Peter Finger Photography provides a wide variety of EDUCATION images for Directors of Admissions, College/University Presidents, Headmasters, College Advancement Officers, Development Offices, Public Relations Directors, College Relations Directors, bookstores, webmasters and others involved in the education market. Our images are used in viewbooks, President's Reports, Capital Campaign's Case Statements, Travel Brochures, World Wide Web Sites, Slide Show presentations, Alumni Magazines and marketing advertising.
Selected clients who have used our images include: SUNY at Albany, Williams College, College of New Rochelle, Columbia University, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Syracuse University, New World School (FL), Lancaster Bible College, Xavier University (LA), Rumsey Hall School, Ithaca College, The Ethel Walker School, Holderness School, Taft School, Trinity Pawling School, Ethel Walker School, Tampa Prep (FL), Saint Joseph's University, Iona College, Villanova University, Florida College, Admiral Farragut Academy, Linden Hall School, Sacred Heart University, Worcester Academy, Manhattan College, Pomfret School, The Peddie School, The Hun School, Marietta College, Hamilton College, University of Southern Maine, Marist College and over 100 other colleges, universities and independent schools.
Are you planning a new admissions publications? Are you of need for fresh new images of your campus, your staff and students? If so, NOW is the time to plan for these images.
You need to show this in your admissions publications, communications and public relations. You need to show off those unique qualities which make your institution special. You need to show the close interaction between teachers and students in a caring and learning environment.
That's where Peter Finger Photography and Communications can help. We specialize in working with colleges and universities and independent schools. We understand the need and importance to capture the highest quality images which accurately convey the institution. We spend the time to get to know your school and work with you to develop a "shoot list" of images which can be effectively used for admissions and recruitment, development and alumni relations.
Our photo day begins at dawn and lasts until after dusk to capture the best light of day as well as give us enough time inside to set up classroom and teacher/student interaction activities. These 10-12 hour days reflect our sensitivity for budget concerns in this important marketplace - you are charged for only one day and you OWN all of the work shot! You are free to use these images for any future purpose at any time, without additional fees.
Our photography and communications services are primarily used for admissions and recruitment publications, advertising and slide show productions. Our award winning work has been used in hundreds of publications over the past few years and we will gladly send you samples. Just call us at 518-432-9913 and we will send you a portfolio especially designed for your specific needs.
We have a solid track record of clients who use our services over and over again. We work very hard and put in very long hours - because we want to! We have a passion for campus location work. Our typical day begins at dawn and lasts until after sunset. You pay for one day and you own the images!
Important points to remember:
I work long days usually from sunrise to after dawn. These 10-12 hour days are considered one day.
I usually shoot between 15-20 rolls of film per day. You own all the images when I am finished. You are then free to use the images in any other publications. I ask only for copies of the publications and photo credits. Its that simple! No long detailed contracts. You also receive our unique "Campus Photography Planning Guide" for use as we plan our shoots together.
PLANNING - The early stages A. What do you need to shoot and when do you need to shoot it.
1. Schedule far in advance, especially for shoots during the Fall and Spring. Most photographers have busy schedules during these peak times, same holds true for events such as commencements (most take place on the same 2-3 weekends).
2. Develop a "shoot" list of images, buildings, professors, students, events, etc. that you feel need to photographed. Ask yourself why you feel these are important to the project or publication.
3. Prioritize your shoot list according to availability, schedules, and importance. Make sure that the events which can't be rescheduled are first on your list. Discuss these priorities with your photographer and provide a working schedule.
4. Make the appropriate contacts. Too often faculty and staff are not contacted in advance and "surprises" are what you want to avoid during shoots. Also make sure that the "models" know how long the session will be. With set-up time and lights for an inside shot - allow at least 30-45 minutes for model time. Less time is needed for black and white work.
5. Create your schedule for the photographer. Discuss this schedule with your photographer as far in advance as possible. The schedule should indicate times, locations, room numbers, buildings (supply a campus map marked with highlight areas), and contacts with phone numbers. Also provide a visitor pass for the photographer's vehicle. This pass should allow the photographer as complete access as possible to the campus.
