What sets a “commercial photographer” apart from other photographers?

Experience.

Commercial photography, as with any specialty, requires its own unique set of skills, abilities and experience. From balancing light to working with perspective it takes years of training and practice to perfect all the nuances of commercial photography.

One of the key differences between a commercial photographer and other photographers, such as corporate photographers, is their ability to capture images that effectively convey a message or tell a story that also matches the voice and tone of an existing brand.

More Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

What services do you provide? Can you service ongoing/recurring clients?

I make photos and videos. Yes.

I mainly work with resort and hospitality industries which includes creating photography and media of architecture spaces, food and beverage, product and retail, lifestyle and editorial and skilled drone/aerial coverage.

I also provide advertising and social media content to help support marketing teams and small businesses on an ongoing basis as well as other services that your existing teams can benefit from such as web development, digital advertising, SEO, among other related 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Where are you located? Can you come to me?

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.

Can I share the cost of a photoshoot with my partners?

Yes.

If your project is a collaboration between multiple companies or organizations, you can split the hard costs of a production and pay usage/licensing fees just for the specific needs of your company. 

This is a great way to divide expenses and get the highest photography production for a fraction of the price.

Let me know if you'd like to discuss Cost Sharing or if your project involves any government agencies, NGOs, political affiliations etc.

I have a general idea of what I'd like, but want to leave the creative work to the professionals, is that ok?

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.

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.

What sets a “commercial photographer” apart from other photographers?

Experience.

Commercial photography, as with any specialty, requires its own unique set of skills, abilities and experience. From balancing light to working with perspective it takes years of training and practice to perfect all the nuances of commercial photography.

One of the key differences between a commercial photographer and other photographers, such as corporate photographers, is their ability to capture images that effectively convey a message or tell a story that also matches the voice and tone of an existing brand.