Ron Nichols M.Photog., Cr., API Digital Solutions for the Portrait - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Presents Ron Nichols M.Photog., Cr., API

Digital Solutions for the Portrait Photographer

What is Workflow? • A workflow is a reliably repeatable pattern of activity enabled by a systematic organization of resources, defined roles and mass, energy and information flows, into a work process that can be documented and learned.

Elements of Successful Workflow • Eliminate Repetitive Tasks • Create Repeatable Results • Efficient use of Time • Produce a Quality Product

Eliminate Repetitive Tasks • Camera File Backup • Three Sets of Files • Working Copy • Archive Copy • CD or DVD • Network Computers • Centralized Storage

Create Repeatable Results • Camera Capture • Shoot JPG and Raw Expo Disc • Create usable JPG • Exposure and White Balance

Create Repeatable Results • Use ICC Profiles • Monitor • Printer

Efficient Use of Time • Well Trained Staff • Documented Procedures • Efficiency Tools www.imagenomic.com

Produce a Quality Product • Well Educated Staff • Regularly Review the Product being Delivered • Maintain a Solid Relationship with a Color Lab

Computers in the Studio

Computer System • PC or Mac? • Fastest Processor • Lots of Ram • Gigabit Network Cards • Dual Monitors • Nvidia Video Cards

Servers • Windows Server (Raid) • Apple Xserve (Raid) • Desktop OS • Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Raid Configurations • Raid 1 (Mirrored) • Two disk minimum • Allows single disk failure • Storage = 50%

Raid Configurations • Raid 5 (stripped) • Three disks minimum • Data segments written to multiple physical drive • Allows single disk failure

Raid Configurations • Raid 6 (stripped) • Four disks minimum • Data segments written to multiple physical drive • Allows two disk failure

File Organization

File Organization • Use Mapped Network Drives

Managing Job Files • JPGS and Raw in same folder • Keep all job info in folder • .PSA (ProSelect Data) • File Output, Job Notes, etc. • .PSD Files Contain Layers • .TIF are Flattened

Selling your Work • Proofing • Projection

Projector vs Plasma • It’s all about Size

Plasma TV Key points • Resolution either - • 1366 x 720 • 1920 x 1080 • Verify Inputs • VGA (PC) • DVI

Digital Projectors • XGA Resolution (minimum) • LCD (not DLP) • SRGB Profiling Todd Reed ProjectorPeople.com 800-639-3010 • Mitsubishi XL9U x2277

Presentation/Sales Room Layout

Why Use Projection Sales? • Studio in Control of the Sales • Adds Emotional Impact to Images • Show Actual Finished Sizes • More Profitable • More Time Efficient

300 Session per Year • 8x10 or 24x30 Equals Primary Image • 8x10 sells for $125 (cost $20) Profit $120 • 24x30 sells for $750 (cost $80) Profit $670 • $550 Profit Difference • Move 20% of Sessions to 24x30 (60) • 60 X $550 = $33,000 Increase in Net Profit

The Portrait Sales Presentation • Open with Show with Music • Wall Portrait • Essential Portraits • Fu-Fu Products

ProSelect Production Procedures by Ron Nichols, M.Photog., Cr., AP1 www.ronnichols.com Preparing the ProSelect Presentation • Import image files into ProSelect • File/Save Album • Select all images, Edit/Crop to , select crop format • Deselect all images • Double-click first image to open • Adjust crop on image or hit “3” key to move image to No tab. • Move through all images to adjust crop or remove • Album/Remove “No” tab images • Add title slides if desired. Album/Add Folder of Images • Add Music. Album/Slide Show Music , select music • File/Save Album Step-by-Step Procedures The Client Sales Presentation • Present Slide Show • Review images as Yes, No or Maybe • Compare only images that are of similar poses • At this point, you should have the best image of each pose • Show slide show of all “yes” images • Ask “What image can you see as a wall portrait to be displayed in your home.” • Review images for wall portraits • Show images in actual size • CLOSE wall portrait sale, add to shopping cart • Ask about additional wall portraits for offices, bedrooms and children’s rooms. • Select images for “essential” portraits (8x10’s, 5x7’s etc.) • CLOSE sale of essential portraits • Show special products (composites, framed panels). • Pricing can be variable based on sale • CLOSE sale of specialty products • Review terms of sale, collect deposits

Let’s Work Through some Images

A Commercial Announcement

Thank you see you in the Trade Show