A snoozer

DAY 33: Okay, I know, I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel. And believe me, the barrel is almost empty. But have no fear. Earlier this evening I read about a photographic device that out of the factory can cost upwards of a hundred dollars. The article explained how using $10 worth of new materials, some duct tape and items you might find in your kitchen drawers, a person could build one of these devices themselves. Hopefully I will have a pictures shot utilizing this device for tomorrow's picture of the day.

Leftover from Monday's leftover Sunday commentary

In yesterday's post I directed the reader to an ad I found on Craigslist in which a bride-to-be is looking for a student/beginner to photograph her wedding. Flags went off fast talker wanting Ansel Adams quality work for free, or $15 an hour. In this particular case I sent an email to the poster and told her I was curious whether anyone answered her ad, and I directed her to yesterday's post. I expected two things from this: She wouldn't answer, or I would get a response telling me to mind my own business, or worse.

To my pleasant surprise bride-to-be sent a very rational reply setting me straight, explaining her photographic needs and why she decided to advertise for a photographer on craigslist. This poster may be the exception to the majority of photo jobs posted on craigslist. Her response follows:

Ed
I read your blogspot, and obviously you are not exactly sure what you are talking about. I am willing to pay a fair price for what I get. I feel that most of the professional photographers I have come across in the St. Louis area are not as good as they like to think they are. Their images are grainy, not very clear and just not as good as I would hope. They seem to be not using a very good camera.

I am willing to pay someone what they are worth, just not so happy with my options at this current time. Trying to find someone who is independent and more artistic. Who can make a picture look like art and not just take a picture like my grandmother could, but take a picture like an actual photographer. I am not just about going cheap, I am
trying to find someone different and with unique traits that I have not been
able to find with my so-called professional options. Sure, I have found some
great photographers too, but I cannot afford them. I am looking for a middle
ground. I cannot afford the best quality pictures, just not possible, so I am
looking for someone who can do pretty good pictures at a little less then what
the great photographers charge. I have yet to find a middle ground until I
turned to craigslist. I either found exceptional photographers that I would
love, but cannot afford. Or terrible photographers that still charge too much for their terrible quality.

So far, I have had a nice response. I found a student photographer who takes wonderful pictures at a fair price, not cheap by any means. I am looking into the rest of my options as of now and came across at least one other that I would be comfortable using. I
haven't been able to check out all of them yet, I recieved far too many replies.
All of which have been reasonable in price.

I have recieved many replies, I would say in the 15-20 range and most of them have been better then I would have thought. Some are not, but that is the chance I take when putting an ad on craigslist. Thr prices are fair, unlike some photographers who claim to be professionals charge.

So just because I do not want to pay $1500 for someone who uses a camera that outputs pictures very similar to what I could take with my Kodak Easy Share, does not mean I am not willing to pay a fair price for their work.
Sincerely.....

Well said! (And congratulations on your upcoming big day)