Collaborative Efforts

When I first started out, I simply didn't understand why so many people would be on set at a commercial shoot. I mean, why so much fuss for a few pictures? Why boost up the cost of the shoot to have so many people overseeing something just a couple of people could do? Well, there is more too mission critical work than just getting a few great photographs. Commercially speaking we've come to learn that you are only as good as your team. Jennifer and I have worked hard to bring the best value to our commercial clients to the table over the years, and after a while you realize why working too minimalistic isn't a smart answer for you or for the client.

Certainly I could personally lug carts of lighting in, do all of the setup, set up computers and wifi, bring in props, pose the subjects, tell them which outfits work best, fix hair, etc... I certainly wear all of these hats mentally and can pull it all together, but then who would work hands on with the client and/or art director and make sure their vision can be carried out? Commercial jobs are most often mission critical and have a lot of money on the line, short deadlines, and talent that can't always be called back. There may be no second chance, and if something is wrong, who's going to pay to re-shoot? THE PHOTOGRAPHER that's who!

Fact is, if you are a photographer in business for 20 years like us, you know how to wear all of these hats. But, since your #1 job is to collaborate with the client and capture the perfect image you need extra hands skilled in specific areas. Here is a list of people to consider on your team when making your next commercial quote...

Photographer (takes photographs, works with client, collaborates)
Digital Tech (Sets up WIFI transfer, etc... Clients and Art Directors will need to see images on a computer)
Hair and Makeup
Stylist (Shops for clothing options, aids in looking of clothing during shoot, brings back what isn't used.)
Props Stylist (Finds sofa, props, etc... gets it to shoot, helps move for looks, makes sure it is returned.)
Lighting Assistant (Sets up lights, moves lights, takes meter readings, frees you to work with the client)

VIDEO... Many of our assignments these days opt for video as well. So you need to add a few key people to that list, assuming your team will be working on both. This is where we shine. Being able to handle both gives our quotes incredible value. Rather than doubling the number of people needed for the still/video shoot, our team is skilled to handle both. But, you still need a couple of key elements if this is a mission critical assignment...

Sound Engineer (Skilled at sound capture, microphone placement, and mixing of audio in the field)
Motion Engineer (Skilled at unique camera movements with a Glidecam and track systems)
Focus Puller (While the photographer can compose, and direct, you need somebody to pull focus)

When a client calls and asked your day rate, they aren't asking you what the entire production will cost. They are simply asking your day rate. What you need to determine is how mission critical the shoot will be, and then create an estimate that includes everyone and everything needed in the production. They may be handling certain aspects like location, studio rental, etc... Or they may not, and you have to handle it all. The best thing to do is ask questions and then itemize what is needed to meet the demands of the assignment. From that point, you can work together towards how to narrow the budget if need be to fulfill and meet their expectations. Being the cheapest, is rarely what commercial clients are looking for. Rather they just want the best value and want it done with precision as well.