Just so you know; Copyright Vs. Print Release

As many of you know I recently 'shut down' my website to revamp my business/plan. While doing so I realized a few things;

1. I LOVE what I do. 
2. I want to be MORE! Yes, I want to be more, I want my business to be more! I don't mean that in a selfish way. So let me explain what that means! Hopefully I don't offend anyone in the process.  

What does MORE mean?
When I started out with this dream (know that before this experience photography had always been a part of who I was and something I wanted to do), I only knew what I had experienced. What does that mean? My husband and I had been to a small business photographer and had our portraits done. It was a simple experience and two weeks later we received our disk with all of our images and a copyright release.  I excitedly loaded the images to my computer, shared them on my social media sites and order Christmas Cards for my family. It was 'perfect' at that time.

Now almost 2 years into my own business and 3 years since that experience, guess how many prints I have made from that disk? Guess how many times I've looked at those images?

The only prints I ever made were those Christmas cards. I haven't opened the folder since.
With that being said, I want MORE!!

So what does my MORE mean? I should explain this fully before I give my true explanation! Confused yet? You won't be, just stick with me. When most (not all) Photographers start out their businesses they do what is referred to as 'shoot and burn' photography. You get a session for a certain price and then you get a disk with a copyright release. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with this method, it's exactly what I did. So obviously you know it is against the law to download music without paying a fee for it and even then there are rules and laws that protect that file. The same goes for images.
The Federal Copyright Law, gives the creator (photographer) the exclusive rights to the image.
The Copyright Act was put into place in 1976, Under section 102 of the Act, copyright protection extends to "original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed, from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device."  In short the photographer has final say over the image(s).

I'm sure you want to know what the difference is? With what I've provided above I am sure you understand Copyright Release, so here is what print release will entitle you to: A print release allows you to print the images from any printer you choose. It does not allow you to use the image for commercial use, it does not allow you to edit or alter the images in any way.

With the economy the way it is, and people want to save money, I understand why you would 'only' want the print release, however these are my reasons for no longer including them in my sessions.

1. My main reason for not just giving clients a CD with printing rights is that as soon as they got the disk, I would loose the ability to control the quality! My name and business is based on the quality of my work. Honestly I've seen what happens to images when they are printed professionally. (Stay tuned, in the next couple of weeks I'll do a comparison for you, until then look at this: Why Should I Order Professional Photo Prints?)
2. This is my business, my job, my source of income. With that being said as the owner, I have to pay taxes, insurance, and I'm always updating my equipment and buying to props to keep up with everyone else and client requests. If I gave all my clients a disk and print release without any requirements of professional prints, they'd expected to pay at least 1/3 of the price. Honestly if I did that much I would be out of business.

I'm sure if you've look at our collections, you've noticed that in some of them, we do include a disk with print release, typically this is with mini sessions, or with our Brides who already have an album as a standard. We suggest using your printable disk for printing portraits for friends and family. Disk are a great way to keep your portraits in a safe in case of natural disasters, fire and so on. We also are happy to recommend a wonderful printing lab.

I really hope that this will help you to understand why we've changed our business and why I want MORE from my business. I want to be able to provide quality photographs for everyone, but I also want you to do more that put your disk in that desk drawer! Your portraits deserve a place in your home. Changing my business model in all reality is best for both of us.

Joyfully, Bobbi

Website and Blog

Hi, please be patient with us! Most of our website will be down until, May 20, 2013.
I will do my best to have it up and running before then. Our blog is only partially up and running. However I plan to have it completely ready in the next two-three days.

In the event that you need to reach AJHP please email: bobbiearp@ajoyfulhandphotography.net or call 704.495.9343 (if you prefer you can text me)

