m71

With photography, you get what you pay for. Professional photographs are not done by some shmo with a kit lens looking for a freebie no matter what they tell you. You definitely do not have to leave Ottawa to get this type of photograph. But you do need to understand what it is you're asking for, and how much you should expect to pay to get it.

We feel this way because we know, first hand and via experience, that amateurs are more trouble then they are worth in creative endeavors (please excuse me for speaking for you Rachelle, I'm paraphrasing you). First, anyone who puts such a low value on what they do that they would do it for free is someone to avoid. Second, talented rookies exist in almost every field. The difference between them and a professional is that a professional can get the job done when it counts, not just when the stars align or when infinite time is available. Third, if it's not treated like a business, do you know what you are getting in to? Is the rookie insured? Do they pay taxes, or will you (the subject) get dragged into a audit should the rook get audited? Do they have the equipment to do the expected job? Without a professional portfolio, how will you know? Some guy on a board saying "Go here and look no further"? Is that how you would pick someone who would be generating the entirety of your public image? Finally, without any kind of agreement, contract, or other such document, how do you actually know who owns the rights to the images created? Or what can be done with them, and by whom? For privacy reasons alone, I would strongly suggest a working pro. Not to mention that without some form of compensation, there is no obligation for the photographer to actually deliver anything. Using an amateur will get you amateurish results, both photographically and business-wise, and may open you up to social or legal issues you probably want to avoid.

Two things to know about professional photographers. First, if they offer to do it for free, they are not professionals. Second, you get what you pay for. A professional, by definition, does not work for free. Good luck.

Is Natasha mtl still in town?

Well I tried, but all I got was voicemail all day...I'll have to hope she's around next week when I have time again :(

No you have it right. The question is intended for hobbyists: would you invite an SP into your own home, or only to a hotel?

Standard operating procedure or crazy talk?

Thanks for the clarification. Agree 100%.

Why make a post that someone has been banned without at least providing a summary of the reason? What exactly are we supposed to discuss? How we don't know anything?

Did Mia retire? Did I miss a memo?

OK, thanks all.

http://www.cerb.ca/vbulletin/member.php?u=18328 Anyone have any feedback? Those legs are killer...does "ma" signify anything?

Just curious. There are a few ladies that don't have reviews and, keeping with this board's sunny outlook, this implies that no reviews is not good news. Is this the general consensus here?