Photography Workshop question

[qman_of_texas]

Next Friday September 24, 2010. I will be attending a build your portfolio workshop hosted by a makeup artist at a Hotel and nearby locations. The fee is: $25, shooting time is about 8 hrs. There will be a total of 5-10 models (some gathered from Model Mayhem). I had a conversation with the makeup artist hosting the workshop, I went straight to the business side of things: She mentioned that she would like to have at least 200 of the pictures I take w/o watermarking to use for her website. That made me come straight here to ask your guys opinion on that. I understand hotel space, models, and make up is being covered. How should I protect myself as a photographer in this situation?

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by qman_of_texas

How should I protect myself as a photographer in this situation?

Stay home. Sounds like a crock to me.

[qman_of_texas]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

Stay home. Sounds like a crock to me.

I have already paid through paypal 2 weeks ago... just curious, what do you mean by crock? Like they wont show up or trying to get off of my work?

[Tom]

I think that your portfolio shouldn't be built from a workshop anyway. You are ending up with shots that other people set up under premium conditions.

Using models to build your skill is totally understandable. If you don't know how to pose people, it helps to work with someone who does know how to pose.

But I think your portfolio should be the work that you (or your studio) produce under actual circumstances.

[qman_of_texas]

Thanks Thomas for the advice. What about the make up artist asking me to give at least 200 images w/o watermarking?

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by qman_of_texas

I have already paid through paypal 2 weeks ago... just curious, what do you mean by crock? Like they wont show up or trying to get off of my work?

Who's portfolio are you trying to build, yours or hers?

I just dont think you should be paying them to build your portfolio. It sounds like a money making scheme on their end... IMO. In addition, that whole bit about non-watermarked image is ludacris.

[qman_of_texas]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

Who's portfolio are you trying to build, yours or hers?

I just dont think you should be paying them to build your portfolio. It sounds like a money making scheme on their end... IMO. In addition, that whole bit about non-watermarked image is ludacris.

Im trying to build my portfolio. When she mentioned giving about 200 pics after the shoot. I had question marks all over my head. I can understand $25 to cover the expenses of room, food, and prep. But not at all I thought of giving pictures, especially 200!

[Tom]

I've worked with some great MUAs, and all enjoy using my photos, but all WANT to give me credit for them. I've never had one ask me to send them the unwatermarked photo. They aren't selling themselves as a photographer, and it looks good for them to have a good working relationship with a photographer.

[ChristopherCoy]

Are the MUA's and Models all pitching in $25 for the hotel room as well, or are they only charging photographers? And are you the only photographer attending?

[qman_of_texas]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

Are the MUA's and Models all pitching in $25 for the hotel room as well, or are they only charging photographers? And are you the only photographer attending?

The models I dont think so, the make up artist herself Im unsure. The photographers have a $25 fee. Im not sure if she discussed with the other photographers about sumbitting their pics as well.


Here is the ad for the photographers:

Hotel Derek Photo Shoot Build your photography portfolio

Here is the ad for the models:

Professional Models Shoot Hotel Derek

Here is the ad for the stylist:

http://houston.craigslist.org/cwg/1917588141.html

[TxTowman]

I bet everyone pays, that's the SCAM, it's been done for years!!!

[qman_of_texas]

Originally Posted by TxTowman

I bet everyone pays, that's the SCAM, it's been done for years!!!

I hope not a scam. I refuse to give up my work unmarked for her use on her website.

[danchez]

well, here's some well known advice, you might have heard it already. Ya get what ya pay for. I wouldn't expect to get a lot out of this situation.

Questions that came to mind:

Is lighting provided? other than the sun.
How many photogs are going to be there?
Are 10 models guaranteed to be there? probably not.

anyway, this just has ugly written all over it. I would stay away.

[qman_of_texas]

Originally Posted by danchez

well, here's some well known advice, you might have heard it already. Ya get what ya pay for. I wouldn't expect to get a lot out of this situation.

Questions that came to mind:

Is lighting provided? other than the sun.
How many photogs are going to be there?
Are 10 models guaranteed to be there? probably not.

anyway, this just has ugly written all over it. I would stay away.

Thanks Dan for your insight.
The photographers provide their own lighting.
She said 4 photographers from the start and about 6-8 throughout the shoot.

I want to tell her no when it comes to giving her unwatermarked images. How would you come about doing that?

[danchez]

Originally Posted by qman_of_texas

Thanks Dan for your insight.
The photographers provide their own lighting.
She said 4 photographers from the start and about 6-8 throughout the shoot.

I want to tell her no when it comes to giving her unwatermarked images. How would you come about doing that?

It's just not making any sense. How can she afford 10 models for an all day shoot with that few photographers... OK, say she gets 10 photographers, that's $250 total. There is no way that $250 is going to pay for 10 models for an all day shooting session...

About your other question... if you aren't comfortable with the terms, ask for a refund. If she refuses, well, it's only $25, lesson learned.