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by Andrew Millar
I decided to start this customer education series with one of the topics I see very often–customers wanting full resolution images on a DVD, and their photographers not “including” it in the package or not offering it at all. This topic can be explained from several different angles (e.g., profitability, reputation and copyright amongst others). First of all, if your photographer does this, be glad, as this means he/she cares about the future of his business and images and will be around for a while. So below are some points you may consider the next time you are presented with this situation.
Profitability:
We, photographers, are image makers, and our revenue comes from selling images that you can proudly hang on your wall. If you are expecting your photographer to “give” you a CD with the high resolution images, then you are expecting him to forefit any revenue from your session or event. How much longer do you expect him/her to stay in business while giving away his/her main source of income.
Reputation:
This one is entirely particular to my studio, and I know some other good photographers do this similarly. We give our hearts and souls in all the sessions we photograph, learning the craft, retouching images, and all other aspects that go into a final product, therefore giving images on a DVD opens the door for a client to print and possibly display and image that we have no control of the final product. When a DVD with images is purchased from us, we do not allow anything bigger than an 8×10 to be printed from it, nor do we allow to public display of these images without our authorization. This is mainly protecting our reputation as image makers. If a client intends to print anything bigger than an 8×10, then it’s probably going in somebody’s wall, on a generic frame, without my signature, my retouching, and more than likely without our printing standards, and this is not acceptable. No amount of money collected during the sale of a DVD is worth a badly printed picture of your work hung on somebody’s wall for the next 20 years.
In our studio when an image is purchased for a wall portrait, we retouch the image to perfection and print it with labs that understand our standards, and if it’s not perfect, we don’t deliver it until it is. Our eyes are trained to see things in the images you may not see when printing your 8×10 at Wal Mart. We print on the best paper in the industry, frame it with acid free mats and non-glare glass, and frames that compliment the images, but most of all with a signature in silver ink that proudly represents an original finished piece of art, and I hope that’s the way you look at your photographer’s work and respect it as such.
Until next post.
Hello everyone…
After hearing about issues between photographers’ rules and methodologies and customers’ apathy towards them, or lack of acceptance, I’ve decided to start a new category on my blog which will house a series of posts dedicated to educating clients. I’ve seen countless posts in other wedding websites where brides or brides-to-be comment about a particular photographer’s method of doing things, and response after response the aggravation grows, and I just think if the clients understood why certain things are done the way they are done, this wouldn’t happen.
That being said, after it’s all said and done, the customer and client may still not agree. This is perfectly fine, as we live in a free market, and if an agreement is not reached, then the next step would be to move on to the next vendor that fits your particular demands. The topics I will be explaining will be very much directly related to my studio, and my method of doing things. Even though I share these views with a lot of my colleagues, you are not forced to understand my point, but indeed entitled to an explanation.
So lookout for these Customer Educational posts every week or so as I am sure you will find them interesting and informational. I will try to keep them short and to the point.
We traveled off to Minnesota this past weekend. My (Andy) mom was getting remarried to Stan Muenchow. Not only was it a my mom's wedding day it was also a family reunion and little vacation for our family. It was an awesome wedding and I'm glad to know she married a very genuine man that I am proud to welcome into our family. Congrats Mom and Dad!
Tune in Friday for their SlideShow.
Thanks -Andy and Rachael
Amy Tippens Portrait of a Survivor
By Andrew Millar
E-mail: andrew@BradleyNewsGroup.com
More photos at visionstudiosphotography.com
When Amy Tippens got married in December if 2006, she never thought that in five months her life would change forever.
Amy went to the doctor after complications with a lot of foot pain. Thanks to her husband for the extra push to go to and get herself checked out. No one could have expected the news she would receive.
In May of 2007, Amy heard the words that scared her to tears. Being a newlywed one has hopes of a new life, a new house and a new job and starting a family. The doctor on the other end of that momentous phone call said; “You have leukemia”. “I was shocked and scared to death. Would I live? Would I die? Why me?” Where among the many questions flowing through Amy’s mind and emotions.
