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
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.
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.
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.
How do you and your team work? What is the process?
One step at a time.
I have a simple 4 stage process, starting right here, based on the details you provide. (1) I’ll create an estimate tailored to your specific needs. (2) We schedule a pre-production meeting and arrange a location scout. (3) Take great photos, shoot awesome videos, and have some fun. Lastly, (4) Select final images/videos, retouch until perfect, and format for your specific use.
This entire process can often be achieved in as little as a fews days upon request but generally are delivered within 2 weeks, depending on the size and scope of the project. However, the only way to ensure a project is completed within a deadline and budget is to assess a full scope of work in as much detail as possible.
Visit my contact page to request a detailed estimate.
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.
Why do I need commercial photography?
Time.
Today, people value their time more than ever and are making buying decisions faster then ever. Professional commercial photography can help businesses cut through the noise and effectively showcase their products or services in the best possible light, significantly impacting purchasing decisions.
How do I know I'm getting what I want/need? Can I be involved in the creative process?
Yes, you're the producer, I'm the director.
You (or your coordinator) can be involved in each stage of the process, from pre-production to the photoshoot and into post-production. During the actual shooting/filming, media can be shown on a monitor in real time so we all know we’re going in the right direction.
For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, we can schedule virtual a conference call over Zoom or Google Meet to review art direction, creative, model usage, etc.
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 support ongoing or recurring clients?
Yes.
I regularly work with clients on ongoing and repeat projects, whether that’s maintaining a consistent image library, documenting updates over time, or supporting evolving marketing needs. When projects extend beyond photography, I can also collaborate with a trusted network of designers, retouchers, and production partners to ensure continuity and consistency across deliverables.
This approach allows for long-term relationships without locking projects into unnecessary structure or scale.
How many photos will I get?
As many as you want.
There are many factors that go into the shot count and the yield depends heavily on the size and complexity of the project considering the styling, staging, lighting, models, permits/access, and other logistical needs.
For example, a mixed-day shoot with a few high value photographs and a package of social media / detail shots would provide more quantity, but overall less quality and vice verse.
When in doubt: Plan out your media needs (shot list) ahead of time and we will ensure the most important shots are prioritized.