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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Southcreek Sports Media,
Stan Cochrane, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 6:47 PM on 04.10.09 |
| ->> Anyone shoot for or know more about Southcreek Sports Media...SS search found nothing... thanks for your reply. |
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Derick Hingle, Photographer
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Hammond | LA | USA | Posted: 1:42 AM on 04.11.09 |
->> http://www.southcreeksports.com
Ray Miller is the media coordinator he is on Sports Shooter, they are based out of Canada. South Creek is fairly new, I thought they were listed in the guide. |
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Jesse Beals, Photographer
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Tracyton | WA | USA | Posted: 3:36 AM on 04.11.09 |
| ->> Never heard of them until today. Do they pay on assignment or spec? |
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Jason Ossey, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Atlanta | GA | USA | Posted: 9:12 AM on 04.11.09 |
| ->> Spec. I recently have started working for them. |
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Tyson Hofsommer, Photographer
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Kansas City | KS | USA | Posted: 11:46 AM on 04.11.09 |
->> I'm shooting for them also. Great new organization, building it with all the right things: people first, their own servers, being honest and straightforward, high quality in all aspects of the business!
Definitely keep ya busy shooting! |
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Joe Nicola, Photographer
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Fort Worth | TX | USA | Posted: 11:55 AM on 04.11.09 |
->> I do some work with them and I have yet to work with a nicer couple than Ray and Kathy Miller. They provide a very welcome personal touch to the whole shooting for a photo agency experience and are very accessible; that is, they are easy to contact and, likewise, they keep me up to date with what's going on as far as my credential requests go.
Their slogan is "We cover the world," and they are seriously trying to do just that. They also have an entertainment division that has covered some of the big name concerts here recently, such as Madonna and AC/DC.
I'm really enjoying my experience with them because they blend professionalism with a friendly, almost family touch and provide answers and help with any issue that I've had, especially in the "how to" arena.
VERY much appreciated. |
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Jesse Beals, Photographer
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Tracyton | WA | USA | Posted: 2:39 PM on 04.11.09 |
| ->> So whats the cut 50 / 50 or 75/ 25 ? |
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Albert Pena, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Dallas | TX | United States | Posted: 7:33 AM on 04.12.09 |
| ->> I signed with them in Dec 08 and I agree with Tyson, Ray and Kathy are some of the nicest, friendliest people I've worked with. Ray works hard to get you what you need and keeps you informed on the progress. It's great working shooting for them. |
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Dennis Wierzbicki, Photographer
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Plainfield | IL | USA | Posted: 8:44 AM on 04.12.09 |
| ->> It's great to hear personal plaudits regarding the folks running the organization because the quality of the people involved is undeniably important. However, since the work is on spec, how well do they do in placing your images and getting you paid? |
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Anthony Vasser, Photographer, Assistant
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 3:00 PM on 04.13.09 |
| ->> I concur with the others and want to applaud the extensive efforts Ray/Kathy put in. As for placement, I've had one in SI and know of others on SI.com etc, so they do that side well. Disclosing rates has always seemed taboo here, but if you're curious, you can also confirm these opinions by giving them a ring. They'll answer the phone, which itself says a lot. |
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Steven Leija, Photographer
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Frisco | TX | USA | Posted: 1:55 PM on 04.15.09 |
| ->> I've only with be Southcreek for a short while but my experience with them has been outstanding. Ray is very friendly, professional and has a wealth of knowledge. I look forward to being apart of a young company with such tremendous promise! |
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Nick Turchiaro, Photographer
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Brampton | Ontario | Canada | Posted: 8:37 PM on 04.15.09 |
->> Ray and Kathy are a class act and that in itself says a lot.
They treat their photographers with nothing but professionalism and respect and expect the same in return, which also says a lot.
Keep up the great work. |
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Long Nguyen, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Albuquerque | NM | USA | Posted: 1:16 AM on 04.16.09 |
->> I have been on board with South Creek since December of 2008 and it has been a wonderful experience. Ray and Kathy are amazing and even though they are up to there heads in work, they always have time for you (me and others).
Ray has helped me progress in my photography so much and I am very thankful for that. The knowledge that he has gained and uses to help me is priceless.
