Here's an email I received from one of my readers. I'm going to answer her questions on the blog to help other photographers who are wondering the same things.As always, my responses will be in bold. I checked out Pictage.com since you had mentioned it in your blogs and had such positive things to say about it - I just wanted to know your personal opinions on that site, versus others.
I've been using Nations Photo Lab for producing my prints, and found them by accident. I haven't been able to get any referrals to any particular printer by a professional photographer so I was wondering if you used Pictage or where you have your prints done? I print all my professional prints through Pictage.com and the quality is amazing. Have you heard about Nations? I think so, but I don't know a lot about the company or their reputation.
Is Pictage a good choice for a beginning photographer to be a member of? Pictage.com has a monthly fee ($100) so if you're not charging enough for your portraits sessions...it won't be worth you having it as a service. Having said that, I love having Pictage as my partner! I don't have to handle and orders and I know my clients are getting great quality. Plus, I know my images are being represented well. AND, on top of all that, my clients get to show everyone their pictures for free!
I have had some bad experiences with photography message sites, and would really like to find one that has helpful, patient people to ask questions so I'm not peppering you with e-mails every other day! It would be nice to find a site that has the opportunity for a beginning to find mentors or resources to learn. And doubly nice to have the same place be a high quality printer I can use. I was unable to find any print pricing so I didn't know if they were competitively priced or not. I didn't set up to become a photographer-mentor but, that's what happened as a result of the blog and I'm happy to help. Also, I've committed to blog every day and I have to have topics! I'll keep blogging clients and what's going on in my life but having questions is good!
Any help on more information about Pictage? I am first interested in knowing whether I should switch from my current photo printer and second whether to join the community, being a novice and not really a "professional" as they advertise. Any thoughts would be helpful! Thanks! One last word on Pictage...I go to the Pictage (PUG) group every month and I learn from the other photographers all the time! Not only that, where else can you go and talk photography with people who are equally passionate! It's so amazing!
THANKS TO Jenny for writing!
www.noemiphotography.com