|
As we all know, the economy is hitting hard on everyone and almost every trade. So, now more than ever, we need to look at our craft in a more enlightened way. Or shall I say a more profitable, respectable way.
My name is Brian Ozegovich. I own and operate Park Ave Studio in Long Island, NY. I have been in business now for over 17 years. My studio does about 150 weddings a year. I have been recommended by the same catering halls (all 8 of them) for -those 17 years. I have to say we do a good job and enjoy what we do. That was until about five years ago when I noticed a trend developing. I seem to have a knack to see things changing: Some good, some bad.
I noticed a few years back that with the advent of digital photography taking off, so did the respect for our trade. I believe that our trade is in deep trouble -- trouble that, if we don’t start to react now, will be unstoppable. I’m not trying to be too dramatic -- everyone I know in this industry agrees on it, but there are differences of opinion on what to do about it. Some of you know that I was in charge of the committee on Anti-Zap shots three years ago. We got together approximately 80 photographers and discussed this weird phenomenon called Zap shots. This is when the DJ sells a photography package that includes a big screen TV at the event. His photographer takes hundred of images and then displays them on the big screen at the wedding. What the DJs also did was sell the pictures online as well as make albums for the bride and groom. All this was being done while working along side the professional photographer who was hired to shoot the wedding. That same photographer most likely, like all wedding photographers, had in his contract that he was the official photographer and had the sole right to shoot. Well, Zap shots started innocently with a young DJ assistant using a point-and-shoot cheap camera. Years later now, DJs are showing up with professional photographers with professional cameras like we use. And now we have competition at the wedding where we were supposed to be the only photographer. But what did we do about it? Nothing, We steamed, got mad at the DJ and even had some arguments. Their response was "Tough. We can shoot it if we want to."
And for years now we’ve tolerated it. Today at weddings, I see at least three to four guests with the same professional cameras I have. In the old days when we shot medium format, no one even thought of interfering. What if in the middle of the conga line when the DJ is doing his shtick, you pull out of that room thirty people for a group shot. Would the DJ get upset that you ruined his moment? Yep, and he would be right. So I ask, why then is the DJ telling all 150 guests to grab their cameras and come stand in front of the cake as the bride and groom cut it? Am I now to be pushed and shoved out of the way of 150 guests? Tell the DJ not to make that announcement. If some guests come up, so be it. But dont call everyone up, that's just wrong.
...Click here to Continue story on page 3
|
