OpLove: OKlahoma Photogs needed!

[mrsrice22]

MODS: I hope this is okay to post, please let me know if it's not.

Everyone, please read the following message and contact any Oklahoma photographers that you may know for an upcoming deployment. :(


"We REALLY need OpLove photographers in Oklahoma ASAP! Angela has been notified that a mass email went out to 5,800 deploying soldiers mentioning that OpLove is a great resource to look into before they leave for training and/or deployment! PLEASE, send our information to any OK based photographer you know." - Tonee Lawrence

EDIT: www.oplove.org

[Fireball]

Looks like an awesome organization, but I'm a couple of hours away from any military bases.

[Cajungaltx]

Charrie - just kind of FYI - I'm in Katy which is not really near ANY active duty military bases - but with the TANG - I was swamped with OPLOVE session requests just before the Texas Army National Guard deployed.

Not sure where those 5800 soldiers/families are located - but even 2 hours away - there might be family, etc that live in your area....

[Fireball]

What's TANG mean? We do have a National Guard Armory here. I read the rules on the website and understand that you waive all sitting fees, etc. and provide a 4x6 album which you mail to the deployed soldier but I'm not getting how you do a session. It mentioned maybe at the airport when they deploy or when they return. How is that possible? I don't have a studio. I'm a location photographer only.

Plus, if you were swamped how would you limit how many you could take on? How long would a session be? How many shots would you provide in an album?

[mrsrice22]

It's basically how you do any of your sessions but for "free" and you provide the 4x6 album. If the family wants to purchase additional prints/files then they can do so at your regular (or discounted) pricing.

The family would look on oplove for a photog in their area (or close to), find you, contact you (at that point you could let them know you are on location only) and ya'll would set up a date, just like a regular session. Shoot outside/on location and so on....

anyone else that is actively participating in OpLove, feel free to jump in.

[karakelian]

Where do you order you albums? I was looking at whcc but couldn't find 4x6 albums (might need to look harder).

[jlquick]

Just wanted to add that for the 3 years my husband was in the military, I had several friends who utilized this service at Ft. Hood and it meant SO much to them to have a nice photography session before their loved one left, that they might not otherwise have been able to afford. HUGE props and thanks to everyone who helps out this program!

[mrsrice22]

Originally Posted by karakelian

Where do you order you albums? I was looking at whcc but couldn't find 4x6 albums (might need to look harder).

I think you can just go buy one from like Target that fits 4x6 prints. I'm not on OpLove (yet) but I can check with Tonee to clarify about the album. I remember one year going to her house and she had hundreds of just plain plastic sleeve albums filled with prints, so I'm not sure if the org provides them or if you buy your own.

[karakelian]

Ok. I wasn't sure if it was an album like you mentioned or a press printed album from a printer.

Your post makes me feel a bit better about signing up.

[Fireball]

Yes, I was under the impression after looking at the photographer application where it asks what professional lab you use that you had to have a professionally printed 4x6 album made. Is that not true? I use two different labs and neither one prints albums in that small of a size. I can easily print 4x6 prints and put them in an inexpensive sleeve album found most anywhere. The website really needs to add more details if they want more photographers to sign up.

[suerenee]

I'm in Round Rock--1 hour from Ft. Hood and I get 2-3 inquiries a month from Oplove. I put a note up a while back. We need to get more photogs to sign up!

I print 4x6 prints and slip them into a nice "pocket" style album that I buy at the dollar store so the guys can carry it easily while their gone.

One of my greatest moments as a pro was getting a note on FB from a solider thanking me for his album. He had been gone about 3 months when the mail finally reached him and he said he knew he missed his wife and girls but didn't know how much until he got my album.

I encourage you all to sign up on OpLove--there's good with bad (I've had no shows or very needy clients) but I've made some great friends too. I offer a 25% discount for military and most folks at least buy an 8x10 afterwards.

[mrsrice22]

She said that you provide the album and it is the plastic sleeve ones, not press printed. :)

[Cajungaltx]

TANG - Texas Army National Guard.

They want to make sure your a pro - which means using a pro-lab. ;-)

Albums are just 4x6 sleeve albums - They need to fit into their pants pockets - so not a fancy thing.

It does need to be durable though - I use the Itoya 4x6 portfolio albums. They have a really durable cover on them.

They have 3 options for sessions

Pre-deployment. That's the whole family - prior to them deploying. Oplove requests that they give you a copy of their orders - but in our situation - they didn't have orders until shortly before they deployed - because I 'knew' this - I didn't require the orders.

Here's a few samples:










Second option: During deployment. That's the family while the family member is deployed. Also needs to be military themed - but once again - you can do 'other' images. I did a Christmas event at the house for all the op-love clients - we had a blast. I actually edited/burned to cd/gifted them the images to email to their spouses at that event...

Third option: Homecoming...which is just that....the soldiers coming home... That's alot of fun... I shot 72nd's homecoming....for the whole unit....you can see that in the people section if your so inclined to look.

Hope that helps out a bit.

[andyz]

Part of me wishes I could get involved in this. I see photogs who are, and like Susan are an hour away. I can throw a rock from my house and hit Ft Hood property. But I am not a pro, couldn't pay for albums to give away (as I thought pro printing was on the menu) fearing I'd end up spending hundreds a month, and I can't do this at the drop of a hat as seemed to be the norm for a deployment/arrival event.

For me, it would be practice and experience and they want the seasoned photog who can deliver a professional product.

[suerenee]

I think that's why we need more pros to help out. I have to limit myself to 1 session per month just b/c there is cost involved. I normally end up spending about $50-75 out of pocket per shoot. You have the prints, album and APO shipping...it add up fast.