Here’s some information that photographers need you to know (in no particular order):
• If we don’t respond right away, we’re likely on a shoot and focused on the job at hand. Leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
• We don’t give ballpark quotes or off-the-top-of-the-head prices. A proper estimate takes time because we have to plan every step. You get everything in writing which means no surprises.
• Our pricing reflects experience, time, overhead, and image value. And like every business, we aim to be profitable.
• A simple picture doesn’t necessarily mean easy or cheap.
• We don’t work for credit lines or exposure. Credit lines are actually the law in Canada and exposure doesn’t pay the bills. Just like you, we expect to be paid for our work.
• We can’t legally copy another photographer’s work. Tell us your goal and we’ll create something original with the same intent.
• Tell us how you plan to use the images. What message are you trying to send? This shapes how we shoot.
• Help us by identifying key people at your event. We don’t know your executives or their partners unless you tell us.
• Asking to check every photo on the camera’s LCD screen disrupts the workflow. If we’re tethered to a computer, you’re welcome to take a look.
A Few More
• If we ask your CEO to sit on the conveyor belt, stand in the middle of the road, or do any other seemingly odd thing, it means we may have a great idea. Trust us. Getting something different can be a huge winner when it comes to media attention.
• If actors like Brad Pitt and George Clooney have to wear makeup on camera, your executives can too. There’s nothing embarrassing about male executives wearing a touch of makeup for their portraits, if need be.
• We create the images and you’re responsible for how you use them. Don’t ask us to indemnify your company against your use of the pictures. We are neither publishers nor lawyers.
• Photoshop can work miracles. But if you’re expecting a miracle then expect to be amazed by our retouching fee.
• We can’t subsidize your business. Please pay us on time.
• It may look like we just push a camera button but it’s actually far more complicated than that.
• If you’re unsure about something, ask. We’re here to help.
• We care deeply about what we do. Photography isn’t just a job, it’s a craft. We take pride in every image we deliver.
Should that read “credit lines are AGAINST the law in Canada”?
Great post otherwise!
Against the law?? In Canada, the author of the work (e.g. a photographer) has the right to have their name published with that work. The author also has the right to choose any name they might want. For example, the author can use their real name, their web site name, their business name or a pseudonym.
The bad news is that a publisher can make the credit line very, very small or bury the credit line on a back page.