Thanks for everything |
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Jesse Beals, Photographer
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Tracyton | WA | USA | Posted: 2:19 AM on 04.16.09 |
| ->> So what's the split? 50/50 or 75/25? I know of other spec services that pay 50/50 or 75/25 for the photographer. |
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Tyson Hofsommer, Photographer
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Kansas City | KS | USA | Posted: 12:31 PM on 04.16.09 |
| ->> 50/50 |
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George Poulias, Photographer
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Whitby | Ontario | Canada | Posted: 12:31 PM on 04.20.09 |
| ->> I have been shooting hockey for them in Toronto and agree with the all the other posts Ray and Kathy are working hard to set up this business and are doing it the right way. Tough market to crack but is seems to be working, I had a bunch of shots picked up by SI.com. |
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Matthew Sauk, Photographer
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Sandy | UT | United States | Posted: 9:49 PM on 04.24.09 |
->> Are they pretty good at getting back with you? I submitted to them on April 21st and I have heard nothing back from them. Not even an email saying they received it.
Is that normal? |
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Matthew Sauk, Photographer
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Sandy | UT | United States | Posted: 1:07 AM on 04.25.09 |
->> Ok all is well. I received a few emails from members saying the same thing I said.
I just received an email from them saying what I thought that they were extremely busy with new applicants.
Just be patient :) |
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Michael Cullen, Photographer
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Wexford Town | 0000 | Ireland | Posted: 4:03 AM on 04.25.09 |
| ->> Matthew, I sent them a email too, and still waiting for a weee email from, Southcreek Sports Media |
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Albert Pena, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Dallas | TX | United States | Posted: 2:45 PM on 04.26.09 |
->> Just hang loose because Ray has been really ill lately, and not just with a cold. He's getting better but if he's not doing well at that particular time either Kathy will respond or he will as soon as he can. He also told me that he's had a lot of applicants recently so they are both trying to go through everyone's applications. Hang in there, they will respond.
Albert |
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Long Nguyen, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Albuquerque | NM | USA | Posted: 11:16 PM on 04.27.09 |
| ->> I talked to Ray today and he said He has to process 136 application globally. They were totally unprepared for this and he has to go one by one threw each application since they had nothing set up for this. |
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Donald Montague, Photographer
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Orlando | FL | | Posted: 11:30 PM on 04.27.09 |
| ->> I sent them info on April 11th and didn’t hear back from them until the 16th saying that the received my info and was reviewing it. I now understand why it’s taking so long. It’s amazing what these treads on Sportsshooter can do for someone. |
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Robert Seale, Photographer
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John Howley, Photographer
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Circleville | OH | USA | Posted: 4:13 PM on 04.29.09 |
| ->> I was wondering when somebody was going to tie the two together. |
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John Strohsacker, Photographer
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Ray Miller, Photographer
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Whitby | Ontario | Canada | Posted: 10:33 AM on 05.02.09 |
->> I would like to take a minute to say I am not here to inflame any of the “spec” cynics as it is a debate that will go on as long as there are cameras in the world and I respect any person that has an educated accurate opinion as we live in a free world. But importantly the opinion must be accurate and that is what I am here right now for.
Over time sadly some spec companies have built a bad rep, I will not comment on what they have done as that is not what I am here to discuss. The companies that we personally have been involved with were not with us and importantly they actually paid, be it $5 for a web small image or $500 for a cover. Enough said on that.
My main purpose of this post is about the ideology of exploiting students. I do believe some in this world would exploit a student and dangle the credentials as carrots. We at Southcreek do not. Do we have students who shoot for us, yes we do. Not many a few. So what is our difference. Well for one, we are Canadian based and we are certified as a member of Sports Media Canada and AIPS and have become affiliated with the Ministry of Education here in Ontario and serve as a mentor for students required work related co-op placement. So we mentor students in skills in all aspects from business to simple media photography, video, print media etc. This is overseen by their faculty professors as we meet often with and work hand with their professors. We have pride in what we do and are honored to help them fulfill their education. So we do not exploit students as the newsletter leads some to think that we would do. Do others?? Well that is not my place to defend or accuse. I only speak for Southcreek.
