Hi all Digital technology is fine. It's just humans that are the problem. Just recently I received a phone call from one of my clients in Africa. 'Norman', he said, 'you are the best photographer we have ever had'. I have a fantastic relationship with this client, but with an opener like that, you just know that something is coming in your direction, that is not your 'cup of tea'. Over the past four years, I have spent much time photographing this company's gold mines around Africa. A task that I find very rewarding, both in pleasure and financially.
So when I was asked if I would photograph the CEO's day of celebration in receiving an honorary knighthood from the Prince of Wales, it was something that I was not going to refuse. On the contrary, it was something that I was honoured to do, but with some trepidation. I have never photographed a wedding in my life and I do not intend to start now. However, this has to come as close to it as one can get without getting a bride and groom. We were even to shoot the occasion on DigiBeta video as well! The night before, I received another telephone call from Africa. Please, could I possibly email some images from the afternoon shoot to arrive that evening for inclusion in the following day's national newspapers? Notice; the please? On the morning of the event, I received another call, this time from a UK public relations outfit, engaged by the UK office of my client. A girl asked; 'Are you taking photographs of the investiture? Images to be emailed to me by 5.00pm.' No please. No thank you. Just do it. So the time came and we entered into the spirit of the occasion, with all the African participants dressed in their colourful Kente cloth. Firstly outside St.James's Palace and then a walk down Pall Mall to the Waterloo Steps, the entourage was photographed this way and that to the amusement of passers by, who wanted to know what was going on. With the flags out for President Putin's state visit, the back drop was complete and super images were created. We then drove back to our London base, to download half a dozen images and email them to Africa and to the UK PR agency. So what was the problem? Well the investiture was scheduled for 2.30pm. and was to take only ten minutes. However, a certain Prince was late back from lunch and he decided to spend more time with my client than was expected. In fact, they took tea together with his wife and five children! Who was I to make any comment about the change or timing of events? So photography began at 3.30pm when we had expected to be finishing! But who cares? Everyone was happy; in a wonderful mood and a great time was going to be had by all - even the three of us who were working. Before the photography had finished, the PR people rang again. 'Don't forget the deadline'. So on our way back to base at 5.00pm, another call from the PR agency - 'where are the pictures?' - to which I replied they would be sent in about one hour's time. A disgruntled PR woman put the phone down. So at 6.00pm the images were sent on their way to Africa and the UK PR agency. Now we probably could allow an hour for the images to reach their destination in Africa. On top of that they are 1 hour ahead of us. So at 8.30pm Africa time (7.30pm UK time) when we were at the evening bash in Park Lane, I received a call from Africa saying they were watching my pictures on National television! They were also to take front page in the daily newspapers the following day. They were so 'over the moon' with the images and in having received them so quickly. I rang the UK PR agency. Nothing. They had all gone home at 5.30pm!! Isn't that just typical! Nothing appeared in any publication in the UK until nine days after the event! Do not laugh at Africa or any other supposedly third world country. They do have the technology and are learning 'catch-up' very quickly indeed. Those who can - do, and have the enthusiasm and the will to get to the future before any worn out PR agency in the UK. Hence they are prepared to work harder and longer than many of their counterparts in the UK. Its called - giving service to your client! The same goes for digital image makers. Beware! With kindest regards to you all Norman Childs Mobile: +44(0)7831 519217 Tel: +44(0)1256 767611 Fax: +44(0)1256 767612 Website: http://www.greenshoots.co.uk =============================================================== GO TO http://www.prodig.org for ~ GUIDELINES ~ un/SUBSCRIBING ~ ITEMS for SALE
