Commercial – Catalog / Lookbook / Editorial
FAQ – SCHEDULING, PLANNING & RETOUCHING, CATALOG AND LOOKBOOK SHOOTS:
SHOULD MY CLOTHES BE PHOTOGRAPHED ON LIVE MODELS, MANNEQUINS OR LAID OUT FLAT?
Shooting apparel on models is MUCH faster than dressing and styling a mannequin or styling clothing to look good flat or folded. You will get more shots in less time. Also clothing shown on live models will help you clothes sell better in most cases.
Most shoots are done on a plain white background. This allows your customer to focus clearly on what you are selling. It also gives continuity and consistency, making it easy to add or make changes to your catalog. I strongly suggest that you consider including few editorial/lifestyle type shots. This will be great for your website front page, dividers and category headers. Why not? It’s already included in the session rate.
HOW MANY SHOTS PER OUTFIT?
I shoot approximately 5 to 20 shots per outfit depending on how well the model is posing and allowing for varying styling options for the garment being photographed. This includes front, back and detail.
DO YOU PROVIDE MODELS?
Some clients use their current fit models for photo shoots. If you need help finding print models I’m happy to make recommendations for paid work. I do not assist in finding models for trade. I find models are not as reliable when working for trade and it ends up costing more in time and frustration.
Agency models are generally $150/hr + 20% agency fee and a 2hr minimum (this is not a quote but a guideline). Agency models take care of themselves, their body tone, their hair, their skin & will generally have good posing and expression making your shoot look more professional and go much faster.
There are other resources for independent models which will be cheaper & sometimes this is a great solution for your budget. It is suggested that you do a casting and fitting when hiring models you have not worked with before.
HAIR & MAKE-UP / GROOMING
I work with some of the industry’s most talented makeup and hair stylists. Their rates start normally around $200 to 350 (multiple models) for a commercial shoot.
WARDROBE OR PRODUCT STYLING?
I work with a great team with experience in celebrity, catalog, editorial, plus clothing and product. Rates greatly vary by project. Please inquire for recommendations or check out my recommended stylist here.
HOW DO I BOOK A SHOOT? WHAT ABOUT RESCHEDULING AND DEPOSITS?
The earlier you can schedule the better. A mutually binding contract must be signed by both parties or make a 50% deposit will hold your date. I take PayPal, debit/credit, Western Union or corporate checks for deposits and balances due. Your deposit must be received within 3 business days to hold your appointment. No photos are even given before your check has cleared. I do not accept personal checks.
Your deposit is non-refundable. You may, with a 10% cancellation fee, reschedule with a 3 day advance notice.
STUDIO RENTAL
I provide my studio at no extra charge. My studio is located in Atwater Village which is located off the Glendale Blvd or Fletcher exit off the 5 close to Griffith Park.
In most cases my studio is more than adequate for your shooting needs. However if you are looking for a studio with built sets, upscale homes or other great locations, I have great resources. Just let me know what you are looking for. Please be aware these locations rent for around $500 for 3 hours go up from there.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY SHOOT?
All garments should be clean, pressed and ready to photograph. Most imperfections can be “cleaned up” in post production for an additional fee. Please bring your steamer with you.
Being organized is very helpful. Have a shot list (line sheet) you can use to keep track of what needs to be photographed and that you can use to “check things off” as they are shot. If you are working with more than one model, keep the items each will wear separate, etc.
DO I HAVE TO BE AT THE SHOOT? WILL YOU ART DIRECT MY SHOOT?
It’s highly recommended that you be present or that you send a representative from your company to oversee the process. In the event that no company representative is available to work the shoot, you agree that I will style and make decisions according to my eye and experience… this may or may not be exactly how you would do it.
If additional art direction, graphic or web design is needed for your shoot, please inquire.
POST PRODUCTION
I take pride in the look of my work and always do post production color correction and other style related manipulations prior to retouching. Therefore hi-res images are provided on disk within approximately 3 days of our shoot. If you require photos sooner, please discuss before shooting. In most cases I am able to meet your needs. I do NOT offer disk immediately after our shoot. This would require me to make compromises in my work.
I do offer RETOUCHING.
For simple retouching and color/contrast adjustments 1 charge $10 each selected image. Re-sizing to your specifications is $2/per image & burned to disc. For editorial work retouching is charged at $20 per image. If a photo requires extensive retouching, extra fees may be applied. This is usually not the case and would be discussed before the job is started.
IMAGE LICENSING
You are free use the resulting images from any of our shoots within your company for any purpose and for as long as you wish unless otherwise noted by contract.
If you are hiring agency models, the agency may write in usage restrictions. Please inquire about that when you hire your models.
