Questions:
1. How much will it cost to get a photograph of my product, food or architectural project?
2. What is included and what should I expect to happen with a custom photography session?
3. Do you supply backgrounds and props, or do I need to bring them?
4. What are some things I should know / do to help the shoot go smoothly?
5. Now that I have the photographs from our shoot, what can I do with them?
6. Who owns the copyright on the pictures you took for me?
7. Can I be present at our product, food or architectural shoot?
8. How soon after the shoot should I expect to recieve the final images?
10. I enjoy photography too -can you teach me everything you know so I can be your competitor?
Answers:
1. How much will it cost to get a photograph of my product, food or architectural project?
There are many factors that go inot the price for a photo shoot, including but not limited to the following: the number of final images you need, the type of setup, background and props needed (is it a product on a white seamless background or a more elabrate setup with models on location, etc.), the difficulty to properly light/photograph the subject (shiny reflective objects like diamond rings are more difficult to light properly than a matte finished home safe for example), how much post production photoshop work is required, etc. Due to the wide variety of subjects and settings, we cannot list accurate prices online. Please give us a call or stop by to discuss your needs and we'll give you a quote for no charge at all. We'll even drop by your office or project for free as long as it's within a reasonable distance.
2. What is included and what should I expect to happen with a custom photography session?
Before every shoot, we'll have multiple discussions with you outlining exactly what you need do and bring to make the shoot a success. If the shoot is in the studio, or if it's practicable at the location, we'll have the camera linked to the computer so you can see every shot as we take it. This allows you to see exactly what we're getting and make any changes on the spot. We have all the lighting, camera and support equipment, along with over 50 years of combined experience that we bring to every shoot. Expect professional, excellent results, along with a good bit of fun at every shoot. Each final image is then processed and prepared for use, and we give you your images ready to go - you won't have to do anything else!
3. Do you supply backgrounds and props, or do I need to bring them?
Yes. We have many backgrounds and props at the studio and we have sources for just about everything else. However, if you have props or backgrounds you would like to use, please feel free to bring them. As we discuss and prepare for the upcoming shoot with you, these are some of the things we cover so that we know we have enough information and materials to get the job done right.
4. What are some things I should know / do to help the shoot go smoothly?
There are many things that go into a shoot to make it flow smoothly. One on the most important preparation items, in addition to props, backgrounds, models and locations, is to have a well defined "shot list". If we know what shots you need, we can do things in an order that makes sense. If we have to constantly change lighting or background setups back and forth it adds a lot of time to the shoot. Another good hint is to bring more product than you need. We spend a lot of time cleaning up mock up labels, ironing shirts or trying to find a good tomatoe that could really be cut down on if you bring a bunch of options to choose from. If we're shooting muffins, don't bring just one! Bring a whole tray so we can find the perfect muffin quickly!
5. Now that I have the photographs from our shoot, what can I do with them?
Once you have the images of your product or property from us, then the sky is the limit! Unless otherwise stated in our agreement prior to the shoot, there are almost no restrictions on the use of your images from a custom photography shoot, only your imagination. The same does not hold true for stock photography. All stock photography is limited to the use agreed to and signed in the contract. If you have any questions about this, please let us know.
6. Who owns the copyright on the pictures you took for me?
We retain the copyright to all of our images. However, except for stock photography and certain other situations, you have unlimited usage rights of the images. If you need exclusive rights or other arrangements, please let us know prior to the shoot.
7. Can I be present at our product, food or architectural shoot?
Absolutely! The client is always welcome at the shoot. In addition, if you have a designer you are working with, it's a good idea to have them there as well. Just keep in mind that if you have multiple "desicion makers" on the set at once, things tend to take a little longer as choices are debated amongst the group.
8. How soon after the shoot should I expect to recieve the final images?
Images are usually ready within one day of the shoot. For complex architectural projects or projects requiring heavy post processing we may need an additional day or two to get everything ready. If prior arrangements are made and it's logistically possible, getting your images the same day is available.
9. Are you hiring?
Not at this time, however we are always happy to look at portfolios and resumes. We never know when a major assignment will come up that will require an additional skilled photographer.
10. I enjoy photography too, can you teach me everything you know so I can be your competitor?
Absolutely! We have over 50 years of combined experience in photography and we are more than happy to teach you everything we've learned over the years - for an hourly rate. Figure $150 an hour, multiplied by 50 years (appoximately 250,000 hours of learning, after taking out Sundays and a few sick days) for a total of - Wow! What a deal! Seriously though, if you have any questions about our type of photography, stop by and we would be more than happy to chat for a while. We may even let a few secrets slip out if you are persistant or bring snacks. We are huge fans of delicious flavor.