everything you need to know about hiring a
Commercial Photographer
info & resources about hiring a photographer for your business
What is a commercial photographer?
Some folks are unfamiliar with the term "commercial photographer" or, they think it's someone who shoots still photos for commercials. Nope. Simply put, a commercial photographer is a photographer who creates photos ultimately used for some type of commerce or promotion. We focus on creating photos for businesses and non-profit organizations. At the end of the day, our photos are not intended for normal everyday consumers. The photos have the intention of promoting (at some level) the businesses, services, or products.
Pricing & Info
Should a new small town business owner pay the same photography price as a global corporation? Commercial photographers have varied pricing for different business types. Portrait photographers, on the other hand, charge their established rates for all consumers because they use photos for personal purposes.
When a photo is used for commerce, the photo has an increased value because its function, impact, usage, production level, and reach.
Pricing also depends on the marketing campaign budget. For an international company, expect to see a larger, 5 to 6 digit photography quote for an advertising project.
For a small town, one-owner business just getting their website started, expect to pay a rate in the hundreds to thousands, depending on what's needed.
What size is your business?
Understanding Pricing
"CUSTOM QUOTE": Most commercial photographers create a custom quote because shoots have varied elements required, and therefore varied expenses. Custom quotes are more common with businesses with more than a dozen employees, and especially for larger companies utilizing a creative agency for handling projects. This quote incorporates photographer's day rate (or creative fee), image fees, usage licenses, models, stylists, props, travel, equipment, etc. Commercial photographers can have day rates that are tiered depending on the size of the business. Image fees cost more for photos for large brands that will be seen and used a lot in advertising.
"PACKAGES": Few commercial photographers have packages for specific types of offerings for specific types of businesses. This is very niche, and can be shared with you after we learn more about your business. I do have "packages" for smaller businesses with less than 10 employees, and special niche "packages" for very niche businesses. If you are a "solopreneur" offering a service, then a "personal branding package" is often suitable for your marketing (rather than just a headshot).
Find Commercial Photographers
We're a special breed of photographers. Commercial photographers are typically more "OCD" about composition, nuances of lighting, and must be able to create an image based on a Brief or moodboard. They must be able to plan and perform a shoot that meets the production value required. To find the right commercial photographer for your imagery needs, you should look for photographers that showcase images that resemble what you're looking for.
For example, if you need an image of unique architecture on a large building, then you're best to look for an Architecture Photographer. Although a lifestyle photographer might be able to capture the image you need, your best result will always be the photographer who has background and skill in specializing in architecture.
Here are places you can look for a commercial photographer:
American Society of Media Photographers – Find a Photographer feature
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Looking for more info?
Resources & Articles
Photography Pricing & Negotiating
What should you expect with pricing for your business photography? What are ways you can negotiate? Here is my “cliff notes” explanation of pricing.
How to Work with a Freelance Photographer
Every growing business needs to work with a freelance photographer at some point. Here are some key tips for success when with working with a freelance or commercial photographer for your company.
4 Steps to Hiring a Product Photographer for Packaging
Needing photos for product packaging? Here are the best steps on how to work with a commercial photographer with creating images for boxes, bags, tags, labels, and the like.