Sorry you didn't have a great experience, but it is all a big learning curve, and it's scary, and you learn by your mistakes and cock ups


I am doing some work now, and have started second shooting , or rather I had, as I am going to have to start again, after moving. The first time, I was much slower than the Pro, who can turn around the shots much quicker, and I felt very disheartened. But, he has been doing this for years, so has his workflow down to a few clicks, has the best equipment, and most of all experience he was very encouraging TBH, and helped sort a few problems I was having.

Definitely need a good monitor that is calibrated, that is essential, and I have noticed a big difference in editing time, depending on the quality of lenses.

Getting the lighting right, is another issue, if that is spot on, then that cuts time down .

What do you use to edit? A programme like Lightroom, can really cut down a huge amount of time in editing, if you are repeating the same process again and again, make an action, one click, and it's virtually proof ready.


Don't be disheartened, but definitely getting your monitor sorted will be a big help.

I've actually got a 22" Samsung Pebble monitor that I usually use in conjunction with a Matté Macbook pro 17 LCD laptop.

I will make sure I take monitor with me to calibration, though it may be too late as uni closes for summer soon.

Where in the west mids are you based Bazza?

As regards to the brief, it was a little cloudy. I've taken it on the chin and will move on from this.

As well as actions that Moonie mentions, set-up keyboard shortcuts to items you use often/where you want them - that can save a lot of time too.

The Apple screen should be good - but yeah, get them both calibrated

Between Cannock and Walsall Dan. I wil PM you with my company web site that has maps on it as to where we are.

Bazza

Cheers Moonie, I only just saw your post. I need to learn to use lightroom as I was using photoshop for this challenge, and even worse I'd left my mac charger in Birmingham so had to resort to using my girlfriends laptop.

In hindsight I was completely naive, but now I know what to expect.

You have to get organised Dan!

I know we all make mistakes (like leaving important things like chargers lol) but you have to try to minimise these wherever possible - your reputation depends on it, and something you will come to realise is that you must do your best to get your clients to sing your praises... a large percentage of our work comes from personal referrals - we don't advertise at all any more. The same goes for bad rep - you gotta avoid it.

It's scary isn't it but a programme like Lightroom can save you a lot of time,plus being a student you should be able to get it a lot cheaper

It's harder when there is pressure to get the right shot, but so far, I have loved the experience. I think jumping in at the deep end like you did, was good, because now you know exactly what to expect, and what is expected. Like I said don't dwell on the negatives, just learn from them, and move on. Ask lots of questions of what the client wants, and what you can deliver, be honest about what you can supply, and learn from the mistakes.

Good luck XX

Oh totally Azz, I could quite happily edit a handful of photos professionally, but mass editing I need to get a lot of things sorted before I attempt that again.

I haven't replied to the snotty email, not sure its worth the stress and guilt. I'll just have to pick myself up and move on this time.

I would always try to see things from the client's perspective, as generally most of them would be unhappy due to our own failings - and you need to tackle those head on.

Not sure what's exactly going on with your situation, but try to resolve it and leave the client happy if at all possible. Brush up on your service recovery skills no matter how much you dislike the client

I really need to streamline my workflow.
I take ages to edit each photo.
I took loads and loads for my son's school this week and I am going to be up late every night doing them!
It doesn't help that I am a perfectionist - they won't care if the levels aren't right or that there is something distracting in the background - but I do!!!
I have been at it all evening and only managed get 25 done which isn't even the tip of the iceberg.
Yawn!