Clients questions answered: Is there certain gear your photographer should have?

Technology and its abilities come in all shapes and forms, which can make it difficult to decipher who has the best, and does it make them the best?

The answer isn’t so black and white. 

First, we’d like to preface that if a photographer shows up with only an iPhone and some garage lights, that might be cause for concern. However, for the most part what a photographer brings to a shoot can vary, which is normal, as long as they’re the correct tools for the specific job.

As a company with years of experience we have a system that allows us to ensure we come properly prepared to each and every shoot. Prior to shoot day we assess the ask, and start building a gear list that is appropriate for the project at hand. In other words we make sure we aren’t bringing a knife to a gun fight. 

This gear list is based off of the answers to multiple questions we have already brought to the client ie. What type of shots are required? What are the output specifications? Do you have reference shots? Etc.

Knowing these answers to these questions help us understand what is needed from a gear standpoint. If your photographer hasn’t fielded these questions with you - that might be a red flag. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they intend on bringing on the day if this is the case.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that while it isn’t always advertised, a big part of what we do is making sure we are up to date with the gear and technology we use. Constantly tracking upgrades and new tech means we continue to improve the quality of images and videos we produce for our client. Which is always the goal.

Client questions answered: Can you rely on your videographer to help creatively with the script?

When requesting video content, you can lean heavily on either your videographer, or the ad agency in which you have decided to work with, for any aspect of the project. We are creatives by profession and never want the client to feel overwhelmed with any phase of the process. All we will need from you, is the general idea for the video - will there be dialogue? Will it be interview or script based? 

Once we have an accurate idea of what your vision is we can do the grunt work. With tons of experience in the advertising industry we have great knowledge as to what is important to cover, and what isn’t. 

This isn’t to say that you won’t or can’t be involved in varying degrees. We believe in collaboration and communication above all else. Any and all scripts/questions will be reviewed by you, the client, and signed off on once approved. You can also create your own script/questions and simply lean on us as a second set of eyes.

Remember, you are the client and we are here to help you realize your vision and bring it to life - no matter what stage it is at!

We are here to elevate your brand, so the more we can collaborate with you, the better.

Great communication, equals great results.

Client questions answered: Who owns the images produced from your shoot?

You may have wondered, with all the shots being taken on the day of the shoot, who actually owns the images being captured? Well this is a great question, and one that you should know before entering into a contract with your photographer of choice. 

By law, the photographer owns the copy right to the images, but as the client you get to dictate or request the required image usage.

When we quote on a photography job for a client or ad agency, the first set of questions we ask usually helps clarify this: “Do you, as the client, want to own the images we produce for you? Do you have specific usage needs? Do have a time line with specific requirements?”

To understand this, let’s say you are looking to work with a photographer for a specific billboard campaign. This campaign calls for a certain amount of billboards for a specified period of time. In this case it would be much more cost effective to ask your photographer to only charge you for a usage fee for these specific media buy images. With the requirements of this hypothetical billboard campaign you would not need to own all images shot, saving you money while still accomplishing your needs.

Having said this, we at JIVE often produce a finite amount of images for our clients and include all rights to the images when sending them over. This practice began out of a want to be more flexible, and we have found that adapting this way has helped us support small businesses with smaller budgets, but more needs. 

In conclusion, the best practice is to always ask questions and to have a clear goal in mind when it comes to how many images you want to have by the end of the project.  

A good photographer will work with you to accomplish any ask!

Client questions answered: Does your photographer take care of the extra vendors on shoot day?

When working with a seasoned photographer you are more than likely able to rely on them to supply, or at least help you supply; talent, casting, hair and make up artists etc. In fact we actually prefer to take care of those things if the shoot requires it. This is because with experience comes long lasting relationships with individuals and suppliers in these respective disciplines whom we trust to deliver on the day. Having worked with many suppliers we know who is the best and who has the ability to work well with us and you as the client. The potential need for these services is something we ask clients about very early on, because the truth is - if you are not working with an ad agency, you may find yourself out of your depths when it comes to being aware of what you need for the project at hand. Working with a professional photographer means these questions are already being asked without you needing to know the ins and outs of the industry. This is the added value of working with an experienced team.

More client questions you want answered? Let us know below!

Client questions answered: What kind of price packages can you expect when working with a professional photographer?

As a custom shop, we choose not to offer specific pricing packages. We feel strongly that each job will have its own unique requirements and we never want to overwhelm a potential client with rigid options. We pride ourselves for being able to work within our clients’ budgets whenever possible and often collaborate with our clients to brainstorm ways to make things work. We are here to help, not shut down. 

With all of that said, photography is a business and it is important to know that we, as well as most other production teams have minimum pricing requirements. This can be discussed and explained first and foremost when looking at a budget. You can also expect to be shown standard day rates for needed suppliers, such as hair and make up, grips, assistants, audio techs, camera operators etc. These are the aspects that are important to delivering quality content, but can all be negotiated when the budget is chosen. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be open with your photographer about your budget. We will always set out to deliver on every project, and we want our services to be accessible. Always feel free to reach out to learn about some of our base prices to see what we can make happen for you!