“I was calling everyone and telling everyone what was going on. But then there came a point when I felt I had to become the strong one.” Amy told the Bradley News weekly. “I had to be positive and strong for everyone else.
Amy’s doctor sent her to Vanderbilt hospital in Nashville right away. About two hours later the doctors started her treatment right away. Amy stayed at the hospital from May when she was diagnosed to the end of July. “I was clueless about what leukemia was and I thought it was something that only little kids got, I didn’t know it was something that older people got.”
Having battled with a life threatening disease such as leukemia has made Amy appreciate what God has made and my husband and my family and my parents and just appreciate things more. Before I was more materialistic and I had a plan for my life and then leukemia changed her life. Wanting to have a baby would pose a problem. Doctors said she needed to go to a fertility specialist and that she might have complications getting pregnant. She might be pre-menopausal due to the chemo she received.
Her family and friends were skeptical that if she was to get pregnant that the baby might have birth defects or issues. Was she strong enough to carry a baby? After finding out she was pregnant last October. Amy gave birth to a healthy baby boy May 26th 2008.
Amy belongs to Team Hope, a team that walks to raise money for the Cancer and Lymphoma Foundation. Light the Night Walk will be held Sept 20th in Chattanooga.
Amy is wanting to start Strut your Mutt - her own walk in Cleveland to raise money for cancer research. A possible spot is the Cleveland Greenway. People could bring their pet and enjoy the day and know that they are helping out people that they know, or people they’ve never met.
The whole experience has made Amy respect life and no to be so materialistic. “You never know how your life will change. Even if it’s just a split second.”
26th Annual Cherokee Days of Recognition
By Andrew Millar
The beautiful scenery of Red Clay State Park was the setting of Cherokee Days this past August 2nd and 3rd. Both indoor and outdoor exhibits were on display for all who came and watched this amazing event of the Cherokee Indian culture.
Red Clay State Park was the last council grounds of the Cherokee nation before the Trail of Tears. The event opened at 10am on Saturday and Sunday closing between 4 and 5pm.
There were hand woven baskets, tools and trade of the era for people to purchase. The attention to detail and true Indian style was apparent in all the works. Dancers of all ages put on amazing demonstrations. There was even a blow gun tournament that was delightfully entertaining.
By Andrew Millar
The beautiful scenery of Red Clay State Park was the setting of Cherokee Days this past August 2nd and 3rd. Both indoor and outdoor exhibits were on display for all who came and watched this amazing event of the Cherokee Indian culture.
Red Clay State Park was the last council grounds of the Cherokee nation before the Trail of Tears. The event opened at 10am on Saturday and Sunday closing between 4 and 5pm.
There were hand woven baskets, tools and trade of the era for people to purchase. The attention to detail and true Indian style was apparent in all the works. Dancers of all ages put on amazing demonstrations. There was even a blow gun tournament that was delightfully entertaining.
by Andrew Millar
for the Bradley News Weekly
Cleveland Versus The World
A short look at Cleveland High School’s four-way scrimmage in early August.
By Andrew Millar
E-mail: Sports@BradleyNewsGroup.com
More photos at visionstudiosphotography.com
With the local high schools gearing up for the 2008 football season, injuries may be knocking out some of this season’s top players for the Cleveland High School Blue Raiders. Will the rumored Cleveland Raiders live up to the much talked about rumors that they are the team to beat this year?
On Saturday, August 2nd 2008, BN Weekly was on site to watch Cleveland scrimmage Polk County, Baylor (Chattanooga) and William Blount (Knoxville). The teams began playing at 9 a.m., and the day warmed up rapidly.
For the first time in scrimmage play this year, Cleveland looked decent. This year’s prospects were looking extremely impressive. Although there were many concerns for the team (injuries, fumbles, turnovers and dropped footballs), the blocking was solid.
As the day went on and the sweat drenched the players, the teams began to work together as one unified front. With high hopes for this season, the action should be great and the fans will likely scream louder than a freight train.
