Jewelers beware
This is the worst I've seen in a while. Yes, I do see a lot of problem images that either photographers have the nerve to pass off as jury images or artists who think they are photographers take themselves. But sometimes artists can take better pictures than the professional, because they know how to make their work look good.
I was sent a half dozen jewelry images to fix. The backgrounds looked dead but upon close examination, it appeared that the photographer used the paint brush in Photoshop to paint over unwanted reflections. I'm not going to show the entire piece because it would be unfair for the jeweler, but you can see the results in the cropped picture below.
I'm not going to name the photographer on the forum, but you can call me for the information if you're interested. But I will say that in the past eight years, most of the problem images I've received have come from the same photographer.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Replies
Dick Sherer
www.sherersaddlesinc.com
Using a good photographer really is important and jewelry is hard to photograph at times. Cyndi Shattuck. Her email is www.cyndishattuck.com and I worked with her before in NYC. She was wonderful, professional and pleasant.
Thanks for sharing that Larry - the jeweller whose work it was must have been very disappointed.
I'm not sure that I agree with this sentiment. While it's considerate for Larry to have posted to warn artists about the work of the unnamed photographer, he's really in no position to be naming names. That privilege lies in the hands of the actual customer. If I purchase something from you and I don't like it, then I can tell whoever I want about it and advise them to avoid your work. On the other hand, if I hear about someone not liking your work and go around telling people about how bad it is, then I'm just talking trash.
There's no question that the editing done on the picture was of poor quality and made the shot look bad. However, I think that Larry shows a good amount of consideration by keeping the photographer's name to himself. Professionals don't talk trash. If you want to know who the shooter is, then contact Larry privately. Sharing that information publicly is exactly like taking out a half-page ad in the local paper to announce that your sister's hairdresser's veterinarian's mother-in-law's dentist doesn't know what he's doing. If it didn't happen to YOU, then it's at least gossip, and at worst slander. Slander will get you sued, and if proven will get you poor.
There. I've made my third post on this forum, and may have made people mad at the same time. That's somc kind of record, isn't it? :)
Well said Dow!
Thanks to Larry for the information and warning, and the PROFESSIONALISM to NOT publicly name names. It was a heads up to Artists who may need to contact Larry for the specifics, so as to avoid a COSTLY mistake of using that individuals services. Those of us who have no need of the info need not call. NUFF SAID.
I appreciate the fact that, for the most part, we look out for each other here.
I agree...and the point of this thread, that I have interpreted from Larry's original post, is that he's sharing photographic expertise with those of us who don't have photographic training. This I can appreciate...and thank you for your insight, Larry. I appreciate you sharing with us what a poor image is, so that I can be more educated when I either hire a photographer to shoot my glass work, or attempt to shoot my work myself. Larry is educating us...he has no need to disclose the source of his example. He gave us just enough information to be educated without causing embarrassment to the source.
I don't usually respond to many blogs as I am much too busy photographing artists work, making sure that the images that I provide them are best top-notch images that can possibly be made with their art. As a Professional Fine Art and Craft photographer for many years, I find it highly manipulative when you allude to a specific photographer. We have no union or guild of our own as craft photographers. The way you state your case can only have the effect of suggesting that your work is superior. Of course, that would be a subjective opinion, as are all your opinions, couched in the false belief that they are fact. I feel your suggestion will lead the unwary to that conclusion. Every artist will have their favorite photographer. For the truly great craft photographers, our work speaks for itself. We know what we do is great work for artists. I always have considered what I do a collaboration between my skills as a fine art and craft photogrpher and the skills of artists for whom we work. If you are not going to name a photographer for fear of a lawsuit, then you only need to make it clear that what you are stating is your opinion. To dimish the quality of one craft photographer without naming that person, because of your fear, is to raise the suspicion of all craft photographers. If you can't be more appropriate in your use of the language, then, in my opinion, you should think of what effect your comments will have----before typing.
Larry Sanders
Sanders Visual Images
P.S.-Why would you have your copyright in the image of another photographer and the jewelry of an unknown artist?
We've had the same discussion before in similar threads I've started where I've warned artists about a particular set of circumstances, and you seem to think by not naming the photographer I might be alluding that it's you. Rest assured I never say negative things about you. And you know the photographer who I am referring to because I've called you about him a few times in the past.
So my question to you is, how do you warn artists that the photographer they are considering using doesn't know what they are doing? And when I say doesn't know what they are doing, I mean what was done to the image which guaranties the artist will not be able to jury into shows because you can clearly see that it makes the silver jewelry look phony. Or do you not warn them and mind your own business, which you probably think I should be doing? Sorry that I don't agree, and I'd rather get into an argument on a forum or two by warning artists, because it's not about me as much as it is about the artists ability to get into shows. That's the position I've always taken.
P.S. - I added the copyright because I didn't want the picture showing up all over the internet, but I can take it off just as easily. There, it's gone.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Don't know of the photographer's mentioned, but I send my stuff from Canada to Robert Diamante in Maine. He completely rocks, and the poster size blowups I can get from the TIFF files are to die for:). Can't say enough wonderful things about him. Great photo's = great business cards, great posters, great iPhoto book catalogues, etc.
Sue
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