Paying Once - the right photographer

This is really just a brief tale of what might be a false economy.

Go for the cheaper person and the saving might be $100 then again sometimes $1000.

However, a lot might depend on that image let alone the cost of producing a full re-shoot if the photographer entirely chosen for price turns out not to be able to produce the goods.

Recently, due to the economy I've been considered the somewhat expensive freelancer which I of course reject because I bring a lot of gear, creativity and experience. Many times now I've had to save-the-day for clients when choosing the cheaper guy say $50-200 cheaper didn't pan out.

This saving might seem like a good idea to a daily publication where the drop in quality can be absorbed by the daily turnover but to a monthly magazine, corporate client or advertising job it's a big mistake.

Here's the brief:- Tiki-esque cocktails for the cover illustration. (I don't necessarily consider myself a food shooter)

Tiki-esque had me stumped when I walked into a local very high-end white table cloth restaurant.
There was nothing Tiki to be seen, no tiny umbrellas, no palm tables - nothing.

I spotted after some anxiety a dark wooden table and a high back rattan booth. Next - steal palm fronds and a flower from planters down the street. Add light and some gels.

Here's the photo they had done previously before they called me. (Pretty uninviting isn't it?)



Here are the images I produced. (Below)

Presto - instant Tiki and photos worth every penny.

Drinks you want to reach in and enjoy on a hot day. (Blur - Canon 45mm Tilt Shift lens - no photoshop)
This is a pretty light shoot with just two lights since the budget had taken a hit from the previous photographer.