Our Process for doing things Right
We have an effective process and sound strategy for getting you what you need, but if you already know, we’ll jump right to it. It is as important to be flexible as it is to be strategic. All we really need to get started, is to know your business and your needs.
We’re not here to make things complicated, but just in case you want to know all the work and care that goes on behind the scenes, here’s an glimpse at the way we work, our process for doing things right.
Needs Analysis and Budget Allocation
This could be as easy as a phone call. If your needs are small and well defined we can schedule the job and get to work. But if you’re not sure of how to best use photography to promote your business, we can schedule a meeting and figure it out together. We’ll unpack your objectives, clarify your budget, and determine how and when to get started. And yes, we should talk about budget at this early stage. Every client has a budget and we need to stick to it. We can plan for longer term spending if need be, but you should know what things will cost right up front, and it’s our responsibility to deliver our best work for the budget you have to work with.
Shot Definition and Creative Vision
As early as possible we try to define the full collection of photographs we need to shoot, and to determine the creative approach we want to take. If you have you’re own creative team we will work closely with them. If you need us to take the lead and provide creative direction, we’re great at that and will propose some ideas and make recommendations. Here, just as with the Needs Analysis, if the project requirements are small and straight forward, this step in the process will not take long. But if your project has complexities, we’ll take the time here to make sure that we, and you, are clear on everything, and know exactly what the final deliverable will be.
Timelines and Shoot Preparation
You’re running a business and so are we. You will have deadlines we need to meet, and we’ve got to line things up to be able to deliver. Our checklist is long, and includes items such as: location for the shoot; equipment requirements; determining if there are shot models or additional stylists to prep and book; and, if we are preparing for lifestyle photography, we have a whole other checklist to help determine the set and staging requirements. Depending on your project requirements, there may be very few of these items we need to prepare for, but we’re prepared for them nevertheless.
The Photo Session(s) and Art Direction
For most photo sessions Mike Day will be your photographer and art director. The size of the project will determine how the session or sessions will be conducted, and if there are any additional costs beyond our standard photo session rates. Small project can be conducted and completed in as little as a half day shoot, other may require a day or more. If the final photography requires significant digital updates and compositions enhancements in post production, additional costs will be discussed and priced accordingly. Otherwise, our rates for sessions with Mike Day alone are:
- A full day photo shoot: $950.00
- A half day shoot: $650.00
(Taxes are not included.) There is also a cost for the preparation and delivery of the final photography selected from the photo shoot, starting at $60.00 per file. (Learn more about the photo proof, selection and retouching process below.)
Photo Proofs, Selects and Retouching
After the photo shoot we prepare proofs of all the photos taken during the shoot, except those that end up on the cutting room floor. We send these proofs to you for review so that you can make your selections of the ones you want to use and purchase. We will certainly make our recommendations on the final selection, but this is ultimately your decision. From here we prepare your selections with digital post production touch ups as each photograph requires. We then provide these to you in larger format for your final sign off.
Target Output and Final Delivery
Along with getting you your final photographs in digital format for you to use throughout your business collateral, we can also help with preparing these digital files for the different target outputs you will need for your marketing materials. This includes digital file formats and file size requirements. If you have your own digital designer on staff you likely won’t need us to do this work for you, but we’re happy deliver the files in the variety of formats you’ll likely require.
If you have additional specific needs for the photographs you choose, we are here to help with cropping recommendations and additional advertisement placement options. Our photography equipment is high quality and capable of providing final outputs suitable for a wide range of placements, from web sites to bill boards.
Every photo shoot is different just as every client is different. But we have done this long enough to know how to ask the right questions to ensure you get what you need.
Not convinced yet? Take your time, we’ll be ready when you are. In the mean time, get inspired by our portfolio of work.
Explore our portfolio of workEDGE 3 – Portrait Photography for Coaching, Team Building and Events
We worked with Mike to prepare photos for our corporate web site. We wanted our photography to have a different feel from other management firms like our own, to be both professional and fun. Mike was able to accomplish this. He looked after our entire team with photo shoots both in and out of his studio. Everyone was very pleased with the finished products. Mike provided great service, a relaxed environment and quick turnaround.
All we need to get started, is for you to give us a call.