Those of you who've been following my story will know the long version, but here's the short version for those of you who don't.
1. A little over two years ago this drummer randomly pointed at me...
2. The percussionist of the same band became a fan and we became friends via emails. (I used to play air drums to him when I was in high school and he was drummer for Santana)
3. I did an off-stage shoot with said percussionist and was given all access to any shows that I could make it to.
4. Received opportunities to shoot Imagine Dragons, Shenandoah, Kansas, Josh Turner and more in exchange for tickets.
5. Almost exactly 2 years after taking the first photo, I quit my job of 10 years to pursue a photo career full-time.
6. Original drummer asks to use original photo for his book.
7. Chicago's new production manager calls me, offers to pay me for next two shows, wants me to be on "creative" team for commemorative book celebrating induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and wants to sell all my Chicago photos on the official Chicago web page.
O.M.G.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, and today I find out he wants a group shot of the band... in two days. I'm freaking out. I'm not even familiar with the venue. It's in Portland, ME. Any suggestions would be great.
My main concern, other than posing in general, is that I'm such a shy person and there are so many of them... I'm kind of freaking out right now...
To quote former football player Jim Brown, "Act like you've been there before" (especially since you have).
I suspect if you just relax, act normal and like you belong there you will be treated as a peer -- maybe pretend you're just taking pictures at a friend's birthday party.
Make yourself a couple of lists, one a checklist of stuff you need to bring/have ready, and another for posing/composition idea.
Need us to drive up to Portland and hold your hand? Jejeje... Do-do-doo, do what you do! Echo echo! You'll be fine!
Make sure you're super-realistic with your travel costs, is one bit of advice. DON'T short-change yourself. Charge everything it costs you AND mark it up (that's for the overhead). Or negotiate a generous per diem for expenses.
Need us to drive up to Portland and hold your hand? Jejeje... Do-do-doo, do what you do! Echo echo! You'll be fine!
Make sure you're super-realistic with your travel costs, is one bit of advice. DON'T short-change yourself. Charge everything it costs you AND mark it up (that's for the overhead). Or negotiate a generous per diem for expenses.
Anyway, awesome news! You've made it!
YES! LOL... Travel to Portland and the next show in Lynn, MA won't be a problem since I'm right in the middle in Dover. I've thought about you guys since I've been up here, but I've no car to come visit.
I probably did shortchange myself at $300/show, but I've been doing it for free up until now and this foot in the door is priceless! I haven't given him a number for the posed group shots. I'm sure now that I'll be asking for lodging where they are staying so I can get up there and scout things out.
Take at least two of everything. Check, double-check, triple-check all your equipment, cables, lights, cameras, batteries, memory cards, etc. Make a list of everything you'll need, start packing it now.
One thing to keep in mind is that a group is quite excitable and the biggest challenge you'll (likely) have is getting them to focus. Try sorting them out in whatever set up you want before trying to get their attention - use their energy rather than fight it.
You're obviously great at getting the moment so don't worry about that. The most important thing is that everyone is having fun :)
Need us to drive up to Portland and hold your hand? Jejeje... Do-do-doo, do what you do! Echo echo! You'll be fine!
Make sure you're super-realistic with your travel costs, is one bit of advice. DON'T short-change yourself. Charge everything it costs you AND mark it up (that's for the overhead). Or negotiate a generous per diem for expenses.
Anyway, awesome news! You've made it!
YES! LOL... Travel to Portland and the next show in Lynn, MA won't be a problem since I'm right in the middle in Dover. I've thought about you guys since I've been up here, but I've no car to come visit.
I probably did shortchange myself at $300/show, but I've been doing it for free up until now and this foot in the door is priceless! I haven't given him a number for the posed group shots. I'm sure now that I'll be asking for lodging where they are staying so I can get up there and scout things out.
Oh, and make sure you're specific about what they're licensing the images for and charge accordingly ...
We don't have anything in writing yet and I'm probably shooting myself in the foot, but right now the conversation is leaning towards me giving them access to all my Chicago photos in return for 50% of sales. He is planning on setting up a page on the official website (currently being completely redone by him) sponsoring me and my photos and making them available to purchase. To me, right now, as someone barely living paycheck to paycheck, that sounds like a dream.
ETA: This is kind of a BFD for me. I'm soo pacing the floors right now.
Ask them if they played in someone's backyard in west St Paul/mendota heights in the 1970s. When I was little, there was loud music coming from somewhere. My parents and I hopped in a car to go find it. It was a couple of blocks away, live band in the backyard, sign in the front yard saying "welcome to Minnesota, Chicago" and everyone going in was really dressed up.
Ask them if they played in someone's backyard in west St Paul/mendota heights in the 1970s. When I was little, there was loud music coming from somewhere. My parents and I hopped in a car to go find it. It was a couple of blocks away, live band in the backyard, sign in the front yard saying "welcome to Minnesota, Chicago" and everyone going in was really dressed up.
50% cut on the images, that sounds GOOD. They're reaching a huge market of fans, and handling all the administration and fulfillment for you, I assume?
50% cut on the images, that sounds GOOD. They're reaching a huge market of fans, and handling all the administration and fulfillment for you, I assume?
I don't have to do anything but send them the photos. They take care of the rest.
They just gave me a list. It's huge! Everything from posed shots on and off stage to tour buses, musical equipment with logos, feet walking onto stage, guys walking off bus, unusual artictic stuff, redos of old shots, tickets, roadies....This they tell me AFTER we come up with numbers, lol.
