Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

ErinV · **Legitimate request? -** 02-05-2011, 08:20 AM

I am applying for a position working for another photography studio (Just moved to Texas two weeks ago and only have two weddings booked, as of yet). I went through a long application process (info, survey and sent my portfolio in a zip file containing about 30 of my best images with a small studio watermark in the bottom left hand corner). I just got a reply after about a month of waiting stating they need the following:

1) 100 of your “best of “ images
2) 2-3 full weddings. Please make sure these are RAW, unedited images.
These images will be used for review purposes only and can be returned upon request.

I don't want to be that paranoid photographer unwilling to show images without a gigantic watermark through the middle and then again, I don't want to be a naive photographer willing to give away my best work (especially with horror stories I've heard on TPF of other studios using images without consent). Does this seem like a legitimate request for a portfolio- 2 weddings start to finish, all RAW images?

Appreciate your opinions.

Tom · 02-05-2011, 09:08 AM

I think it is legitimate. I would want to see the RAW wedding pictures to see how you actually shoot. What settings you use, how accurately you nail exposure, white balance, etc.

You can't get much of an idea of how well a photographer shoots from 30 edited images. As a photographer that would want to see how you actually shoot (not just how you edit - the more accurately you shoot, the less has to be done in post) you really need to see a few full weddings.

KdLaneJr · 02-05-2011, 09:16 AM

While the studio might be legitimate; I can't see the reason for their raw files request. Unless you're just dying to work for whomever or whatever this is, I'd look elsewhere at this point.

Tom · 02-05-2011, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KdLaneJr

While the studio might be legitimate; I can't see the reason for their raw files request. Unless you're just dying to work for whomever or whatever this is, I'd look elsewhere at this point.

The reason being that you want to see how accurately the photographer nails exposures and white balance. You can't tell that from the edited jpegs. I would also be looking at the EXIF data to see what mode it was shot in (aperture, shutter, manual, program) and what WB was used for different areas.

I think it is very legitimate. I would ask the same of any photographer that wanted to work for me, though I doubt I would hire someone to work for me who already hadn't worked for me in some capacity (second shooter, editing, etc)

KdLaneJr · 02-05-2011, 09:44 AM

There are ways to do that without asking her to turn over her material.

Tom · 02-05-2011, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KdLaneJr

There are ways to do that without asking her to turn over her material.

How

WarrenG · 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

How

Thomas,

I kind of agree here... I think I would rather have the person "test shoot" than turn over some of their other work in raw format. While I can see your point of having the ability to sense whether or not they can capture the "feel" in camera, I would prefer to have someone shoot from a "tag-a-long" type role, or perhaps better phrased as a test shoot. This would also give me an opportunity to see how he or she interacted with clients, carried themselves throughout the event, dressed, etc. I know there are quite of few photographers that can capture stunning images, but struggle with interaction skills. This would be something I would want to know about.

I can see pro's and con's for both... but I would want to see them interact in a real world environment and then review the images.

***Edit to add to OP's original question. I can see where it may be legit, but I personally would not do it. I would offer to A)invite them to one of your shoots or B) Offer to shoot 1 event with them so they can see how you carry yourself, and see the images. If they are opposed to that... should raise a flag for you. At the end of the day, follow your gut instinct... it is usually right!

Flea77 · 02-05-2011, 11:46 AM

If you are really concerned how about this, offer to take your laptop up there with the RAW images and let them look at all your work to their heart's content, just not copy any of them off the laptop. That should solve all the problems.

Allan

ldelacruz · 02-05-2011, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarrenG

Thomas,

I kind of agree here... I think I would rather have the person "test shoot" than turn over some of their other work in raw format. While I can see your point of having the ability to sense whether or not they can capture the "feel" in camera, I would prefer to have someone shoot from a "tag-a-long" type role, or perhaps better phrased as a test shoot. This would also give me an opportunity to see how he or she interacted with clients, carried themselves throughout the event, dressed, etc. I know there are quite of few photographers that can capture stunning images, but struggle with interaction skills. This would be something I would want to know about.

I can see pro's and con's for both... but I would want to see them interact in a real world environment and then review the images.

W

They probably have it narrowed down to several candidates and before they ask the OP to tag along they want to make sure they can handle their own. I agree fully with the employer and Thomas on this. The raw files will tell a lot about the photogs skills. It also portrays to me that they are a good studio who cares about their final product.

ndsimm · 02-05-2011, 12:32 PM

if you're concerned, copyright the images before you send them, then if there are any issues, you are protected, but I think it is a legit request as well