Thank you,
Bobbi

Image Contest

In preparation for celebrating our second birthday, I want to do a series of give-a-ways. However we still have almost 3 months until we can start the celebration. So I've decided to have a contest. Yay!
There will be four(4) categories; Family, Couple, High School Senior and Children.
We will have winner in each category.
What do we need from you?
1. Enter a photo for the category you wish to enter to contest@ajoyfulhandphotography.net
2. Title the subject line with the appropriate category
3. Images must NOT be copyrighted, you MUST have permission to use the image (honestly I prefer non-professional images to be entered)
4. Include your name, subjects name and the easiest way for AJHP to notify you in the event you win!
How will the contest be judged?
1. You will need to go and 'like' A Joyful Hand Photography' on Facebook
2. Once the album is uploaded you will need to share your image with your friends and family! Have them to like to image
Rules:
1. Only 1 image per category can be entered
2. Only image likes will be counted
3. The image in each category with the most likes will be the winner
4. Must live in NC (sorry WV folks, I will do a giveaway for you a this fall)
5. Must have images submitted no later than midnight on May 15, 2013
6. Contest will officially begin on May 20, 2013 and end on June 1, 2013; winners will be announced on Facebook on June 2, 2013 and you will be contacted via email/phone!
What do I win?
Each winner, from each category will win a full session with AJHP
What is included in my package?
1. That depends on the category, each varies
2. Disk with copyright release
3. Print Package
4. 25% off additional prints (only on this session)
5. Lifetime membership to our Photo Club, a $69.99 value, gives you a free mini session (first year only), a complimentary 11x14 with each session, 10% off all sessions, and 20% off all prints, canvases and memory books.
Good Luck,
~Bobbi of A Joyful Hand Photography

Lil Country Girl

Elayna is 2!!! Turning 2 is such a big deal. She is such a sweetheart & so so smart. I love this lil girl. I've had the pleasure of photographing her since she was 3 months old. enjoy the preview

this was a outtake!! But I love it, bc Elayna's cousins were trying to comfort her! 

Home School Groups

It's been an amazing (almost) two years since A Joyful Hand Photography launched. I'm excited about all the new ideas and plans for AJHP. One of them I just couldn't sit on any longer.
If you follow me closely, you already know that teaching, children/teens and photography are my life. I want to get back to my love of education, but I want to do it through my passion. Beginning in the fall 2013, AJHP will be offering Beginners Photography classes to home school groups and other groups. The classes would be 1 day a week, 90 minutes for 6 weeks. We would focus on What is Photography?, Rule of Thirds, Shutter Speed, ISO, F/Stops, Composure & more depending on the age of the group. I will be offering this for grades 3rd-8th. Students will need a 1 inch binder, notebook paper, pencil, pen and camera with a minimum of 8 mega-pixels (it must be a SLR-style camera, not a point and shoot). Pentax, Samsung, & Kodak all offer these beginning at about $200. If you need help finding a camera or you are not sure you have one that will work, email me! If you want to know, my favorite right now, is the Samsung NX1000. By the end of the 6 weeks students will have an understanding of their camera, they will be able to determine if the lighting is sufficient or if they need to use their flash, they'll also have basic knowledge of landscape, nature and people photography. The last session we will have a real photo shoot with one of my models at a determined location.
I prefer to work with groups of  a minimum of 5 up to 10. The cost is $60 per student, a 20% deposit is due at the time of booking (book at least two weeks before you would like classes to begin), the remaining balance is due by the end of week 1. Deposits are non-refundable. Classes are only offered on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays.
For more information contact us by email: ajoyfulhandphotography@gmail.com or by phone/text 704.495.9343

Elayna and the ducks...

Happy Easter! Elayna loved playing with the baby ducks! They were very well behaved!

Making your session E.A.S.Y...

I'm going to 'try' to make your next photo session as simple as possible! It's a lot to read but I promise it's worth it...

I receive a lot of emails asking different questions, such as what should I wear? What should I expect? And so on. I decided I should blog and try to help some of you out. I'm hoping that at least a portion of this will give you some insight.

