Read and Learn About the Business of Photography
I had a custom blog built and I am so happy. You can read all about it on my new blog
I totally encourage blog stalkers, so be sure to set it up in your regular blog feeder, whatever that might be. you can always visit my old blog to check out my “old” work. But, I wont be updating it anymore.
Cheers,
Jerry
This is another post on stealing, but in a different way. It’s a known fact that in Southern California, photographers are getting their equipment jacked left and right.
Here’s a thief taking some equipment which was caught on the hotel camera, but the theif was never caught: http://www.andrenaphoto.com/DWF2007/jaytheft.jpg
Here’s a video about theft: http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=18845@ktvt.dayport.com&cid=7
They dress up in black and hang around the reception looking like a guest. When the photographer turns away, they take the bag and walk out.
In case a bride is reading this too, here’s another video on a thief taking the wedding cards left by guests. Guard your gifts, your purses, all bags, and anything of value. I know it sucks, but that’s the reality. Wedding have become a target for theives. http://cbs2.com/video/?id=46519@kcbs.dayport.com
It’s becoming somewhat of an epidemic. What’s the solution?
Always keep everything on you at all times. Buy a newswear chestvest or belt system, or a Think Tank belt system (this is what I have) and keep everything on you at all times. If you don’t like doing that, hire an assistant to babysit your equipment all day and night. Their job is to never ever let anything out of their sight. Not even for one second.
Make sure your insurance is up to date. You can get insurance through WPPI. WPPI cost $99 per year, and through this membership, you can get insurance through Hill & Usher. It costs around $500/year or so. Or, you can join PPA and they have coverage through your membership with them. PPA is good because they also have attorney’s service amoung other things.
Lastly, if anyone has any slick ideas on how to solve this problem, I’d love to hear it. I know they make GPS phones that you can throw in your bag. This would possibly help retrieve your equipment after it’s stolen. But, I don’t want it to get to that point. It’s too much of a hassle.
When I take a bag, and I’m not using my Think Tank belt, I bought a $20 bike lock, and I lock my bag to something once I am at the reception. However, apparently, these theives are taking stuff out of the bags and walking off with cameras and lenses. So, you have to fully protect everything. Having everything on your person seems to be the best solution overall.
Update: A link to Dina Douglass about this problem. She did a great job describing the situation.
There’s a new website that was created by a bunch of photographers from all over the world. This was put together mainly to educate brides about the business of photography. It covers topics such as, how much you can expect to spend on photography, why it costs what it costs, what things should you look for, etc. It is a very informative website. For any bride confused about what to look for in a photographer, I highly recommend reading this set of FAQ’s. You can find it here: Wedfog
Hi Folks, this blog is intended to be a resource for photographers and brides-to-be. My name is Jerry Frazier and I am a wedding and portrait photographer based in Long Beach, CA. I will be blogging now and again about issues relating to the business and art of photography.
Stay tuned!
