Sharing Proofs? | Truthy Tuesday | Photography FAQ

Happy Tuesday loves!

It’s time once again for another edition of Truthy Tuesday AND Photography FAQ :) I like to address these together when I’m dealing with topics that not only concern photographers but are topics that clients NEED to be educated on as well.

During my mentor sessions, I’m often asked how I deal with clients sharing their proofs without having ordered the images, and just recently I received an email regarding this same topic so I figured it was time to blog about it! 

Before answering the question though I want to address a question potential clients may have- why can’t I post screenshots of my gallery? To put it simply, because the images have not yet been purchased. Depending on how your photographer has arranged their packages, some may include the digital images (in which case, this post doesn’t apply), others (like myself), require that the images be purchased before use. So the proof gallery is JUST for viewing. You view the images that you can decide whether or not you’d like to order anything. Ok, now onto the question at hand:

What do you do when clients post screenshots of images from their proof gallery?

I’ve definitely run into that before and my biggest suggestion when it comes to issues like this in business are to always try to avoid them before they happen. How do I do it? First, I make sure potential clients understand all costs associated with booking with me. Second, in the contract it’s stated explicitly that proofs are for viewing only. Third, they’re reminded in the proof email that proofs are for viewing only and that sharing screenshots of the photos are in violation of copyright laws and their contract. Lastly, the way the photos are displayed- instead of simply adding my watermark to my images (that people don’t mind sharing screenshots of), my watermark says “UNORDERD PROOF” to further discourage clients from sharing the proofs.

Now that’s all well and good moving forward, but what do you do when someone has already shared screenshots of their proofs online? Just send a tactful email asking them to take it down. Here’s a sample of an email I’ve had to send previously:

Subject line: Copyright Violation

Hey [client],

I couldn’t help but notice you’ve used the proofs on your facebook and instagram pages.

While I’m glad you’re happy with you’re images, unfortunately the proofs are for viewing only. Sharing the low-res images is actually in violation of your contract and my policies (no. 8 specifically).

I would ask that you please remove the proofs from display until you’ve purchased the high-resolution files so that you’re in compliance with your contract. 

The policies are in place for a few reasons, but one of which is because the low-res screen shots of your photos aren’t an accurate depiction of my work, so I want to make sure any work of mine that’s displayed, is top quality :)

Please let me know if you have any questions and when you’d like to care for your USB payment.

Thanks so much!

I try to be kind and tactful, but still get to the facts- stop stealing my work! Lol. Hopefully this helps! And hopefully this has been educational for clients and potential clients alike!

-Danni  ❤

Fall Group Mentoring: New DC Dates Added!

Good Monday Morning/Afternoon to you! (Depending on where you’re reading this from :) It’s Mentor Monday again and I have a new group mentoring dates to announce!

As promised, two new DC dates have been added for the fall- Session 101 will be held on October 23 and Session 102 will be held on October 24.

To view pricing and information on each class, you can view full details right here: http://www.dfinneyphoto.co/mentoringpricing/

What should you expect? To learn a WHOLE lot in a very simple and easy to understand manner and to have a lot of fun :)

Photo by L.Borne Photography

But please do not simply take my word for it, check out the recaps and reviews from my recent group mentor sessions right here! (or by clicking MENTORING over there on the right column- that’s where the link takes you :)

Know FOR SURE that you’d like to attend? Please email me ASAP to secure your spot! Three spots have already been booked so there are now two left for 101 and three left for 102 so don’t lose out on your chance to attend!

Additional travel dates have not been arranged for the remainder of 2015 as I will be staying a bit closer to home :) I *may* schedule one more for late fall, but that is not a definite lol.  One-on-one sessions are available year round at any time, so you don’t have to wait for an opening to schedule one if you’re interested, just shoot me an email!

That’s all for today!

Have a great rest of the day!

