Do I own the rights to the photos taken by a commercial photographer?
Typically, no.
ALL clients get a lifetime unlimited license to use the photos; ownership of the photos is based on client needs and budget.
Ultimately, it depends on the contract and agreement we make for your specific project.
More likely, you (the client) will have the rights to use the photos for your intended purposes, but we (the photographer) retain ownership and have the right to use them in our portfolio or for marketing purposes.
More Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my photos/videos?
2 weeks, typically.
Your photos and videos are typically delivered within 10 business days of the last shoot day. However, this process can be expedited if needed - don't forget to mention it when you submit your request for an estimate. Just remember... there's an age-old saying about quality, speed, and price... and while we strive to provide all three, there is a harmony to maintain.
Note: More dynamic projects, where the post-production process involves many decisions, may take more time to deliver.
My business has a "brand/look" that we want to maintain, can your content match what we already have?
Yes.
I can take directive from examples of either (a) your current brand/look or (b) the brand/look you would like to emulate. The more branding and identity you have already established, the clearer our objective as photographers will be, and thus the better the entire project will turn out for you.
What services do you provide?
We make photos and videos.
We create photography and media of architecture spaces, food and beverage, product and retail, lifestyle and editorial and skilled drone/aerial coverage.
Do you offer services aside from photography?
Yes.
We offer additional services such as photo editing, retouching, graphic design, web design (we built this very website), SEO, social media management and more.
We also offer branding, marketing, and advertising consulting to help you create and maintain a cohesive visual identity.
Can you service ongoing/recurring clients?
Yes.
We have a talented team of individuals that assist with ongoing marketing, advertising, design, social media, web and other adjacent services.
How much advance notice do I need to book a project?
2-4 weeks, ideally.
Commercial photography shoots can often take weeks of planning and preparation with very tight running schedules and deadlines. By providing as much advance notice as possible, we are better able to schedule and prepare for your shoot in a professional and reliable way.
I don't have a big budget, can I still get "big-budget" media? How is the pricing calculated?
Yes.
Smaller businesses pay less. Larger businesses pay more.
The scope of use is a major contributing factor in how creative work is priced; a small startup will have less reach than a global corporation and thus pays less to license the same work.
I price projects based on the creative and production needs, in combination with the specific use of the imagery. In other words, while a small business may not have the marketing or advertising budget to book models, props, and large scale venues, the deliverables I provide will still match the technical quality and expertise of a large big-budget corporate production.
If you have concerns about budgeting, contact me and we'll discuss possibilities.
Do you only work with large companies/resorts?
No.
We love working with businesses of all sizes and budgets. We understand the importance for EVERY business to have impactful visuals to help them attract customers. We even offer specialized packages for startups or entrepreneurs on a budget.
I don't understand, what makes commercial photography different from just hiring a photographer for a day?
Quality.
While my aim is to make every final photograph look simple, natural, and effortless — that’s rarely the fact.
A well executed photograph involves balancing many factors such as composition, lighting, styling, blending and retouching, it’s a lot of problem solving that comes with experience.
In addition, commercial photography involves collaboration with clients, art directors, marketing teams, and other professionals to bring their vision to life.
Can you do aerial/drone projects? Are you licensed and insured?
Yes and yes.
I am licensed with the FAA, follow all airspace regulations, and carry full liability coverage for all commercial drone flights.
I also have experience with traditional helicopter-aerial projects for more specialized imagery or if we need to shoot from higher altitudes that are unavailable to drone based services.