What should I expect during my session?
Each session is uniquely catered towards your style and your family. While I would prefer to talk to you on the phone or in person; I can send you a short survey so that I can get an idea of what you and your family like. During your session we'll have lots of fun, we'll so some posed shots and some candid shots. If you want your session themed we can do that.
How long will my session last?
Well that depends on what type of session you request. If you choose a Mini Session it will last about 20-25 minutes. If you choose a family session, it will last a minimum of one hour. I've had them last as long as three hours (we have a lot of fun during our sessions). If you are doing an Engagement or Bridal session plan on at least two hours. I know it seems like a lot of time, but I promise it goes by quickly. Newborn sessions last anywhere from two to three hours. This depends on baby.
Should we match our outfits or should they compliment one another?
My personal preference is that you compliment one another. However this is totally up to you. Just remember to follow the tips above.
Cost, should I expect to spend more money then my session fee?
AJHP charges a flat fee for your session; which is listed under investments, engagements & weddings, and in our portrait club sections. For example, say you've chosen a family session: Family Session $85: This package is for families up to 6 individuals ($10 each additional) Location of your choice a min of 1 hr shoot time 1-2 outfit changes   30 Images with Edits (proofing within 5-7 days of session) Disk w/CRR (limited time only) Secure Online Gallery to share with friends and family 2-4 image preview on Facebook.
As you can see this session does not include any prints. However we do offer many print options or you can print your images from your disk at home or at a local 1-hour photo.
Where do you recommend having my images printed?
If you aren't going to order prints from AJHP, I would recommend you having them printed at either Walgreens, Snapfish, or Shutterfly. Although I have tested prints from several locations, the three listed are the closet to my printers, however I do not guarantee their quality as I do with my printers.
What is a Copyright Release?
A copyright release is a legal document drafted and signed by the owner of a copyright (in this case a set of images). It gives the title of the protected work, the name of the author, and specifies who can do what with the work. Many photographers keep the copyrights to their pictures but provide clients with a copyright release giving them permission to make copies. Limits can be placed on the release, such as allowing a work to be published only in North America or allowing a performance of the work only during a certain time frame.
What does a Copyright Release allow me to do?
When you receive a Copyright Release from A Joyful Hand Photography by Bobbi Earp; you are receiving the right to make photo copies of the images, share them on your social media and through email. The copyright release does not allow, you to use the images for commercial purposes, to make a profit from them, nor does it allow you to crop or edit them in any way. By doing so you are breaking the law.
Can I purchase a Commercial Usage Copyright Release?
Yes! However there are stipulations.

1. Each Image that is going to be used for LIMITED Commercial use must be purchased from AJHP, (the only way around this is if we are doing a Commercial shoot, then you will need to get a quote for your session). The cost is $15 per digital file. Why is this so expensive? Well honestly its not, most photographer charge anywhere from $25 to $50 per image. Because I want to be fair to all of my clients; If you would like to purchase your entire session (which is typically 25 images=$375) for Commercial use; the cost would be $300.
2. Credit must be given to A Joyful Hand Photography by Bobbi Earp

Do I have to have a preview on Facebook?No. AJHP will never put your images on a public website or social media without your permission. We respect your privacy. Putting images on Facebook & other social outlets is a form of advertising for AJHP. If you do allow us to share your images, great! Be sure to tag your self!
Refer-a-Friend:
AJHP does offer a refer-a-friend program. For every friend who successfully books (& attends) a session with us, we will give you a $10 gift card to use towards your next session. You can earn up to $50 dollars off and can be use for any session we offer. Remember to have your friend tell us you sent us when they are filling out their registration and we'll mail you a gift card with-in 3-5 days of their session.
Here are some tips that many photographers share with their clients about clothing:

Shirts/Tops:

• Solid colors work best; avoid textures or fabrics that shine
• Sleeveless tops should be avoided if you are self-conscious about your upper arms or shoulders
• avoid bright(neon) or bold colors. It takes away from your face
• Please do not wear belly shirts; typically woman end up disappointed with their images

Bottoms:

• Jeans work well
• Dark pants with dark stitching works
• avoid deeply textured pants
• solid colors, but non-shimmery work best
• if you want to look slimmer wear dark, form fitting pants, but not skin tight
• short skirts and shorts aren't a good idea, it limits the poses you can do

Grooming:

• wear your hair however it feels natural to you; do not have it colored the day of or ever the day before your session.
• make sure your hair is neat
• make sure finger nails (toenails if your wearing open toe shoes) are well manicured.
• while it is important to have well groomed eyebrows, avoid having them waxed in the 48 hours before your session, redness will be obvious (even if you think its gone, the camera can pick it up)
• avoid glitter (more often then not it appears white or smudged instead of the effect you want)
• as a general rule, wear your make like you usually do

I hope that at least some of this was helpful!