I've been offered a contract to be the exclusive photographer for a real estate services company. Besides the obvious like compensation, turn around times, work hours, etc., and the specifics of what they want, what else is there to consider? It will be a 1099 contract. Do I maintain the ownership of the images? Also any comments on insurance are appreciated as well as any other advice. Thanks.

You assume too much Carl. I make a big enough living. I am not materialistic and do not own many things (nor do I want to). I enjoy photography for what it is. I went from medicine to photography as a natural transition (early retirement) as I had always done and enjoyed photography. Photography is healthy for me: it gets me out of the house, it allows me to travel and to enjoy the world. Medicine provides none of that. It provides a lot of stress and money but what good is that if you die early and are never free for any amount of time to enjoy the fruits of your labor? To me, the only thing that has changed is the financial convenience of making a 6 figure salary. I have not achieved that as a photographer yet but I can guarantee that I am far healthier and happier now making only a fraction of what I used to earn. So back to my original question...

I do not have health insurance. I was formerly a doctor so I am "connected" in acquiring what I need for some minor health issues. However, it would be nice to have full coverage "just in case". Previously, I had paid for my own insurance and it did cost a lot. I think the fact that they offer robust plan options is worth a lot in terms of compensation.

got a job offer as a product photographer. this is something that I have experience doing as a freelancer. however, this job is a typical 40hr/wk job, 2nd shift, good benefits and generous PTO (120hours per year) but it only pays $11/hr. The least amount of money I have made as a product photographer is $15/hr. I asked for a matching salary but they denied this. I would love the opportunity to have regular, FT work with a large multinational corp (which could enable me to travel on their dime). However, I would have to continue to freelance to make ends meet because their salary is so low. Conundrum...thoughts?

Very robust discussion and above..I guess I should have mentioned that I'll be doing some summiting and day long hikes in Ecuador and therefore need the weight to be low (though I'm used to carrying a 6 pounder). I'm just too tired to do that anymore and it just makes me lazy. My body is a canon 6d and my lenses are 24-105 f4, 70-200 f4 and rokinon 14mm f2.8 prime, yonguo flash. Oh and has anyone ever heard of the zomei c669c tripod? Quality?

Sure is. Thanks and thanks for all the links :-)

I thought being photographers that stability in a tripod was an inherent understanding. Certainly it is for me. There was no need for me to mention it. If a tripod did not supply any stability, why would I even consider having one? I wish people would answer with some type of constructive input especially when a specific question is asked, not a judgment on how I should spend my money.

Does carbon fiber really "absorb" vibrations that much better than aluminum? Decision to make: carbon fiber weighs 3.3lbs and holds 18lbs; aluminum weighs 3.9lbs and holds 18lbs and is $100 less. Everything else is the same. If the CF is really that much more significant, then I will shell out the $100. But in general, I do many things before I depend on a tripod to get me a sharp image, namely have the proper settings and proper positioning and composition. Thoughts? thanks..

Thank you all very much for what seems to be sound advice. I figured that I'd have to go to youtube and learn a lot so that is what I am going to do. Ciao!!!

Hello. I am looking to add on and off camera flash to my kit. I shoot with a canon 6d and mostly with a 24-105mm f/4 lens. I am used to shooting in natural light. I am wanting to add a flash for my outdoor photography-nature, travel..any recommendations and/or things I should consider in this endeavor? Thanks.

greg

Hi. Is anyone on this forum willing and able to go out and shoot with me in Peoria, Illinois? I just moved here from beautifully photogenic Oregon and I am finding myself at a loss. Don't ask why I moved here! I know..haha..anyway, I would love to meet some of the fellow photogs and go out and explore, etc..thanks..

greg

I did

I have a mefoto and i used in it SE asia and sadly a lot of my images appeared blurry or were unusable. I've been shooting for years so i know how to focus, etc. Also when I've traveled with my much larger tripod, i don't have creep or the same issues. I use mainly a 6d and a 24-105 with 2 filters at max and this is my heaviest setup.

I will be traveling very long distances by backpack throughout Europe. I am looking for recommendations on absolutely stable but lightweight and transportable tripods that don't cost a lot. I would even be open to renting it if it is economical. Thanks

Thank you. That place looks awesome. Also, for anyone to answer, what kind of all in one backpacks do you use for hiking and carrying of photography equipment. My kit is very small: Canon 6D with a roki 14mm, canon 24-105, extra batteries and accessories and my tripod.