Blown Out! (blog)

Being a photographer in today’s market is nothing short of a juggling act.  Last week I received on the same day two separate requests from two separate parties to use my images…for free.  I thought it interesting, the difference between the two and the decisions made on my part.  In my past experience, there are times to give it away and times to draw a line.

The first request in which I allowed the free use of images was fairly cut and dry.  Here is the thread of emails back and forth, personalities removed for obvious reasons:

Dear Mark,

I’m a graphic design student at ______ College in Canada. For a school project I’m doing a 5-6 page brochure about France. In one part I’m writing about french cuisine, I wonder If it is possible to use one or two of your photos? The source of the photo will be absolutely mentioned. The brochure is not going to be distributed, it will be just in one copy.
Your prompt response would be appreciated.
Best Regards,
(Name)

(Name)

Which photos were you hoping to use?

Hi,
I want to use these two images if it is alright; (link to two images)

sure. go for it.

So here was my thought process:  A student, doing a school project, acknowledges giving a credit and that no distribution beyond one portfolio piece would be used.  Why not help them out?  Basically…they asked…nicely.

The second request is similar to others that I have received in mass quantities from endless sources:  This one from an ‘events’ type listing site with multiple cities across the nation, accepting money from those being listed as clients, and also selling ad space to third parties, offering to me ‘the pleasure’ to having an image on their site…you know…for ‘exposure’.

Hi Mark,
I was searching for a good photo of (restaurant) in Raleigh and I came across your gorgeous photos. I was wondering if you would allow us to your your photos on our site __________ to promote (restaurant). We would love to link back to your website to allow people looking for similar services to find you.
Thanks so much!
(Name)

(Name)

Thank you for the interest in my photography of (restaurant).

Hi Mark,

Thanks for getting back to me! __________ provides information about businesses in Downtown Raleigh to our consumers. The site specifically helps restaurants and bars get information out about their events and specials. (Restaurant) is one of our clients and so we are looking for interesting content to put on their page (link to page) I would love to include the photo you took of (Chef Name) along with the photo of the door and maybe one of their food if you would allow. They would be included under the “Media” tab on (restaurant) page. We could add a photo credit inside the description, and if you would like to put your logo on the photos before we upload them, we could do that as well.

Also, are you located in Downtown Raleigh? I’d love to list you on our site if we can!

Thanks so much,

(Name)

(Name)

Thanks again for considering the photography from by blog of (restaurant) worthy of showcase on ___________.  I understand that wanting desirable content to help promote yours and (restaurant’s) businesses is necessary for separating yourself from other ‘event’ sites, and I agree that some better imagery can help in accomplishing this, as well as possibly driving traffic and helping to show your clients quantifiable results.  Unfortunately, your proposal seems a bit shortsighted of a win/win for all parties involved.

I can envision great opportunity for _________ to really step up their presence with visual content if only they had a budget to either purchase photography that separates them from their competitors or better yet, hire photographers to create specific imagery for their clients, creating stories and personal connection that could captivate an audience.

I am in the downtown vicinity but since my business is focused towards the commercial side of photography, I am not yet convinced that a listing, a photo credit (which would be required anyways) and a link on a site with a consumer audience would get me more than a few hits from the wrong target.

Please don’t take offense, as I mean none, it is just that my past experience with similar offers from similar sites has proven to be less than beneficial for me to sustain my business while proving to be beneficial to others.

I am available if you would like to discuss further, a proposal that would be more conducive of better business for all parties involved.

Thanks again for your consideration,

Mark

Shocker!!!!  Haven’t had any reply yet.

A couple of selects from a recent shoot:

client: Quadras Integrated

for: Patrick James

to see more imagery from Mark Petko Photography:

www.markpetko.com

www.spoonfedatlanta.com

www.spoonfedraleigh.com

Yep….Summer….

©2011 Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

…off for some Tequila to make Watermelon Margaritas…

©2010 Mark Petko Photography (Click here to contact for permission)

©2010 Mark Petko Photography (Click here to contact for permission)

Been going through some files from the recent past to find some gems to update www.markpetko.com.  (This one will soon be added).

Hugh Acheson is notorious for a couple things:

1.  Being a damn fine chef…with multiple options to try for yourself…

• http://www.empirestatesouth.com/ (Check out that ‘Triggerfish’ image…soooo pretty)
• http://fiveandten.com/
• http://www.thenationalrestaurant.com/

2.  Having a way with words…

• http://hughacheson.blogspot.com/
• http://twitter.com/#!/HughAcheson
• http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef-masters/season-3/videos/hugh-said-it (Great hi-lights reel of one-liners from his stint on Top Chef Masters).

3.  Being a good sport about his self-proclaimed “mono-brow.”

• (see above image)

Here are some selects from a recent shoot for Top Flr in Atlanta, GA

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

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All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

See some more images shot for Top Flr.

and a Spoonfed (Atlanta) post on the restaurant.

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

On to Paris….

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Tommorw…RED.

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

All images ©Mark Petko Photography (click here for permission)

Tomorrow….BLUE

Here are some selects from a recent shoot for Greek Fiesta.  A (Raleigh) local chain of quick service Greek food restaurants that were in need of some imagery for an updated website and menu-board.

Greek Fiesta was actually the first place I ate in when I first moved to Raleigh.  I was staying at hotel near Briar Creek and wanted to try something with more locality then the usual national chains.  It was a pleasant surprise.  Check out their website for other locations.

www.greekfiesta.com

All images and content ©Mark Petko Photography

All images and content ©Mark Petko Photography

Check out more Raleigh Food Photography here at Spoonfed (Raleigh)