How We Keep Our Photography Rates So Reasonable

August 16th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

I was speaking recently with Zak Kunish, an event planner we’ve long wanted to work with (because he’s also a cool and fabulous person), about our first job together.    We were reviewing our rates, and he said, “Is that all?  How do you guys make any money?”  It’s a fair question and it got me wondering how many other people we work with think the same thing.

Some people may interpret – wrongly – that a reasonable rate, or a rate they perceive as low, as a reflection of the quality of our photographers talent, or of our service.  Concerned that this may be Zak’s impression, I took the opportunity to explain how we’re able to keep our rates so reasonable.  His interest in my response prompts me to share this with our blog readers.
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The Hazards of an Old Headshot

August 11th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

Imagine this scenario: You’re at a conference and you’re about to speak before a group of industry leaders you’ve long admired.  It’s lunchtime and people are mingling.  One of these industry leaders approaches you, looks at your nametag and says, “Oh!  I’m glad you’re wearing the name badge because I wouldn’t have recognized you from your photo in the program.”

Now you’re feeling less like the expert you are and more like the imposter at the party.  And you’re kicking yourself for thinking your old headshot was okay and the fact that it was years outdated didn’t matter.  Clearly, it matters.

Part Two of the scenario: You’re being introduced by the conference moderator, and the headshot you provided, the one that was printed in the program, is flashing on the screen behind you.  You get on stage, and you can see a number of quizzical looks in the audience, going from the projected headshot to you.  Damn!   Now moving to the top of your new to-do list: contact a professional photographer about getting a new headshot.

In today’s media-savvy world, an outdated headshot can be a true liability to your career and your image.   If your face is in front of people in any way – on a website, blog, newsletter or program – a photo that’s years out of date puts you in a no-win situation.  Either you look like you’re denying your age and uncomfortable with growing older or you look passé and decidedly out of step, with that dated hairstyle and unfashionable suit.

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New Takes on Photography Add Pizzazz to Your Holiday Party

August 3rd, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

As we get deeper into summer, many event planners – maybe like you? – begin thinking about the winter holidays.  If you’re planning a corporate holiday party, or if you’re a planner who works with companies on their parties, you’re always looking for ways to add some zest to this year’s holiday celebration, a way to take it beyond the typical.

While the economy seems to be (slowly) improving, most companies aren’t ready to return to the blow-out celebrations of the past. (It’s possible we’ll never return to those days, but that’s another subject.)  Shrinking event allocations can burden a planner’s list of challenges: how do you bring in fun, novel party entertainment that won’t gobble up the budget?

New ways to use photography offer the perfect solutions to party ennui.  Following are a few ideas to ignite your creative fire and bring much-needed pizzazz to 2010 holiday parties.  These ideas will deliver that “WOW” factor everyone wants for their events. Read the rest of this entry »

Tips for Maximizing Photo Booth Fun

July 27th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

Now that we’ve gotten our YouBooth photo booth out into the world, and we’re seeing it used for all types of events, we’re discovering new ways to maximize its effectiveness.   Like you’ll find at any party, most people need to get warmed up a bit before they start really having fun with the photo booth.  And as any good host knows, there are a number of methods and things you can use – aside from alcohol! – to get things rolling. Read the rest of this entry »

Who Knew our YouBooth, Photo Booth is Such a Fun Factory??

June 23rd, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

Last night I attended the second anniversary party for La Venue, a fabulously versatile turn-of-the-century event space in West Chelsea, and was doubly delighted – and doubly surprised.  The first surprising delight was La Venue’s space: the old hardwood floors are gorgeous, and while the space is vast, it allows for sectioning off so smaller intimate spaces can be created.

The second surprise and real delight was seeing our YouBooth in action.  We tested our new photo booth extensively during its development, so I’ve seen what it can do.  We’ve already contracted YouBooth for a number of events, and I’ve seen the photos and videos from those events.  But that’s nothing like witnessing for myself how people interact with YouBooth!  Seeing YouBooth at an actual event really opened my eyes to its entertainment value. Read the rest of this entry »

A Valentine’s Day Wedding with Distinction

April 19th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

If a young girl were to imagine her fairy-tale wedding, it would probably look much like the wedding that Nerissa Montemurro brought to fruition in February.  Held on February 13^th, the ceremony was at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by a full-scale reception at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park.  It was truly the ideal Valentine’s Day wedding of a girl’s dreams.

