Just a few suggestions... The layout is good. I like the font for your name & title (would delete "amateur") but I would use a different one for the other info. Maybe Futura or Ariel - something not so tall.
I was thinking more about this suggestion... Is it necessarily a bad thing to represent yourself as an amateur photographer? Assuming that someone is *not* a professional, and not actively and realistically pursuing going pro, they truly would be an amatuer... In this context a card is to give some exposure and a way to contact the photgrapher for prints.
I would suggest that where your paycheck comes form doesn't necesarily correlate to the quality of work, and that it's good to use the title "amateur photographer" is that is accurate. What does everyone else think?
For what its worth, here's the card I made a few months ago to bring with me to the first art exhibit I entered:
At first I hardly ever handed them out, but now I have to admit I've been handing them out every chance I get - putting in fishbowls for free lunch drawings, using them to write other information for people, etc. I used one of my images that I thought would appeal to the most people and printed them on Avery business cards on my inkjet (there are different types you can get from them, some are heavier weight paper than others). I am getting ready to redo with my new phone number, and am going to have them printed at a printer this time. I remember I put it on here for opinions on color, etc., and got a lot of help from the great people on this site!
I was thinking more about this suggestion... Is it necessarily a bad thing to represent yourself as an amateur photographer? Assuming that someone is *not* a professional, and not actively and realistically pursuing going pro, they truly would be an amatuer... In this context a card is to give some exposure and a way to contact the photgrapher for prints.
I would suggest that where your paycheck comes form doesn't necesarily correlate to the quality of work, and that it's good to use the title "amateur photographer" is that is accurate. What does everyone else think?
Well - if someone gave you a card that said "Amateur M.D." or "Amateur Plumber" or "Amateur Attorney".. what would you do with it?
1) If you think you are an amateur - you will become one.
2) Amateur to many will equate to "cheap" or "low prices"
3) If you really do feel amateurish - maybe you should wait a while.
Just be extra well prepared and work hard - your images will speak for you.
I think "amateurs" by definition would not even have a "business" card ...
Have it say "photography" instead of "photographer" if you want it to sound less pretentious -- anyone is qualified to run a photography business, as long as they hire talented photographers if they're not one themselves.
except.. believe it or not.. not everyone has access to the web. I have also come across anti-web people. they don't want it.
a telephone number is a must.
I always keep a pen with me to write my cell number on the cards. I use the cards to hand out to people interested in my photography, not my services.
A thought just occurred to me. How about printing a release form on the back. Name ____, Date _____, Location _____ & Signature ________________ and a simple, short release statement. Then, when you need a release, give them two cards, fill out the back of one and sign it and give the signed release back to you.
A thought just occurred to me. How about printing a release form on the back. Name ____, Date _____, Location _____ & Signature ________________ and a simple, short release statement. Then, when you need a release, give them two cards, fill out the back of one and sign it and give the signed release back to you.
What do you think???
Great idea! You could also print it on some label stock so you could stick it on a business card, piece of paper, napkin, or other handy matrix.
A thought just occurred to me. How about printing a release form on the back. Name ____, Date _____, Location _____ & Signature ________________ and a simple, short release statement. Then, when you need a release, give them two cards, fill out the back of one and sign it and give the signed release back to you.
What do you think???
My friend who does some stock photography actually has that on his card. He says it's worked well for him, and he never has to lug around bulky release forms.
My friend who does some stock photography actually has that on his card. He says it's worked well for him, and he never has to lug around bulky release forms.
That site has a sample release form. I mocked it up on the back of cards I made in PhotoDeluxe and it fit, but I haven't printed it out yet, so we'll see, I'll work on it after "Extraordinary" starts. ^_^
"Unpaid Model Release
I __________________________ hereby release my interests in photographs taken of me today by *insert my name* for the purpose, including publicity and advertisements, and acknowledge that no payment has been made to me.
I acknowledge that I generously give my interest in the photograph and its future use to the photographer who took the pictures, and wish him/her well.
