Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

JenJohnson79 · **Rude People - Rant -** 02-16-2010, 02:48 PM

So I'm at UHCL today applying for graduation. WOOHOO!!!

In their whole set up known as Grad Fest, there is a photographer set up. She has two strobes (couldn't catch the brand from where I was standing), two backdrops to choose from, and their camera set up. They are offering to take student's pictures for "free" they send you a proof and then you can order more. . . . so she hits me up.
Her: Come get your picture made it's free, we'll send you the proof and you can see if you like our work.

Me: No thanks.

Her: Well someone's not happy about graduating, are they?

Me: I'm thrilled, I just don't want my picture made.

Her: (to my mom) Don't you want a portrait to remember this by?

My mom: She'll probably take one herself she's a photographer as well.

Her: Well I'm sure she has a nice enough camera, but look at all the equipment we have, there will be no comparison in the quality of the two different images. Ours hands down will be better.

Me: I have my own equipment, I know how to use it, I'll make sure my mom gets all the pictures she wants.

Her: Yeah I know all sorts of you college students who have photography businesses on the side. (as she -NO KIDDING- rolls her eyes!!!)

I thought I was going to punch her in the face!!!

Take no for an answer and shut up!!! Seriously. . . .

Would it be wrong of me to go pass out business cards and solicite business right in front of her????

CaptainTom · 02-16-2010, 02:54 PM

This is a company called Grad Trak.

I did some work for them.
They provide non photographers with a minimum of training and equipment and send them to the Universities to do the graduation photos. It is a non skilled job because the company dictates the distances, backgrounds, light settings, poses, etc. and provides a basic DSLR.
At the Gradfest they are rated as to how many they shoot, hence the pressure to get your photo done. You likely see her again at the graduation ceremony.
They'll do a prelim shot, a grip and grin, and a set up as you leave the stage with the flags/banner and your "diploma".

Just smile your best smile and maybe you'll get a good photo. It's an assembly line. If you don't like the images, you aren't required to buy anything.

Tom

toverman · 02-16-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JenJohnson79

Would it be wrong of me to go pass out business cards and solicite business right in front of her????

Yes, that would be wrong.

Tom · 02-16-2010, 03:26 PM

I get to watch them work every semester.

Their "Official Graduation" portrait set up is hilarious. The photographers unload their equipment case. They are given a sheet with all the settings they are supposed to dial in. They have the strobe on camera. The camera was a kit lens on a D70 with a third-party flash. They dialed in something like ISO 400, F/8 1/100 and then go to shooting.

BTW: I freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekin hate shooting graduation. I didn't even go to my own college graduation because I didn't want to sit through it. Now I get to work a few every year.

bondarnes · 02-16-2010, 03:31 PM

When my girls graduated from college I paid for the Grad Trak (or whatever) photos. And yes, I could have done a better job, but I didn't want to drag all my gear down to College Station and find a place to set up. I did take a camera and did a few candids, but the CD with her images was reasonably priced, so why not?

Hey, there is no charge until you get a looky loo and if they are decent and the price is right.... I'm not sure who has the bigger attitude here, but surely you can rise above passing out cards.

arich · 02-16-2010, 03:54 PM

I think the OP was more upset by the rude, pushy and condescending nature of the GradTrak photog and not so much at her mere presence at the graduation

jeffro20 · 02-16-2010, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arich

I think the OP was more upset by the rude, pushy and condescending nature of the GradTrak photog and not so much at her mere presence at the graduation

It's all about sales....sadly, some people lack the proper tact.

ggeen · 02-16-2010, 03:59 PM

As long as your are talking, you are negotiating. Say "No, thank you." Shut up and walk away.

groovyone · 02-16-2010, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ggeen

As long as your are talking, you are negotiating. Say "No, thank you." Shut up and walk away.

Just like the mall cart people.

ldelacruz · 02-16-2010, 09:01 PM

Excuse me! Can I ask you a question?

drgibson · 02-16-2010, 09:09 PM

If that had be me… “You’re right everyone knows that having more ore better equipment is the mark of a good photographer. Ohh and Disregarding someone’s ability or talent because of their age or status is a great sales tactic.”

Kalrog · 02-16-2010, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

I didn't even go to my own college graduation because I didn't want to sit through it. Now I get to work a few every year.

Glad I'm not the only one. My parents asked me when it was about 2 months after it happened... I graduated from a smallish university and everyone "walked" in May even if you graduated the following August (like me).