How I Work

For those of you who have never commissioned an on-site photo shoot here is a little insight into the process.

1. Discussion

   Any project always begins with a discussion of what is required. We discuss the types of image needed, i.e. whether they are for web pages, social headers or posts, print brochures, events etc… and the style you are looking for both in terms of composition and look and feel. Some clients have a relatively open brief and want me to take the creative lead, others are very specific with strong ideas of what they want to achieve. Some want to agree a checklist of shots and work tightly to it. 

2. Site Visit

   If it is the first time we have worked together (in normal non COVID times) that discussion would usually progress from an initial phone or video chat to a face-to-face meeting. In many instances this initial meeting happens on site at the location where the shoot would happen. A site visit gives us the chance to discuss the composition and style of shots in context and for me to understand the lighting conditions. I need to see if there is good natural light and what additional lighting I need to bring. It’s also a chance to discuss technical requirements like the availability of power, access to spaces and access to people. 

3. Shooting

   On the day of the shoot, for a school it is legally necessary for me to be accompanied throughout the shoot. For any shoot that requires access to facilities and people having a client representative on hand is a practical necessity. For some shoots the client is in attendance throughout to collaborate creatively on different shots for others the client helps with organisation but leaves the creative execution to me. Most site shoots take a full day.

4. Image Processing

   After the shoot there is typically at least one whole day of image editing and post processing. A more complex shoot that requires the compositing of multiple exposures into single final images (to achieve impossible lighting conditions, or separately shooting products and backgrounds for example) can take longer. The amount of image processing required is evaluated during our initial discussions with costs estimated in advance.  

5. Delivery

   The final delivery requirements vary by project. The number of images, file type and delivery method is different for each project. These days most projects are delivered digitally but physical storage media can be supplied as required. I keep an archive of all commercial work for a minimum of five years. 

   I also offer a printing and framing service if required.

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