Location photographer. Getting behind the scenes. Showing off the secret, and not so secret, treasures of the world.
What to ask your photographer before the shoot...
Are you hiring a photographer? Want to make the most of your shoot? There's a bit of prep involved to get the most out of it. Here are 10 tips.
On shoot with Adelaide Sightseeing - fun and relaxed.
Know why you need your photos. What size? Any layout requirements? Ie. Website header images, specific crops, print size, billboard size, only web size. Think about all the places you might like to use them. If it's for a specific purpose, you need to know the image dimensions required - this can alter the way a photographer shoots and crops their images. They may need to leave space around the image, so when it's cropped, it won't cut out vital aspects.
Develop a shot list and mood board. List all the images you would love. Then prioritise the images. Have a look at Pinterest for examples of style, colour, light, feel that you like.
Think about other uses for your images. It's much easier to get similar scenarios while shooting than to re-shoot. Different angles, different angles, or adding/subtracting elements can be quick and give you easy options for different uses. Remember how much content you should be sharing? Shooting like this is a good way of getting it, so you don't have to re-use the same image all the time.
Use talent that fit your client demographic. You need people in your images that can relate to your clients - so they can see themselves there, using your product etc. Don't settle for anyone you can get.
Prepare all the props in advance. If you buy props and don't use them, you can always take them back. If you already have what you need, collect them and make sure they are in good condition. Think about all options, even ask your photographer what you may need.
Clean and tidy everything. A photo can show everything. And it's quicker and more economical to get it right before photographing rather than relying on retouching. Fresh food, ironed sheets/bed covers, clutter etc. Look at what you are going to shoot with a critical and detailed eye.
Research your photographer. Do you like their images? Do they have the experience you need? Who do they work with? Find them on social media to get to know their personality, the way they work etc. Sometimes it's worth paying that little extra to get that extra.
Like your Photographer! You are going to be spending some time with them - why can't you make it fun? Yes, you need exceptional images, but if you don't enjoy the process, it's going to be hard. Plus, you need to trust them. They are creating something that you have paid for, which obviously, can't be seen. The more they know about your vision and desires, the closer they are going to get to it.
Ask your photographer about usage rights - what do you need to use your images for? Photographers charge different amounts for different purposes. Photographers retain ownership of the photos they create so essentially they can re-sell and use the images however they want. Do you need exclusive use? Are they only for online use? Can you send them to media for use? Can you give images to another company to use? Ask.
Share as much information with your photographer as you can. Let them get inside your head. Your idea of 'funky and casual' can be different from theirs.
On shoot with Adelaide Sightseeing. Quiet and observing (sometimes).
What is Copyright?
Before we start (aka my Disclaimer)... I'm a photographer, not a writer. I tell stories through photos, not words. So I hope I make sense of this very confusing topic. I’ve been asked a few times lately to try and explain…
Need to give the media or another company photographs? Want to use someone else's photo?
Keep yourself out of trouble and always ask...
Where did it come from?
Do you have the rights to use this?
Do I have the rights to give this to a third company/someone outside of my business?
It all comes down to Copyright and what Licence and Usage Rights you have.
So what is Copyright? Apart from being a fancy circled C.
Basically, it's the ownership of the photograph or other artistic work.
Who owns it?
On a commercial shoot, the photographer does. Except photographs taken for State, Federal and Territory governments and agencies (but not local councils).
What am I paying for when I hire a photographer then?
You are paying for usage rights of the photographs created for the purpose stated in the contract.
What sort of usage rights are there?
Many. From periods, web, specific campaign, pamphlet, in-house newsletter, social media.... (I’ve included my standard one at the bottom of this page)
What can I use my photos for?
This varies, and it will be stated in your contract. Some photographers permit usage for specific purposes within the fee; others will give full usage to use photographs for different purposes within the business.
I said I need them for my website but now want to run a campaign with them. What do I do? Check your terms and conditions. Contact your photographer. If it's not included in the original fee, negotiate an extra use fee.
Can I edit my photos? Normally, no. A photographer will charge you for their final photographs which are already retouched to their standard. You have paid to use the photograph that they createdChat with your photographer if you need to change anything.
Can I give them to the models or someone else to use? Check your terms and conditions/contract. This would incur an extra fee.
Often, things are created for a specific purpose and usage rights are sold to you for that purpose only. Creative products like videos and photos are not sold like a physical product; they are sold for a purpose. The value is on the purpose.
So, as you can see, it's very important to give as much detail to your photographer BEFORE the quoting process, as there are a lot of variables. It's also good to be aware of if you are comparing quotes - see what is included.
This Australian Institute of Professional Photography link shares more techy info...
http://procommercialphotography.aipp.com.au/Articles/copyright-moral-rights-and-usage
The number one takeaway is read the contract and terms and conditions. Understand what you can do with the photograph. Ask your photographer to clarify. Every photographer works differently, so it's important to check.
What do I normally include in my commercial shoots?
A licence for my client to use the image for all purposes, for as long as the wish, to promote their business only. They are not permitted to allow third parties to use the image for third party advertising.
An example. My client is a winery. I photograph a group of people having a gorgeous picnic at the winery. We source a platter from the local caterer for people to 'nibble' on in the photo. My client is the winery. The local caterer is not. If the caterer would like to use the photo, they must contact me.
Where am I going?
Where I'm going in the near future. Contact me if you need anything.
Assignment? Stock photos? Article? Coffee? Wine?
Find out where I am, and we can do business :)
Suggestions, ideas or commissions welcome.
August 2016 - Melbourne, Victoria
October 2016 - Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia, Sydney
October/November 2016 - Eyre Peninsula, Flinders Ranges, Clare Valley, Barossa, Limestone Coast, Yorke Peninsula. Road trips. *Enquire about my new $400 Editorial Package I am offering on these trips.
Early 2017 - Tasmania, Victoria
If you are interested to know more about dates, email me at heidi@heidiwho.com.
*this list will be updated in Blog when required. Please subscribe to keep up to date.
Having fun...
Damn. What do I say behind the camera to make them laugh?
At least we have fun!
