow it down), the winner has been decided. I am pleased to announce that Cameron Gardner is the September winner! Continue reading “September Winner – October Begins”