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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Displaying photos at an event
Jon Buder, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Aztec | NM | USA | Posted: 5:31 PM on 06.23.08 |
->> I'm looking for a way to display photos on my laptop for potential print buyers to look through them, without being able to accidentally close the program or screw something up.
What I'm doing right now is shooting local BMX races and uploading the photos to my PhotoShelter account, where I can then create galleries to direct people to and they can search for photos of specific riders by their number plate, which I manually put into the description in Photo Mechanic before I upload them. The gallery system seems to work great, with only one problem - I'm not getting any orders.
I've had several people come up to me and say they checked out the photos, and thought they were great, and how glad they are that I'm shooting their races, but compliments don't pay for the time and money it takes to shoot.
I think I'm going about it the wrong way, because I saw a competitor of sorts (honestly they're way out of my league at this point) at a motocross race with a booth and trailer set up, printing on site, and they appeared to be doing great. I don't know the numbers, or if they made enough sales to pay for all the stuff they needed to do it that way, but that's their business.
So, back to my question. I understand there are browsers you can set to run in 'kiosk mode', which sounds like a good start, but then I would need a way to make an HTML gallery they can navigate through and pull up any of the pictures I have on there, as well as letting them search for photos using text (the rider's number) that's in the IPTC description.
Anyone have any recommendations or related advice? I'm beginning to think this kind of thing isn't for me, but I'm willing to try taking orders on site at least. I do have a small inkjet printer I can bring to make prints there as well, but it's pretty slow and I could easily be swamped. Plus, I can't really shoot and print at the same time.
Thanks in advance. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Not Listed | MA | United States | Posted: 6:16 PM on 06.23.08 |
->> Jon
Look at Photo Parata. It will do most of what you are looking to do. The viewer application runs in a kiosk mode that will prevent users from deleting files. All you would have to do is ingest the files. Once setup Parata does all of the back end work.
The program is being authored by one of our very own members (One advantage to having so many IT types here). Drop me a note if you need advise..... There are a few members here using Parata on a med-large scale with good results.
http://www.miltonstreet.com/news.php |
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Jon Buder, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Aztec | NM | USA | Posted: 3:02 PM on 06.24.08 |
| ->> Thanks Eric. I signed up for the trial of that program and will give it a try. |
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John OHara, Photographer
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Petaluma | Ca | United States | Posted: 1:43 AM on 06.27.08 |
->> Jon,
Selling event photography, is an ongoing experience. Some events generate more sales than others. A web presence is a tool. Sending out proofs is a tool, having a viewing station at an event is a sales tool.
Good sales, are a result of using as many tools you can. Building a reputation as a reliable photographer is a big help. Replying to emails and prompt delivery of orders is a must.
If you do not have a viewing station and proofs available on site, put up a display area with some big prints, small prints ETC.
I have found that if you put a "notice" of who you are, in every porta pottie, about eye level will guarantee that everyone will see your name and your site.
Laugh if you want to, but it works.
While someone is competing, they do not always have the presence to look around, or do not have the money to spend at that time.
Mailing out proofs is an increase in overhead, but it will increase sales in the long run. Finding your photos easily on a web site is a must.
Outstanding photography, more than just racing, take chances, look behind you. While there are photos you must take, find the tight intimate shot also.
These are just some thoughts...........John |
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Mark Davis, Photographer
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Decatur | AL | USA | Posted: 2:32 AM on 06.27.08 |
->> I second the porta pottie advertising. Its about the only place my promos are read.
Also, collect email addresses instead of giving out business cards. I have a form at the concession area where people complete it. |
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