MTPhoto - Clubs FAQ Logo
  • MTPhoto - Clubs FAQ

    Common questions we get asked from Clubs looking to partner with us for their team photos.
    • Does it cost us to use MTPhoto for our photos? 
    • No, in fact we pay you! But a great fundraising opportunity is just one of the many benefits in choosing Michael Thompson Photography as your photography partner.

      Why not give us a call today, you won't be disappointed!

       

    • We are only small, does that matter? 
    • Not at all, we don’t set a minimum size to use our services. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the same great experience as our larger photography partners.

    • Are all photos taken on the same day? 
    • Well, that will depend on the size of your Club or School. 

      Wherever possible, we like to photograph everyone on the same day although for larger numbers we may need to schedule 2 or even 3 separate sessions.

      Working strickly on numbers, the following is a good guide:

      Up to 200 individuals =  1 session

      201 – 800 individuals = 1 – 2 Sessions

      800 + individuals       = 2 to 3 Sessions

    • What if we can't find a day that suits everyone? 
    • If everyone can’t make the scheduled photo day, we may be able to simply re-schedule them for another date if more than one session is planned.

      If that option is not available, they may be able to attend another club’s Photo Day in the area.

      Whatever the problem, we are here to help so talk to us and we can help find an option that works!.

    • How much notice do you need to book us in? 
    • We prefer at least 3 weeks (21 days) notice before Photo Day. This gives us time to arrange schedules & deliver order forms and gives your players, parents and officials enough notice to be ready on the day.

      It is important though not to leave things too late as our season books out very quickly and we are regularly fully booked before the season starts.

      Many sports clubs now prefer to have photos on a training night, or a special "photo night" during the week as this free's up the weekend for what really matters - playing tha game!

      Whatever your needs, we will work with you to find a way to get the photos done!

    • What do we need to do? 
    • We do our best to take on the majority of the administration work associated with your photos, but do ask that you nominate a primary contact person as well as a backup.

      The role of the contact person is to:  

      • Notify members & officials of the date, location and time of the team photos

      • Distribute order forms to team managers

      • Liaise with our team regarding details of the booking (supply of logo, name lists, approve photo layouts etc)

      • Arrange for someone to be present for the duration of the shoot

      • Tell everyone you know about us and why they should also use MTPhoto!

    • What if someone is absent on Photo day? 
    • If someone is absent on the day they will be listed as absent on the photo or, if it can be arranged, a photo can be inserted into the main photo. 

      It is preferred insert photos are taken within 7 days of the scheduled Photo Day (before or after), by coming along to another session, to our studio (located in Banks) or another location as mutually agreed to.

      Please note: Inserts seamlessly photoshopped into the main photo as though they were present on the day. Due to this, we need to take the insert photo on our green screens. Supplied photos are not generally suitable for this purpose.

    • What if it is raining? 
    • It's always great to have a "Plan B".

      We are almost 100% weather proof, with our own large inflatable marquees to keep out the rain, sun and wind and we are able to operate in all but the very worst weather.

      In the event the weather in particularly nasty, or the grounds have been closed by the ACT government, we will be in contact the night before to initiate the wet weather “Plan B”. This will normally involve using a suitable indoor venue or our marquees. Due to our extremly busy schedule, postponing Photo Day is only used as a last resort.

    • What if a player did not arrive in proper team uniform? 
    • For a professional looking photo, everyone needs to be in uniform if possible. This includes shirts, shorts, socks and boots.

      If a player arrives not in their full uniform, we encourage them to find a uniform by borrowing from a fellow player/ student.

      If a uniform cannot be found, the photographer will attempt to place them in a position in the photo that does not stand out.

    • Who arranges the photo schedule and is it flexible? 
    • We think that your committee members have enough to do and prefer to manage the photo schedule on your behalf (in consultation with your club contact person).

      When scheduling a team photo event we allow the following time allocations:

      Small teams/classes * (5 – 10 players)        = 5-10 minutes apart
      Larger teams/ classes (10 players or more)  = 10 to 15 minutes apart

      * For larger shoots, we utilise two individual photo stations and can accomodate a schedule of up to three teams every 10 minutes!

      Our systems are tried and tested over nearly 10 years so you can rest assured that we wil:

      Start on Time - Stay on Time - Finish on Time.

       

    • Why do you take individual photos of everyone? 
    • We take individual portraits of everyone whether or not they have ordered individual products. There are four main reasons for this:

      1. The majority of our products feature player portraits on the group photos in lieu of the standard back row, front row list of names.
      2. We are so confident that parents will be so impressed with the quality of our product that they will want one, even if it is months down the track

      3. We know how busy life can get and orders sometimes are not placed before photo day. We like to be able to provide parents with quaility photo memories of their childs sporting career
      4. We offer a range of wonderful gifts, many of which feature individual portraits . In the event that your group may purchase one of these gifts we like to ensure everyone is represented.

    • How do parents buy photos? 
    • There are two options for players to purchase photos.

      1. Purchase on the day

        Each player can order individually with the order forms we provide to you.  Athletes / Students bring their order forms along on Photo Day, complete with payment and hand to our information desk on the date of the shoot.

      2. Pre-order on the internet

        Parents and players can log onto our website site and pre-order any of the available packages.

    • How can we help? 
    • We pride ourselves on our professionalism in delivering a fun filled day that runs to time. You can help us to achieve this through a few key areas.

      Keep everyone informed!

      To finish on time we need to start on time. You can help us with this by ensuring everyone is reminded of their photo time and encouraged to arrive at least 5 or 10 minutes before.

      Promote the event!

      Good promotion is essential to keeping everyone informed. There are a number of easily assessable tools that help with promotion:

      • Utilise Facebook: Facebook is an awesome tool to help promote Photo Day. A few timely status updates, a post on the wall, or even create an event and invite members to join are all worthwhile and help to increase awareness.

      • Email: Group emails to parents/ players a week or so before the scheduled sessions helps to remind them of their session time and the need to get to the venue early.

    • Can we get any references on your work? 
    • Definitely! We are very proud of our product and will be happy to provide contact details for referees on our past work. If you would like to give us a call we can put you in contact with suitable referee's.

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