ACTION PHOTO

[Grayskull]

The problem with most of these photos is that they are usually taken near the top of climb. The photo is BORING!!

I would never buy this type of photo, no matter how cheap.

 

But make the photo interesting/exciting like ripping up single track, technical section, a river crossing... and now you got an "Action" photo. Also it is something memorable about the event, not a generic "top of hill" snap.

For this type of photo I would be prepared to pay +R100!

Agreed totally!

 

 

 

I am sure, that a very small number buy these pics (unless mine are particulary unvain ), and generally 'cos they can't be bothered, not because of the price.

But make them cheaper and more interesting and ppl may be tempted to spend

It normally costs about R2 to do a digital print at most digital photo outlets

If it were R25/R30 per print - I may still be tempted to purchase

 

 

 

Just remember that wedding photos can cost you up to R16k

LOL true that!

Although that shold be a "once-in-a-lifetime" expense!

 

 

 

 

So the hardware costs are way more than I allowed for and so much more factors that may/may not add the price of the pics.

Someone did mention that they have to pay per entrant to be there - that is a huge price factor for sure.

In my opinion that still doesn't warrant the prices being asked

Edited March 9, 2011 by Grayskull

[Griffin]

I also think Actionphoto is a rip off. In fact, I had almost exactly the same discussion with a few mates of mine and NONE of us think the price the ask is justified. To put it in pespective..I have been shooting now for about 3 months (yeah ONLY 3 months!) and have met 2 of the best photographers around at various events..to the extent that we happily work together and pass on tips. The one is pro and makes a living from photography, the other is still studying but is so good that he has a commission to shoot the whole Aquelle Mudman series. Neither of the 2 charge anything close to ehat Actionphoto asks

 

Actionphto does mass photography...they sit in one place and shoot eveything that passes by, regardless of the quality and composition. It sucks !!!

[The Drongo]

I see the argus mtb challenge photos are out and on actionphoto.net.

the cost for a digital copy is R47.60, that is after a 10% discount!

Am I the only one that thinks this is ridicilously expensive for a digital copy that gets mailed to you? this is also the cheapest option as the hard copies are more pricy.

 

You think cycling is expensive china?

 

Try being a photographer!

[Shebeen]

old story really, but plenty of companies/side businesses out there now - of course its an emotional topic because for many it's their bread and butter. In my opinion they (all) shoot themselves in the foot by setting the price point for digital pics too high. What's the point of taking 5000 photos if you're not going to sell 4700 of them? I expect to see more automation in sorting the pics (it's so obvious) and a mini pricewar soon. The good guys should survive, but the bummer is often the best photogs don't have much business savvy (ja, i'm talking about oakpics there - gave up trying to buy from them after too many repeated failures, should try again maybe)

 

these guys are onto it in the right way by offering a portal of sorts.

www.photobay.co.za

 

The cost per photo is spot on in my opinion - particularly when you view it in the perspective created by other Hubbers in this thread.

 

The problem with Action Photo though is the quality of the images. 90% of the ones I've seen are hopelessly over exposed and often the angle sucks and the composition is crap.

 

Go check out www.adventurephotos.com

well Erik you're not exactly impartial in this business - being a provider yourself. Cost per photo is not a straighline issue as there are so many sunk costs as stated by many others on this thread. We don't expect you guys to starve, but make the price attractive and we'll buy in volume.

 

ps. slating a competitor and inserting your own site covertly not too professional, getting your site address wrong is probably worse - your website is actually www.adventurephotos.co.za

[onetrackmind]

 

ps. slating a competitor and inserting your own site covertly not too professional, getting your site address wrong is probably worse - your website is actually www.adventurephotos.co.za

Priceless.

[Danger Dassie]

old story really, but plenty of companies/side businesses out there now - of course its an emotional topic because for many it's their bread and butter. In my opinion they (all) shoot themselves in the foot by setting the price point for digital pics too high. What's the point of taking 5000 photos if you're not going to sell 4700 of them? I expect to see more automation in sorting the pics (it's so obvious) and a mini pricewar soon. The good guys should survive, but the bummer is often the best photogs don't have much business savvy (ja, i'm talking about oakpics there - gave up trying to buy from them after too many repeated failures, should try again maybe)

 

these guys are onto it in the right way by offering a portal of sorts.

www.photobay.co.za

 

Not that many, the reality is that for the large event there is only two, well one now. That can handle the volume of images, post work and logistics there of, which is Action Photo. One other from the UK tried, but failed dismally.

The price point of digital images in this context aren't too high at all, this is an arguable point I know, photographers and companies doing this kind of work are two different things though. I will say though that most photographers I've worked with who are the best, are also astute business people.

 

I like the website you posted, but that's individual photographers shooting their own stuff and to a different brief entirely or their own style.

A company like AP, is for all intents and purposes an agency employing photographers on the day and then very often PAY the event organiser per participant to do the bulk images for the event and at a specific requirement.

Photobay portal is great, serves a good requirement for both photographers, potential clients and the buying public. It is a completely different kettle of fish to something like Action Photo who serve a different purpose.

