Case Study DropShade

Product Photography
Lifestyle Photography
Architectural Photography

DropShade is a Las Vegas based manufacturer and installer of high quality residential and commercial sun control systems.

Updated: 
April 9, 2023

DropShade wanted to start building a library of professional content documenting their big projects to use for website, print promotions and social media efforts.

Over 8 years we have documented over 50 unique residential and commercial projects on location as well as DropShade’s line of over 100 custom components and fabrics in-studio.

Additionally we’ve created a number of simple motion pieces for use on social media platforms as well as portraiture of the staff in their working environments.

DropShade has successfully used our imagery across all promotional platforms to become the leading supplier and installer of sun control systems in the greater Las Vegas area.

Working with DropShade is incredibly rewarding but challenging at times. Many of their clients are business owners and the spaces we photograph need to remain functional. Time, equipment and crew needs to be limited and extremely well organized. When we collaborate with a 3rd party, we work and act on behalf of our client and we take that very seriously.

Deliverables

Summary

DropShade, a leading supplier and installer of sun control systems in the greater Las Vegas area, enlisted us to build a library of content for their website, print promotions, and social media efforts. Over the course of 8 years, we documented over 50 residential and commercial projects on location as well as DropShade’s range of custom components and fabrics in-studio.

We also created motion pieces for use on social media platforms and took portraiture of the staff in their working environments. The result was a body of work that provided DropShade with professional photos that fully represented their brand at every touch point.

The imagery we captured has been highly effective for DropShade’s promotions. Their website is filled with high-quality visuals of their products and services, while their print promotions have gained an increased impact thanks to the eye-catching photos we provided. On top of that, DropShade has been able to use our motion pieces on social media to engage viewers more actively than ever before.

We're proud to be part of DropShade’s journey in crafting a library of professional content that fully conveys the company’s brand message and look forward to continuing our collaboration and helping DropShade further develop its library of content for future projects.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Where are you located? Can you come to me?

Las Vegas. Yes.

While I often 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, corporate and even construction projects.

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 your feedback.

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.

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.

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.

What types of businesses typically hire a commercial photographer?

All of them.

Any business that needs high-quality visuals to promote their products or services can benefit from working with a commercial photographer. We work with a wide range of industries, including retail, hospitality, fashion, real estate, and more.

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.

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 a real estate photographer, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 never hired a photographer before, where do I start?

Plan ahead.

Before inquiring, you should have a good idea of (a) how soon will you need the project done (b) whereabouts will the work take place and (c) what are some examples of what you want to achieve. It is also helpful to know who on your team will be the key decision maker/tie breaker, who will be the primary point of contact before, during, and after the shoot, and how much staff you have available to assist with the production process.

For the more detail oriented, feel free to review the AIA Best Practices Guide. Once you have a good idea of what your project might look like, give me a call at or shoot me an email to continue the planning process.

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.

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.