Photography

+ What is the difference between campaign and social photography?

This might look a little bit different for each project. But the best way to explain it is that social content are quick turn images that I take in the 'wild' maybe somewhere in my house or out at the beach. There is very little art direction and these images are generally not taken in a studio or with artificial lighting. These images also don't require any prop purchases.

Campaign images are thoughtfully art directed images to be used across web, social ad campaigns etc. These images are shot in studio with articifical lighting and set build outs.

The reason I work on retainer for social shoots is it allows me to get to know your brand and keep costs low.

+ Why is photography so expensive?

I get it, the price tag for photography can be really jarring. Especially when you need so much content to keep your business running. In running my own business it's helpful for me to understand why things cost what they do and what exactly I'm investing in when I choose to work with a contractor. So I want to provide that context for you below.

Fear not, I will also walk you through this for your paritcular project but just in case you want to see it here - check out the breakdown below.

In order to provide you with high quality, kickass images I need at a minimum the following materials:

• A camera and lens. This can run upwards of $4,000.
• A lighting set up / studio space. Lighting set ups can be as expensive as $7,000 just for the lights. Flash bulbs have a limited number of fires and can cost up to $1,000 so I account for that kind of thing too.
• A tether cable, clamps, weights, memory cards, etc. etc. etc. Things like photography cables can run up to $70 each.
• A Computer. You already know, but adding RAM and memory to get the best performing machine to edit images can make your computer cost upwards of $4,000.
• Adobe Programs this runs about $600 a year.
• Cloud capabilities to share your images this runs over $500 a year for the correct amount of memory to share your images at the highest quality.
• Insurance for my equipment and fees to maintain and upgrade equipment. I budget about $4,000 a year to account for repairs, wear and tear, and equipment upgrades.

That's just to start - photography is expsensive for me too.

When we start on your project I will need to purchase props for your set design. I try my best to keep the cost of this as low as possible. But truthfully, in photos you really can tell the difference between the cheap plastic and the glass cup. And if you're investing in brand assets that will live with you for a while you might as well not skimp here.

Art Directing and building your set ups requires upwards of 15 hours to prepare for shoot day that means creating the mood board, concepting images and getting your approval, sourcing and purchasing props, styling anything and coordinating the day of so it can be as efficient as possible.

Most shoot days will then require at minimum 8 hours on location – some shoots will require more. This time is spent styling, moving equipment, setting up and resetting up images, moving props around, coordinating people and things, and then cleaning up. In general for shoot day I also hire an assist to help keep things moving smoothly so that I can stay zeroed in on the creative for your project.

After that I move on to culling your images and editing / retouching them. This can take upwards of 30-40 hours of time depending on the images.

Once all of that is done I can deliver your gorgeous picture pictures!

All of this to say creating useful and high converting brand assets is an investment. And I take this investment and trust incredibly seriously.

+ What is the process of working together?

• We will start with a quick discovery call to discuss what need you are looking to fill with this creative.

• Once we're aligned I will put together a proposal with a sample shot list and budget. Once that feels good you will need to sign a contract and pay a 50% deposit to start work.

• From there I will put together a final pre-production deck that will include details on set ups, a detailed shot list, and choices for colors and props. You and your brand will have a week to sign off on that document before we move forward to scheduling shoot day (the faster you approve, the faster you recieve your assets!)

• After you've signed off my team and I get to work on putting together all of the set ups and doing all of the pre production work necessary to prepare for shoot day.

• Then we shoot and get into post.

Generally images are delivered 3-4 weeks after shoot day dependent on my current books. I'll let you know what my current turnaround time looks like when we chat during our discovery call.

+ What is art direction and why do I need it?

When you see a really great campaign image put together with just the right colors and you think to yourself wow how did they find props that match each other so impeccably? That’s art direction.

Generally, for larger shoots art direction includes coming up with a mood board and vision and then purchasing props and building sets. This can be anything from putting together backdrops, building things, and spray-painting props to match. It’s a lot of work and requires great attention to detail, a lot of time sleuthing the internet and managing budgets, people and time.

+ How does the process look for setting up a photoshoot? What’s the turnaround time to receive my images?

That all depends on how in depth the set design and build out will be. After our initial call I will send you a proposal that includes price estimates and a turnaround time based on your vision and my current books. But you can expect the turnaround to take no less than 3 – 4 weeks!

+ Can myself or my team be on set?

My current studio space does not accomodate additional people to be there on shoot day. But I am happy to collaborate on renting space for larger productions where your team wishes to be on-site.