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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
looking for constructive criticism for my pj wedding movie..
Patrick Murphy-Racey, Photographer
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Brad Mangin, Photographer
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Pleasanton | CA | USA | Posted: 1:11 AM on 11.22.09 |
| ->> Pat- I really enjoyed it! I have the attention span of a six-year-old and I watched the entire video. Really terrific work- and your radio voice comes across very friendly. I would hire you! |
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Patrick Meredith, Photographer, Assistant
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Austin | TX | USA | Posted: 2:58 AM on 11.22.09 |
| ->> Very cool!! |
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David Butler II, Photographer
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Somers | CT | USA | Posted: 8:20 PM on 11.23.09 |
->> Hi Patrick,
Thanks for sharing your work and the video... Great pictures and I like how the show flows... But :-)
Here are the things that stuck out for me.
I would not have anything that sounds negative in your commentary... right off the bat you mention how you most emphatically am not a wedding photographer but the whole point of the presentation is your selling yourself as a photographer that shoots weddings... I would take that out or re-word it... no negative statements!
I like how you talk about your beginnings as photographer, shooting news, sports etc. The problem I have is the images that we see don't reflect that. I would keep the intro about yourself short and use some of your best news and sports images in the slideshow so clients can see your diverse background as you talk about it. Then progress into the wedding aspect and start showing your wedding images.
I personally would stay away from comments about what is real photography and what is not. Keep everything positive... talk about your style and why you like it... never mention other aspects of photography in a negative light. You could say that there are other styles of wedding photography out there which is great but its just not my style. And elaborate on what moves you... like light... and make sure there is a cool image on the screen that depicts that.
I would also take out the B&W images comment because your color stuff is GREAT!!! Don't limit your self with the bride... she can see your color images and how good they are... just mention that you like B&W and why, and make sure those images are playing on the screen.
Sorry for the long post... I hope I didn't say to much like I tend to do sometimes... All the best to you! If your ever shooting in CT, MA and need a 2nd, let me know :-)
David |
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Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant
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Boise | ID | US | Posted: 4:09 AM on 11.24.09 |
->> The images are independent of the narrative; it doesn't work in that respect.
The technical aspects of gear, lighting, etc... Anyone who knows what that means, already knows from seeing images. Everyone else thinks "That looks nice, he must have a really nice camera!"
Positive = good, negative = bad (as above)
Everything after 6:25 needs to get cut or moved to before the sign-out; it just says "I'm not drunk! Just one more beer!" ;)
If you don't consider yourself a wedding photographer, call yourself a photojournalist or whatever you think is appropriate - saying "I'm not a wedding photographer" says "I'm not a wedding photographer", not "I'm a highly talented photojournalist who happens to shoot weddings because it lets me spend time with my family"...
Honestly, "Wedding photojournalist" is about as good as you can get market-speak-wise. So what if it doesn't ring to your PJ buddies? This is to demonstrate that you're talented, to convince, to sell, to say you can provide well - not to reinforce ego. |
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Jeannette Merten, Photographer
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Oshkosh | WI | USA | Posted: 7:08 AM on 11.24.09 |
->> Bravo! Loved the entire message and collection of images. Made me smile. I liked the honesty in the story explaining your journey. Oh, I think there many photographers out there that have the same sentiments, just have never put it into a package like yours. You are not just a wedding photographer; so much, much more.
Good luck with it all! |
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Mark Sutton, Photographer
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Herndon | VA | USA | Posted: 8:50 AM on 11.24.09 |
->> WOW! I know 3 wedding photogs who I just forwarded your link to. That was awesome. I usually watch videos and loose interest after about 2 minutes, but I watched the whole thing. I've always loved the Ken Burns effect, because I like movement. That was nice. That was REAL nice!!! As the late GREAT Bernie Mac used to put it. Thanks for sharing...
Mark
http://www.solutionsareus.com |
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Patrick Murphy-Racey, Photographer
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Powell | TN | USA | Posted: 9:41 PM on 11.24.09 |
->> david, great post! I like your thoughts about no negative comments but man I want to make SURE they don't think I'm part of the wedding factory and that I'm different.
I agree about using some news & sports stuff too... I should do that. I see this video as a work in progress with this being my first version. I will add some from my past to help people see what I'm talking about--it's a good idea.
I struggled to have any color images in the movie as I love b&w. Some brides and their Mom's often must know that you do both, hence both in the show... thanks for your comments about my color work, but if I could set that 5DMII on b&w and break it there I would... I digress...
I did a slew of weddings in Maine and up in VT a few years ago but that wind seems to have quit blowing for now, but I'll keep you in mind. thanks! pm-r
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thanks Jeannette for your comments also. I agree that many of us feel as though we're not understood by those unfamiliar with PJ. I don't pretend to be the only one with these feelings so hopefully others will add their sentiments in a similar way... we need to educated people as to why they'd want to use our particular skill sets for their wedding or other assignments...
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Mark, thanks also for your kind words too... iMovie is pretty awesome. I have a full version of FCP that I've never even opened (my bad) but iMovie does sweet ken burns effects... usually slow is better, it seems. I'll check out your link. pm-r :) |
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Erik Warren, Photographer
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Burlington | NC | USA | Posted: 5:42 AM on 11.25.09 |
->> I think my professor would have said "you have 2 endings, pick one"
You have already stated your spiritual beliefs so the 2nd ending (6:22-6:50) could be integrated somewhere earlier or dropped.
"you got to kill one of your babies" is another of my prof. quotes.
Just my VERY humble opinion!!!
Great video!!! |
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Kevin Krows, Photographer
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Forsyth | IL | USA | Posted: 8:46 AM on 11.25.09 |
->> Patrick --
First, your work is outstanding. More importantly, however, the expectations you have set for prospective clients and your reasoning behind them is what impressed me the most.
Second, I left the executive world 3 years ago to pursue a career in sports photography. God was calling me to play a greater role in the lives of young adults by documenting their high school and college athletic careers. Although my photography skills will always be a work in progress, my real success has come from the joy my work brings to the athletes and their families. I'm impressed with the fact that you are very clear about who guides your path.
Finally, the market is filled with photographers who are the jack of all trades and master of none. I like the way you have postioned your message that lets people know what you're really good at (PJ) yet honest enough to let them know that your not trying to be something that you're not (wedding photographer). This alone, will be your "Branding" statement and it's a good one!!!
Again, very well done. |
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