6. Scout all of the locations. You should walk around campus with your photographer before the shoot. Use this fresh eye to brainstorm new ideas and perspectives. Look for windows to leverage great light. Look at the rooms for color and dramatic angles. Try and view the campus as if this is your first look at it.
7. Always look and plan for using props. Sweatshirts, tee shirts, uniforms, and other gift shop clothing sporting the school name and logo are fine (just don't overdo it). Also use props for background such as posters, equipment, and items which are appropriate for the subject being shot. If you don't see something - ask a student or faculty member if they know of something which might be used - almost always something wonderful is found.
8. How to work with student and faculty models. Quality planning is the key again. Make sure the "models" are well dressed, attractive, neatly groomed and are wearing colorful fashionable clothes. Try and arrange to have more models than you think you might need (again don't over do it). This way you can juggle and swap around the right combinations which work well together. Remember if you need four students, ask six to come (you always have no-shows).
9. One more time - talk to your photographer! Let the photographer know what you liked and didn't like about the photos in your current publications. How will these new images be used? Should the photographer be daring or safe? Can the images show movement with time exposures or low light and multiple flashes?
II. BEGINNING THE SHOOT - Let's get started!
1. Introductions - the first hour (start as early as possible) Review all schedules, objectives, contacts, etc with your photographer. Discuss where and how the photographs will be used. Do you need horizontals, verticals, medium or large format, how much color vs. black and white, need for night images, etc. If the photographer is new to the campus, give a mini tour pointing out buildings and places which need to be photographed.
2. Discuss any specifics you may need from each shoot. Group shots versus extreme close ups. Even lighting versus the dramatic. After the first few sessions a strong working relationship should be in progress.
3. Allow for flexibility. One of the great assets of working with an outside photographer is that they are seeing everything with a fresh outlook. Allow them to explore, investigate new approaches. The more questions they ask the better. How do you get up into the bell tower? Where is the highest point on campus for a wide angle view? Are classes being held tonight? These kind of questions should make you happy, because the photographer is thinking about other approaches you may not have explored yet.
4. Review the progress over lunch. A break in the middle of the day can give all parties involved in the shoot a chance to discuss any problems, concerns and pleasures from the morning session. You can also adjust the schedule if necessary to get more out of the day.
III. DEALING WITH THE EXPECTED AND UNEXPECTED
A. The weather and how to deal with it.
1. Shooting outdoors is terrific. If your photo shoot includes a mixture of indoor and outdoor shots - leave the early mornings (7:00-10:00AM) and late evening (5:00-8:00PM) open for outdoor work. The light is warm and beautiful. The building and faces glow with the low light and long shadows. Leverage indoor locations where light streaming through a window can be utilized.
2. What if it is raining? Some very interesting shots can be taken in cloudy or rain soaked days. Colorful umbrellas, mirror like reflections in puddles, soft even light without harsh shadows can make foliage and flowers come alive with color saturation. Don't automatically pack it in if the rains should come. But rather look for opportunities which are out there. Be realistic, if its pouring you work inside!
3. Shooting in the Winter. A fresh snowfall on many of the Northeast campuses is an outstanding image. Ski teams, Winter events such as snow or Winter Carnivals are all great ways to show prospective students the fun that can be had in the Winter months on your campus.
4. Dealing with no shows. What happens if a student or professor doesn't show for their photo shoot? Slap them silly! They know better!! The other method might be to see if time permits and find another subject or perhaps get ready for your next scheduled event. Find out the reasons for the no show to avoid this from happening again.
5. The location is horrible. You walk into a room you didn't have time to scout and well you could just scream!. The room is dark, dirty, run down and empty. First see if you can do the shoot in another location. If not, try and find some props and focus on close-up shots of faces and action. Use creative lighting to blacken the backgrounds or even a colored gel to give color to the dark background. Be flexible. Don't just give up, especially if the room and models are available.