On a final student thought, the students who shoot with us... and one who shoots with us has posted here in this forum, and has stated over and over to us, he desires and enjoys shooting NCAA, he books with us what is convenient to his schedule and what he desires. So not too much credential carrot dangling. That is how we work and I do not need to say this, as it sums our own staff who actually shoots with us has done that for us.
We totally agree that you do not need to shoot NCAA or pro to do great pics, we agree a photographer can learn and develop amazing skills shooting kids, high school etc. So that leads us to my final point. We do not pressure photographers on events, they shoot what works with their schedule and the events they personally desire. So let me say that again.. they cover the events they DESIRE to shoot. If they cannot shoot an event, they are not “dropped” or passed over next time for events etc. An yes some staff have “day jobs” as construction workers, firefighters, doctors... so they earn their main income elsewhere, but that does not make them any less deserving to cover an event then a full time commercial photographer and be receiving attacks of rude name calling of ‘scab” labor as some have felt compelled to utter. Perhaps those who will not defer from this point would be better spent proactively devoting their time developing a Photographers Union to govern out spec photographers if their passion is that dedicated to their "cause".
So because we offer people the opportunity to and I use their words... not mine.... “fulfill" their personal desires in life” how is that “wrong” I do not see that and simply will not debate it either because we run a company based on an ISO 9001 standard of professionalism and ethics. We make money when they do. Period. I again will not comment on others who did not get paid and I feel for them and understand how they feel negative. Southcreek and our associated companies do pay. Again not debatable. It happens.
So to close, we believe in ethics, good business practices including honesty and integrity. We have a happy staff, who are happy with what they shoot and we are proud to give them the opportunity. We have a philosophy that we stand by our staff, we back them up and do not leave them hanging, we are accountable back to them and they know this and our staff will attest to it.
Thanks for your time and please understand we are not here to debate nor inflame. But it is time to let some cynics know the reality of our company - Southcreek - and what it is stands for as a company in this world. |
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Stanley Leary, Photographer
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Roswell | GA | USA | Posted: 12:04 PM on 05.02.09 |
->> I think what we dance around in our culture is the concept of a livable wage.
Companies love this minimum wage concept. They can pay people to work for them and make more money themselves.
However, no one can pay the bills on minimum wage without some other form of assistance--like living with someone else to split costs.
Since we live in a democratic society and a capitalistic economy we have tension all the time on the lower end of the economic society.
There is an ongoing tension between the client and the provider of services. Many clients today are not at all concerned about the provider of services. They are just interested in their bottom line. So, today knowing what it takes to pay the bills falls totally on the provider.
However, as we can see from our economic crisis, most folks do not know what a livable wage is. If folks really understood they wouldn't get themselves in upside down situations. But if the bank was willing to give you money which you really had no way of paying back, most providers would accept it. Thus the situation we are in now.
All of the clients are saying the same thing--we are offering money for a service or an opportunity for possible money. They are saying the providers don't have to accept the deal it is up to them. They are in control.
It is all legal, but the question has been and always be is it ethical to pay people at wages which they cannot live on?
As long as we live in a capitalistic economy it is imperative on providers to know what it costs to live and provide a service.
Too bad our schools don't have a chapter in math on how to figure the cost of living before someone graduates from high school. Too bad most of our colleges don't have this in the course work somewhere as requirement for graduation.
As long as enough folks accept these clients terms--there is no hope for change for the vast majority of us.
There are clients out there willing to pay a livable wage. There are clients out there willing to pay above livable wage. Those clients want something different than what most providers give as a service.
The lesson from all of this is you must be different from the pack and find those clients willing to pay for different. |
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Tim Cowie, Photographer
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Davidson | NC | USA | Posted: 7:41 PM on 05.02.09 |
->> I don't want to get into the debate about spec work or if it's good or bad for the industry. I haven't worked a ton for Ray and Kathy, but I'm convinced they are honest, hardworking people who have everyone's interest at heart.
Spec work may or may not be for you. There are a variety of companies or opportunities that allow you to do so. The Miller's are trying to do it the right way. |
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