-Danni

Chicago 102 Group Session [May 22] | Chicago, IL Photography Instructor

Happy Mentor Monday!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and is ready to tackle the second week of August with a bang :) 

It’s actually fitting that I’m sharing this post today as I’m just now returning from being in Chicago for an awesome one-on-one session this past weekend! This recap is from my May visit where I held 101 and 102 group sessions. So here’s the 102 recap! 

We had SUCH a great time in this beautiful space and it was the perfect place to hold our session. It was also great to have Keyonna again as she attended my VERY first group session early last year in Little Rock :)

After going over the first portion of the workbook, we headed out for headshots!

Hear from Marina and Sacred on their two-day mentoring experience! 

“Danni was everything she is on social media in person. She has a wonderful spirit that you definitely want around you. When I left there I was so excited and ready to shoot and finally re-brand my business. I was getting frustrated because my photos wasn’t transferring over to my laptop as it was shown in my camera. I felt like my work wasn’t getting any better. Danni gave me some suggestions and now I have the same image from my camera now on my screen. This was a big load off of me. Danni is truly a blessing from God. This experience was for sure worth it. I walked it confused unsure of my talent and walked out confident and ready to take my business to the next level.”
-Marina K

“It was AMAZING! Her energy was just as I imagined, she was very knowledgeable & willing to share. It was so comfortable, like having lunch with a group of photog friends, learning & relaxing. It was a very learn & share environment.”
-Sacred E

Sooo appreciative of you ladies! I really had a great time with you both and look forward to the amazing things to come from both of you :)

If you would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself and participate in the next group mentor session, check out full details here, including upcoming cities and dates, and email me today if you’re interested in attending! 

Tameka | Brooklyn, NY Headshot Photographer

Happy Tuesday beautiful people!

No Truthy Tuesday today, I have a wonderfully vibrant session to share with you this afternoon :) Tameka aka Lady Shepsa of Let Go Let Goddess! We got together for her business promo session while I was in Brooklyn earlier this year and the day couldn’t have been more perfect!

We had an unusually cool spring this year, but this was a beautiful sunny day and Tameka’s warm personality was captured perfectly :)

If you’re interested in booking a session and would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself, email me and schedule yours today! Currently booking: September and October 2015. 

Chicago 101 Group Session [May 21] | Chicago, IL Photography Instructor

Happy Mentor Monday!

I hope everyone is doing well on this beautiful Monday afternoon! I’m dealing with a cold myself but I AM feeling a little better than I have been these past couple days (thanks to Esberitox!) so I’m counting that as a definite win :)

In May I had the pleasure of teaching a super fun 101 session in Chicago! I had such a great time with this group and even after a last minute model change and quick styling job by me, we made it work! The weather was perfect, light was amazing, and our model? Simply wonderful! Tameka has one of the most infectious smiles ever! Check out her photos :) 

Photo by Moon Reflections Photography

Hear directly from the attendees on their experience: 

“Coming in, I didn’t know what to expect. I just knew for sure I had to be there. I really enjoyed the fact that the workshop was conducted in a small group setting. I feel like this created a comfortable environment where everyone was able to openly discuss the topics or struggles they were having. Danni was so warm and open and really demonstrated that she is truly gifted and knowledgeable. She was really engaged with us and was truly a blessing. As for my finished product, I was AMAZED. I called it having an ‘eyegasm’!”
-Tara M

“Simply put: WOW. Her knowledge and ability to instruct the technical aspect of photography has already increased my knowledge and confidence in my own photography one hundred fold. She was clear, patient, and even while creating a casual and relaxed learning environment, she was a consummate professional. I’ll definitely make sure to take the 102 Session :)”
-Rob W

Awww! You guys make my heart rejoice ^_^ Thank you soo much for the kind words! I look forward to working with you both the next time I’m in Chicago for the 102!

If you would like to have the DFinney Experience yourself and participate in the next group mentor session, check out full details here, including upcoming cities and dates, and email me today if you’re interested in attending or scheduling your own one-on-one session!