Football in Cleveland is about to kick off and this will be a season to remember.
Take One From The Team – Cleveland High School freshman quarterback #8 Chad Voytik gets pushed in the back from a teammate rushing ahead during CHS’s four-way scrimmage on August 2nd 2008. “The biggest blow to us was when Monte Scotton got hurt. As far as defensively we were very pleased and our offence was a little behind. That’s the whole reason behind the scrimmages is to find out our weaknesses and to see what we need to work on. ”
A short look at Cleveland High School’s four-way scrimmage in early August.
By Andrew Millar
E-mail: Sports@BradleyNewsGroup.com
More photos at visionstudiosphotography.com
With the local high schools gearing up for the 2008 football season, injuries may be knocking out some of this season’s top players for the Cleveland High School Blue Raiders. Will the rumored Cleveland Raiders live up to the much talked about rumors that they are the team to beat this year?
On Saturday, August 2nd 2008, BN Weekly was on site to watch Cleveland scrimmage Polk County, Baylor (Chattanooga) and William Blount (Knoxville). The teams began playing at 9 a.m., and the day warmed up rapidly.
For the first time in scrimmage play this year, Cleveland looked decent. This year’s prospects were looking extremely impressive. Although there were many concerns for the team (injuries, fumbles, turnovers and dropped footballs), the blocking was solid.
As the day went on and the sweat drenched the players, the teams began to work together as one unified front. With high hopes for this season, the action should be great and the fans will likely scream louder than a freight train.
Football in Cleveland is about to kick off and this will be a season to remember.
Take One From The Team – Cleveland High School freshman quarterback #8 Chad Voytik gets pushed in the back from a teammate rushing ahead during CHS’s four-way scrimmage on August 2nd 2008. “The biggest blow to us was when Monte Scotton got hurt. As far as defensively we were very pleased and our offence was a little behind. That’s the whole reason behind the scrimmages is to find out our weaknesses and to see what we need to work on. ”
Tonight I will be traveling to the Ocoee with Apostle Tina Baker. We will be photographing for her up and coming book that GOD inspiried. It's amazing to hear her tell the story and read the poems that he gave her.
I'm glad to be a part of this amazing woman's life and I'm glad I can help her in any way with the talents that GOD has placed in me.
Tune in next week for the photos from our shoot.
Thanks
-Andy
I'm glad to be a part of this amazing woman's life and I'm glad I can help her in any way with the talents that GOD has placed in me.
Tune in next week for the photos from our shoot.
Thanks
-Andy
This past saturday was awesome. Abiding Glory Ministries in Knoxville, TN hosted a weekend conference with Jim Goll. An amazing manifestation of God's Glory blew through the people and many of them didn't even reconize it. But we all have room for change. That's why GOD's work in us is continual.
As soon as I get written permission to post the photos, I will have them up for everyone to see the manifestation!
Thanks
-Andy
Tomorrow, Rachael and I are off to Atlanta, GA to photograph Candace and Darren's Wedding at the beautiful Reid Barn.
We're excited and just can't wait to go and shoot this wedding!!!
We love outdoor weddings. There's just so much freedom and movement. You can be so free to be artistic and create some outstanding photos.
Tune in Sunday for their Wedding collage and next Wednesday to view their Pre Album Design.
Thanks
-Andy & Rachael
Tonight is the night! I'm excited with anticipation as I load all my exuipment to go and shoot little Justice tonight.
Not even a week old but still getting his photo taken for the first time by Vision Studios Photography.
Thanks to his parents Chester and Elizabeth who can't wait for the baby photos.
Tune in tomorrow to see his photo collage.
-Andy
War Dance !!! Photo Book Of IHOF Released early!!!
http://www.blurb.com/books/288547
Hard Preview Copy for Church coming middle of July.
84pages! Wow!!!
