Do I own the rights to the photos taken by a commercial photographer?

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 be achieved in as little as 7 days or up to several 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.

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.

Yes.

While we always encourage your involvement, we are professionals and with a well thought out and detailed plan we can be left to do what we always do best.

Note: Even when a project is left to our team to make key art direction decisions, we may still request direct feedback from you if we're not 100% sold about a concept we're working on.

You, mostly.

Ultimately, it depends on the contract and agreement we make for your specific project.

Typically, you (the client) will have the rights to use the photos for your intended purposes, but we (the photographer) may retain ownership and have the right to use them in their portfolio or for future marketing purposes.

Note: ALL clients get a lifetime unlimited license to use the photos; ownership of the photos is based on client needs and budget.

No.

We love working with businesses of all sizes and understand the importance of all businesses of all sizes having impactful visuals to help them attract customers. We even offer specialized packages for startups or entrepreneurs on a budget.

Las Vegas. Yes.‍

While I mainly serve resort and hospitality clients in Las Vegas, I accept projects from all around the world across a variety of styles including architecture, lifestyle, product, food and even construction projects.

Note: If travel is ever an issue, I'm happy to provide a photographer I can dispatch directly or consult with a local photographer in your area to help guide your project to success.

Yes.

I can take directive from examples of either (a) your current brand/look or (b) the brand/look you would like to emulate.

Just keep in mind, 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.

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.

As many as you want.

There are many factors that go into a shot count but I generally create 8-12 photographs per day of shooting. This 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 ahead of time and we will ensure the most important shots are prioritized.

2-4 weeks, generally.

Commercial photography shoots can take many weeks or months of planning and preparation with very tight running schedules and deadlines. By providing advance notice, it allows me to schedule and prepare for your shoot in a professional and reliable way.