November 28, 2022
We’re always attuned to what clients need from photography. But intrinsic to awe-inspiring images is a collaboration between you and the shooter. So, we decided to find out what photographers need on their side of the equation. We had two Cincinnati photogs, Garry Kessler and Mark Lindsey, offer some tips.
Share your budget upfront. “It makes everything else easier to discuss,” says Kessler. There are always reasonable ways to trim budgets and, on the high end, you can always fly to Cancun and handle your product shoot on the beach.
Most photographers create budgets based on how long a shoot will take, a half day or a full day. That doesn’t mean a wrap at 3 o’clock the next morning. So, if you value quality and a good relationship with a photographer, don’t try to rush through a shoot in six locations. As hackneyed as it sounds, you get what you pay for.
Understand copyright and usage of your images, explains Kessler. “Owning all the images is not a good way to have a realistic conversation with a photographer.” Instead, pick the best of the lot with the photographer’s input and expect to pay more if you want want multiple images. Set expectations in pre-production to avoid any uncomfortable surprises the day of the shoot.
Unless you want to handle the legwork yourself, allow ample time before the shoot to source props and find locations. And afterwards, leave time for post-production, like optimizing images for the web or Photoshop touch-up work.
And lastly, pay your invoice on receipt. Most photographers are small businesses that incur expenses like grips and stylists that they must pay out-of-pocket. Most photographers are creative beings, but they still need to eat.
You prepare for surprises but the fewer the better, says Lindsey. This allows more energy to be put into the creative aspects of your project. The ride is smoother on a paved road rather than one made of gravel.”
Follow these tips and you’ll cultivate a relationship that’s invested in you and your brand.