[MuddyMike]

I really dont think AP are too bad. I have had photos from a few suppliers and they are all pretty much the same. AP did the photo's for Sabie Experience. I was very happy with what they sent me with some pretty decent action shots. I got the CD with around 10 photos and calendar templates and collages of the event for R200. Thats pretty good value. I think people will always say photo's are too expensive if they dont understand photography and the capital expense for pro kit. Why dont the people who say its too expensive get anyone to take their "action" photos with a basic camera and then they will appreciate the work the photographers do. Anyway if you dont like it dont buy it.

[Shebeen]

Not that many, the reality is that for the large event there is only two, well one now. That can handle the volume of images, post work and logistics there of, which is Action Photo. One other from the UK tried, but failed dismally.

The price point of digital images in this context aren't too high at all, this is an arguable point I know, photographers and companies doing this kind of work are two different things though. I will say though that most photographers I've worked with who are the best, are also astute business people.

Actually can't remember if it was action photo or actionography who have had the argus contract for years, so excuse me if i'm pointing fingers in the wrong direction. I'm sorry but if the business model of.....

*print ~5 * ~35 000 photos to midi size

*mail these to individuals with an invoice

*include self-addressed envelope to return photos if you want to cancel invoice

*RELY on the sa postal system to handle (let's say) 90% of returned photos

*and then threaten legal action if they don't receive it back (or worse, ban you from the argus!) - are we customers or criminals?

 

.....is a good one then I should go back to business school. No wonder it was so fricken expensive, think of all the wasted cost. They did this well into the digital era too. And that basically in my opinion is why the price point is too high. The digital era has lowered the delivery/preview cost. Why has the purchase price remained the same?

 

I like the website you posted, but that's individual photographers shooting their own stuff and to a different brief entirely or their own style.

A company like AP, is for all intents and purposes an agency employing photographers on the day and then very often PAY the event organiser per participant to do the bulk images for the event and at a specific requirement.

Photobay portal is great, serves a good requirement for both photographers, potential clients and the buying public. It is a completely different kettle of fish to something like Action Photo who serve a different purpose.

yes and no, i think there's a lot more crossover here than you recognise. Still a work in progress and i think they want to ruffle up the industry - ultimately they both do deliver a pic to a participant.

 

 

of course all my opinion as a user of the system, would love to hear more feedback from the photographers on this issue!

[chris_w_65]

Agreed totally!

 

 

 

 

But make them cheaper and more interesting and ppl may be tempted to spend

It normally costs about R2 to do a digital print at most digital photo outlets

If it were R25/R30 per print - I may still be tempted to purchase

 

 

 

 

LOL true that!

Although that shold be a "once-in-a-lifetime" expense!

 

 

 

 

So the hardware costs are way more than I allowed for and so much more factors that may/may not add the price of the pics.

Someone did mention that they have to pay per entrant to be there - that is a huge price factor for sure.

In my opinion that still doesn't warrant the prices being asked

 

Weddings as well as wedding photos are a waste of money although wedding photos are probably the only reminder you will have of how slim your wife was before she ate the wedding cake. Hell, that stuff can sure make women fat.

[chris_w_65]

If you don't like the photos then don't put the sticker on your helmet/bars. Simple

 

If you have a photo already then don't put the sticker on your helmet/bars, the next photo will look exactly the same as the previous photo. Simple

[LazyTrailRider]

I love how everyone always complains about how expensive stuff is, right up to the microsecond they have to negotiate their own salary.

 

I want to complain: Most punks here who buy expensive bikes are overpaid. Why should we as employers get ripped off by you folk who buy stupid-expensive carbon stuff and then demand high salaries?! Surely it can't be that expensive for you to live? You just have to pay rent for an simple apartment (say R2000/month), a car (surely cars don't cost more than R1500/month?), and food (say R1500/month) and household expenses (say R1000/month). That's a total of R6000, the rest of your salary is pure profit! We're getting ripped off, you're making a killing!

 

 

I think R50/copy for a good-quality digital shot is exceptional value for money.

Edited March 11, 2011 by Martin Hattingh

[doris]

2 things from ready this topic - 1 if he smaller races are @ a loss - do not do them - simple business - 2 - if images are not selling guys are not vain etc why not email the pics after the evnt - thumbnail / watermarked etc - structures can be put in place and this could be automated - lazy - yup sometimes even to lazy to even stick the sticker on my helmet

 

email the pics after the race maybe I will buy them and if the event is run @ a loss stay @ home

[Breezer]

Professional sports photographers charge R50 - R100 per photo regardless of sport, venue or event. They also have to make a living and cover their costs...consider the following:

 

Camera and lens: R65 000

Transport and other costs to a 1-day event: R500

Computer equipment: R50 000

Talent and experience: priceless

 

etc etc etc

 

Compare the photographer fees to a plumber, locksmith or electrician @ R500 per call out....(15min)

Nikon D200 and D70 will not come close to R65 000.

[Stretch]

reminder you will have of how slim your wife was before she ate the wedding cake. Hell, that stuff can sure make women fat.

weight is not the only thing that wedding cake has an effect on

[chris_w_65]

weight is not the only thing that wedding cake has an effect on

 

Very true