What to Charge

Having photographed 2 weddings in the past few months, I've realized that I need really think hard about my business model.   Specifically, I need to determine or prepare the following:

1. My going rate per hour
2. Print price list with maybe some print packages
3. Should I offer the original images for sale (or even low resolution versions), and what price
4. A standard service agreement/contract
5. A standard model release (in progress)

The most recent wedding I shot was very spur of the moment.  The bride, a coworker of mine, didn't have much time left, so we agreed on a basic price and I prepared an invoice for a few hours of service with some 4x6 prints.   She assumed this to mean the original images would be included in this sale price. And I assumed she knew everything else was extra - as noted at the bottom of the invoice.  Realizing our communication failure we discussed some options.   I'm amazed that so many people think they're entitled to anything the photographer shoots.   Getting the message out on copyright law is another issue.

Lots of work to do...

Number Three

To my surprise, I got my 3rd stripe on Monday.    It'll be a while though before the next one.  Only one more stripe and then a belt test...

Belt Testing

Yesterday I participated in a Jiu Jitsu belt testing session.  While I'm not ready for a new belt, just possibly an additional stripe (incremental progress).    I figured I'd give it a shot.    The session lasted a grueling  2 hours.    And I can't remember the last time I was this sore.   

First, we were tested on specific maneuvers.   That wasn't too bad although I did draw a blank on one question.    Then we moved to more drill based testing followed by full speed sparring sessions.    Surviving a long sessions depends on solid technique as good technical Jiu Jitsu shouldn't be very demanding in terms of strength (otherwise it's wrestling).    My conditioning was probably middle of the road, and being at a distinct size disadvantage against most of the students didn't help.    Towards the end, my heavier partners were just as fatigued as I was, but I had to deal with them rolling around on my chest.   

We get the results tomorrow.   I don't know if I'll have passed.   Having gone through it, I don't think I was ready.   But our Professor didn't stop me from testing.     And he was disappointed with much of the session.   I figure I'm only learning by the example of senior students...

MacBook Air & TSA

Apparently, the MacBook Air design is so good that some TSA employees didn't even believe it was a real computer.   

It sounds like they've got it figured out now.   I can only imagine how frustrating this would've been.

I had heard about the blog a few weeks ago.  A quick glance suggests it might actually be worth reading.   

Cloud Covered Fire in the Sky

We set an alarm for 2:15am hoping to catch a glimpse of the shuttle launch. But after stumbling out of bed, all we saw was an overcast sky to the east. With just a couple more years of shuttle launches, I want to try attend one.

iPhone Fun to Come

I'm sitting here watching today's iPhone SDK presentation.    SDK stands for software development kit.    Basically, Apple has created a programming environment that will allow people to create applications for the iPhone.   Some of the tech speak was beyond me, but the demoed sample software was pretty slick.   A few games were shown that use the full functions of the touch screen and accelerometer.   Nintendo Wii games came to mind.  Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if we see a few Wii games converted to the iPhone platform. 

But games weren't the sole focus.   AOL IM was shown along with SalesForce marketing tools, and even Epocrates, a mobile drug guide for the health care industry (and the consumer). Check out their consumer lookup using the link.    

Apple is also going right after the Blackberry market with the announcement of a major behind the scenes infrastructure change to the phone.  If I'm able to use my phone for work I'm sure I'll prefer using using it over MS Outlook any day of the week.   I may even want to check my work email on the weekend.   Find me a full size keyboard, and I'll never use Outlook again. 

It's also great to see that all the new applications, which we'll start to see in June, will also be available on the iPod Touch.  

The growth for Apple may be just beginning.  

Sicko

Michael Moore never fails.   After each movie, I'm ready to move to Canada.   This one is no different.   But I hadn't thought about Cuba before.   Apparently, health care is top notch there.   The film ends with a bunch of 9-11 rescue workers traveling to Havana seeking health care. 

Sadly, I doubt our sorry state of health care will change any time soon.  

Sunny with highs in the 70's

We enjoyed this weekend at Shelby's, around the beach, or shopping at the Town Center (I continue to wonder what will support the high end shopping now that the luxury of cashing out home equity is no more).   The weather has been just perfect, a little cool in the evenings, but so comfortable in the sun during the day.   The searing heat is just around the corner, so we're trying to the make the best of the weather.

Bonnie heads off to St. Louis tomorrow for a class.   So I'll be holding down the fort.   I'll have plenty to keep me busy - a few books to page through, maybe a movie (Sicko should be arriving from Netflix soon), and with a wedding assignment next weekend, I'll be double checking my gear. 

The last few evenings we've been enjoying HBO's The Wire on DVD.  As Bonnie put it, "It's like Law and Order, but a little more raw."

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