says.
“Cool, I’ll get started then, how do you want to handle my fees?”
“Wally has already given me an idea of your rate, they’re fine. Just keep a record of time worked and expenses incurred, that kind of thing and we’ll settle at the end. I also understand that you’ll retain the copyright to the shots we use and will get a credit mention as the photographer in the brochure.”
“Good, thanks. Talking of expenses, I’ll need to hire an assistant to help me with the lake and waterfall shoot, the location is tricky and I’ll need someone to help with my gear. I usually ask Tommy Sevens, he’s worked with me before, so it’ll be quicker than getting someone else and his day rate is reasonable I promise.”
“No problem, whatever is required. Think you can have the shots finished and a short list of possible pictures compiled for a selection session in a couple of months? I may also see some other stuff out and about that I think we should put in, if that’s the case I’ll call and we can talk about it.” Even though he’s a friend of sorts, he’s a guy that knows what he wants and in business he makes sure you understand he is the boss.
“Absolutely, it gives me the scope to include the festival and means I can follow the weather to other locations to get a different selection of shots of the one place.”
“Great,” he replies.
“OK. I guess I’ll head back to the supermarket.” I make to leave.
“You know, I’m not sure what Jonas sees in Letitia, well, I think most males see what he sees if you get my drift, but I can’t imagine it’s worth all the drama and baggage she can bring with it.” The puzzled look is back on his face like he’s trying to work out the answer.
“It’s a well trodden path for him, with little effort involved and the groundwork was laid years ago, no pun intended.” Oli laughs and I laugh too. “Ah well,” I carry on, “you know more than me, your qualifications in all things Jonas are different than mine, you’re his friend and a guy. I am not equipped to understand anyone’s interest in Tits Brunel.” Again he laughs at our nickname for her. I feel better because I have managed to pull off a nonchalant ‘I don’t care’ attitude towards the subject matter of this conversation. This in itself is impressive because two hours ago I was a sobbing mess and thirty minutes before that I was a cage fighter. “Anyway, I’ll keep in touch with how the shots are coming along.”
We say bye and I leave his office, I only say a really quick bye to Neely, as I’ve already interrupted her enough. I wander down the town to start again, grocery shopping take two, only this time I will avoid drama and calmly walk around like I didn’t attack a badly dressed tart and put her where she belongs, in a heap of condoms!
Chapter Seven
With the shopping done, uneventfully this time, I head home and unload my groceries. Once that is completed I start to block some time in my schedule for the photo shoots, Ideally, I’d like the other pictures done first so the Mayor’s Day Festival is the last one. It enables me to have some spare time in case I have to do a re-shoot and then I can get a shot selection folder ready on my laptop for Oli. I should have enough time but I need to factor in things like the weather and also work around other people’s schedules. First, I have to get some people on board, so it’s time to make some calls.
First call, Jo at Mudjoes. I ask if I can take some shots of her serving some customers and of course I’ll need to pick the right customers. So this won’t be a thirty minute shoot, it will be a wait and see shoot, in order to find some people who are presentable and are willing to pose. I’ll also need their permission. I offer to cover the check of those receptive customers, but Jo however refuses, the publicity will be great for Mudjoes. We come to an agreement after