Purchase your copy below
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/288547
I am so excited for next week. We have an up and coming surprise for everyone! Twins! That's right. Friends of ours, Jamal and April had twin girls a few weeks back. I can't wait to go and photograph them this weekend.
.
I can't wait to share the photos with you. Tune in and come back with us for their slideshow.
Thanks
Andy and Rachael
Thanks
Andy and Rachael
Rachael and I had a wonderful time photographing Tammy and Chris Smith's wedding. We photographed the event for Brandon Hyde of Perspective Photography and Design. It was held at the the beautiful Welcome Valley Village. It was so relaxing to sit on the Ocoee river and watch the playful trout frolic in the water and jump around. It was simply breath-taking.
I'm in our livingroom in the dark thinking about life. Its midnight in Tennessee and I can't sleep.
Something Amanda said on their engagement session is still ringing in my head. It was something I never heard before and it surprised me. She said "You're a Celebrity."
I have to admit that for a second it gave me a big head, but I quickly realized that everything we have accomplished in our businesses and in life has been 100% by the awesome grace of God. Although we have worked extremely hard, and sometimes upp until 3am editing photos or designing albums. I simply can't forget about the dozens of times God bailed us out of sure financial or emotional disaster!
This is what I know: Life is as fragile as you make it! I screw up often but never make the same dumb mistake twice! The more I live the more I realize that God is involved in every area of my life, holding it together ever so tightly.
Remember to thank Him for everything GOOD in your life!
Thank you Lord for my beautiful wife and two kids. Thank you for always taking care of us!
Help me not to live in vain but to do your work and share your love with others.
Ok goodnight everyone :) God bless!
-Andy
My wife Rachael joined us this evening to photograph Amanda and Ian on their engagement shoot. We all had an amazing time togheter. Ian and I sat back and relaxed while Amanda and Rachael talked about many things they have in common. We met up in Chattanooga and carpooled over to the ever beautiful Art Distict.
The Hunter Museum provided a beautiful back drop to begin their engagement session as well as provide a beutiful recreation to the story. The Hunter Museum is also the place where Ian finally built up enough courage to ask Amanda to marry him.
Rachael choreographed most of the shoot. She will be shooting their wedding solo this October. I will be shooting another wedding that we've double booked for the day.
Thank you Amanda and Ian for sharing your day day with us.
We had a blast!
Click Here For SlideShow PresentationAndrea and Tanner's Wedding was so much fun for me. I remeber when I shot their engagements last November and they both had me laughing. I almost forgot that I was there to photograph them. Well, today wasn't any different and the wedding was a blast. Thanks again for letting me be a part of your day. And to allow me to capture a moment of history in your lives.
-Andy
That's Right we have an amazing new website and we will be now updating our blog continually! We shoot alot and sometimes its hard to keep up with all the world around us. But it's our pleasure to keep everyone up to date and informed with the world of Vision Studios Photography.
So sit back and enjoy the new and improved Vision Studios Photography and Design!
That's right, we're expanding!
It's time for a face lift for summer 2008 and now we're expanded the company to include the work of my own bride Rachael. She has proven to be an invaluable photographer and business partner. Rachael's ability to capture emotional moments and details has allowed us to freeze multiple storylines from events or weddings. Rachael is a strong photographer individually, able to work quickly and decisively to capture moments soon lost. I am excited that our team thrives on travel and enjoys shooting weddings and events abroad. Our passports are always current! Contact the office today to schedule your free consultation or to just say hello.
We look forward to meeting you.
- Andy and Rachael
Good friends of mine, Chester and Elizabeth Sharp are expecting their second child. They have one daughter Kenya and now they are expecting a little boy. Justice! What a cool name. We hung out for a few hours and just let the evening be relaxing and enjoy each others company. I look forward to shooting little Justice in the near future. - Andy
I shoot almost all my families outside, this is particularly convenient for families or couples who love the comfortable nature of the great outdoors and allows me to shoot during daylight hours. Check out the Brewer family! They were fabulous!... what more can you ask for?! I really love the black and white! We actually had black and blue as their main colors.
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