Nerissa, founder and CEO of Private Receptions, Inc. worked with Corrinne and John for almost a year, planning and coordinating every detail, from the pre-wedding preparations at the Waldorf=Astoria to the carriage ride through Central Park.  Nerissa and the wedding couple included all the traditional, romantic elements but added a few unique touches to make the celebration their own.

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Maximize Your Event Photos for Future PR and Marketing Needs

March 26th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

We often talk to event planners who want quality photography for their events, but have trouble justifying the expense to their client or board.  Instead of investing in a professional photographer, they assume that assigning an associate to point-and-shoot will give them decent photos and save them money.  In some cases, this might be true.  But many planners haven’t recognized that professional event photos can serve more than one purpose, and can actually save the client money in the long run.

This point was proven yet again with an event we photographed recently for the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR).   Their savvy Director of Marketing and Communications, Erin Chen, called me about photography for their event at the New York Hilton, saying she wanted more than the typical “stand and smile” photos they usually get.  She was looking for artistic, emotionally evocative images they’d be able to use for marketing.

Erin explained that they’d wanted to use last year’s event photos on their website and in their printed materials, but the photos they’d gotten “were just too boring.”  She was looking for something more: shots of the room décor and guests engaging with each other, but incorporating interesting angles, close-ups of faces and expressions. Read the rest of this entry »

Fashionistas Love Green Screen Photography

February 23rd, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

It’s only natural, when you think about it, that the fashion industry has so quickly adopted the internet and all its permutations.  After all, fashion is a visual industry that relies on consumers picking up new trends.  What better way to make that happen than with fashion blogs and websites?

Fashion websites are popping up all over, almost daily, spawning a thriving new genre of the fashion industry.  Some sites provide a visual venue for fashion-hungry hipsters who like showing off their outfits, while others feature fashion bloggers.  For all these websites, photography is a vital component.

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Onsite Photos Warm a Winter Day

February 18th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work here at 5th Avenue Digital is being involved in events that truly help local communities.  When I see a company that brilliantly merges their marketing efforts with positive social programs, using social media to promote them – well, I have to admit to being impressed and thrilled.  It’s rare to see all these elements come together so effectively.

The North Face, the well-known manufacturer of clothing for outdoor enthusiasts, is the latest company to thrill me with their blend of branding, event marketing and community outreach.  We were pleased and gratified to assist in one of these community events last Saturday, February 13th.

This special event was created and sponsored by Planet Explore, a new online community enabled by The North Face.  Planet Explore, dubbed “a portal to the outdoors,” helps individuals and families learn about and participate in outdoor activities and events in their area.  Planet Explore teamed up with the New York Restoration Project to produce the Winter Warm Up event in Swindler Cove Park, at the Northern tip of Manhattan.
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5th Avenue Digital Introduces a Modern Take on the Photo Booth

February 2nd, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

The fun of a photo booth never grows old.  Everyone crams into the little space and the camera snaps away, catching all your friends’ faces at their goofiest…it’s a blast!  But it’s also cumbersome and a bit old-school.

Until now!  5th Avenue Digital has re-created that carefree photo booth experience with a modern, more streamlined operation and presentation.  We’ve deconstructed the booth, taking away the walls so people can move around in front of the camera.  It’s like a photo booth set free!   And because people feel more comfortable and relaxed, they get better photos.

Plus: instead of the old strip of photos – and only the strip – you have options.  We can program the booth to deliver a series of images – two, three or even six separate photos; it’s your choice – on one 4×6” or 5×7” print, in black and white or in full color.  We also can brand the photo with a name for a B’nai Mitzvah or wedding, or with a logo for a corporate event.

The 5AD Photo Booth is even lovely to look at – not an ugly black box.  It’s a beautifully varnished birch wood chest with a plexiglass top, roughly the height and width of an average adult, but slightly deeper.  All the elements (camera, printer, paper) are self-contained in the booth, giving a clean silhouette.  Unlike traditional photo booths, ours is free standing with no cramped seating to squeeze into.  You just stand in front of it, press the foot pedal, and voila!  Out come your photos.
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