I use a professional photographer because:
- I take pride in my company's image
- It's no point in printing weak pictures
- I need to receive pictures, not excuses
- He/she won't run out of batteries in the middle of my event
- I need to print the brochure before the trade show ...
I look for a professional photographer in Romania:
- Through my friends and colleagues
- On the Internet
- Yellow pages and other directories ...
I choose a photographer only after:
- I meet him/her in person
- I like his portfolio
- I see some tear sheets
- We discuss all his contract
- I receive a written estimate
- I fully understand which rights I am buying ...
Professional photography costs so much ;- (
Photographs, slides (transparencies) or digital ? 35mm or 6x6cm ?
I use a professional photographer because:
I take pride in my company's image:
The image of a company is built through hard work during long years but it could be seriously affected by a few uninspired pictures used in a well chosen place.
It's no point in printing weak pictures:
Usually a photographer is hired when there is the time to print the annual report, a catalog, brochure or calendar depicting your company's strengths and position on the market. No clever design and high quality printing will compensate for dull images. And printing is expensive enough that the photography budget will not seem so high.
I need to receive pictures, not excuses:
Most situation where a photographer is needed are usually unique (like the events) or have a short deadline. In fact this is one of the most important reasons to hire a pro. This doesn't mean that accidents don't happen to pros but they are capable to minimize the impact on the assignment.
He/she won't run out of batteries in the middle of my event:
Professionals carry films and batteries in excess, have spare lenses and cameras on top of having professional grade equipment and their experience can save the day in a difficult situation.
I need to print the brochure before the trade show:
So you don't have time for testing. No professional photographer will try new equipment, films or techniques on a paying assignment.
I look for a professional photographer:
Through my friends and colleagues:
This is actually the most common way to find and choose 'tested' services. Referrals are important indeed and you can get a pretty good idea about what you can expect from a particular photographer but since most of them base their prices and policies on the client caliber you should be careful when negotiation these matters. Also this method is rather random so you can't be sure you have got the best quality/price ratio and the proper photographer for your job.
On the Internet:
Lately the Internet has become more and more important in finding the most different resources needed in running a company. There are a lot of portals, directories and search engines available, both international and Romanians where you can search for photographers. An increasing number of photographers have web sites where you can see samples of their work and various information about them.
You can find Romanian photographers listed in: www.fotomagazin.ro and www.focus94.ro and in most Romanian web directories.
Yellow pages and other 'paper' or CD directories.
There is plenty of them but unfortunately none is complete and most of them are already outdated when printed. Due to their relative inefficiency and relatively high rates, many companies and individuals do not invest to get listed so you can't be sure you will find a worthwhile selection of photographers there.
I choose a professional photographer only after:
We meet in person:
This can be really important especially for complex projects - it is easier to work with someone whose personality you like.
I like his portfolio:
Photography is about images and no good stories and/or referrals can replace a portfolio. No photographer can be taken seriously without one. Check if he/she has some samples in the domain you need work to be done - a great landscape photographer isn't necessarily brilliant in product shots or portraiture.
I see some tear sheets:
This is not mandatory but tear sheets usually demonstrate that other clients had enough confidence in this photographer to use him/her for published projects.
We discuss all his contract:
If the photographer doesn't have one, he/she may be really new in business or doesn't understand the business side of what he/she is doing. Anyway, you could expect all sorts of surprises when you don't have a signed contract. Ask all the questions you can think of and if something is not clear put it in writing.
I receive a written estimate:
If you get a quick quote over the phone there is no guarantee you won't get invoiced with all sorts of extra costs. If you have a complex assignment which include models, make-up, hairdressing and so on, make sure that is quite clear who is responsible for hiring them - most of the time it is better for the Client to hire directly the other talents involved but this doesn't mean you won't ask the photographer for advice - it is quite sure that he/she already knows the people you need.
I fully understand what rights I am buying:
Usually the problem of rights gets overlooked when closing a deal over some images. But this is very wrong: you may need those images for a wide variety of purposes and it can be easier and less expensive to purchase all the rights you really need in one package than to negotiate again with the photographer. Do not believe that if you purchased the pictures you can use them for everything.
Professional photography costs so much ;- (
To be able to provide you with the very best services and to deliver high quality images in time and within budget, a professional photographer has to:
- have serious training and experience, usually achieved in long years
of hard work;
- have tens of thousands of dollars worth of top notch equipment;
- have time for training and to keep up to date with new trends and techniques;
- use the best materials and labs;
None of these come cheap and considering the huge impact that great images can have for your company, the photography budget will not seem so high anymore.
|
