If you are entering your project into a competition, marketing your firm, or advertising, you should hire a professional photographer. While you might be able to snap a few images of your finished project. A professional will provide you with images of the highest quality of your design. These photographs can help you promote your company for years and bringing you more clients. Here are some ways to help you prepare to hire an architectural photographer:
Plan Ahead
Before inquiring a photographer about your project, it is best to know what you want these images to do for you. Make a list of what your project is about, some of the import features and elements, and how you would like to use the images. It is also helpful to have a budget in mind so that the photographer knows what they are working with.
By providing as much information as possible, the photographer can provide you with the most accurate proposal. Knowing where you think a photo might ultimately be used will help the photographer know how to price the job. For example, a cabinetry image may not be intended for a design awards binder, but would be useful for showing prospects examples of kitchen remodels.
Find the Right Person
It is important to find a photographer who can capture your project the way it was intended. Although it has become easier to locate and hire any photographer, it is not recommended. It is essential to hire photographer who specializes in their field of photography. How can I find the right photographer? A referral from another designer or architect is a good way to find a professional photographer. Otherwise, if you are located in the Tacoma or Seattle area feel free to connect with me. Or see why you should work with me.
Bottom Line
The rate of a photography project depends on the creative fee of the photographer, the licensing and post production fee, and the production fee. Why should I know how I want to use the images? It is important to note that the photographs are the photographer’s intellectual property. This means that the photographer will retain full copyright of the images, but license out the photos to their clients.
What if I don’t want to deal with licensing and just own the images? It is very rare that a photographer will sell the rights of an image, and if they do it is usually at an extreme rate. In this case I recommend an unlimited use for the images, this allows you to use the images for whatever reason, but the photographer remains the owner of the images being able to re-license the images to other parties. This is still an expensive option, but is much more financially friendly than purchasing the complete copyright.
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