Category Tips

Understanding Photographer and Videographer Rates

July 31, 2024 0 Comments read Blog, Business, Client Work, Industrial, Shop Talk, Tips

Industrial workers — *© Brian Fitzgerald*

When hiring a photographer or videographer, rates can be confusing. Some photographers don’t provide day rates, while videographers often do. Sometimes you might encounter work-for-hire contracts; other times, you hire someone to create a defined product, such as a 1-2 minute video business profile, priced by the deliverable rather than the time it takes.

To clear up the confusion, here’s a breakdown of some key terms that can help you navigate the hiring process more effectively next time you have a visual project.

Work For Hire (Paying To Own)

What It Is: In a Work For Hire (WFH) arrangement, the client owns the full rights to the visuals from the moment they are created. This is typical when the work is performed by an employee of the company but can apply to independent contractors.

Why It’s Important: The creator relinquishes all ownership and cannot use the work for their portfolio or other purposes without permission. This is crucial for clients who need complete control and ownership of the content, particularly when proprietary or trademarked processes and products are shown. Note that specific legal definitions determine what constitutes WFH, and a contract specifying WFH may not be legally binding if those conditions aren’t met.

Project Rates (Paying For Value)

What It Is: Project rates are a fixed fee agreed upon for the entire scope of work, typically covering pre-production, production, and post-production phases. This is often my preferred pricing method because the focus is on results, not time.

Why It’s Important: This approach ensures a well-defined project scope and clear expectations for both parties. It often leads to more thorough planning and better final results, as the photographer or videographer can focus on specific deliverables. Project rates focus the creative professional on creating the best outcome rather than counting minutes or hours. An experienced photographer may produce the same amount of work as a less-experienced one but in less time. Using a project rate, pricing is based on the end product and rewards the experienced photographer for their efficiency. For my clients, efficiency and minimal disruption to their operations is invaluable.

Product Pricing (Paying For Specific Deliverables)

What It Is: Product pricing refers to a model where the cost is based on the final deliverables rather than the time spent creating them. Examples include a formal business headshot or a 90-second explainer video for a local business.

Why It’s Important: This pricing structure is straightforward and focuses on the value of the end product. Clients pay for the specific images or videos they receive, making it easier to budget and justify.

Day Rates (Paying For Time)

What It Is: Day rates are fees charged by the day (typically 8, 10, or 12 hours), covering the professional’s time on a daily basis regardless of the setups, sessions, or work performed.

Why It’s Important: Day rates might make sense if you value flexibility and budget predictablity, but they encourage scope creep, which can lead to quantity over quality and time over efficiency.

There’s no single “right” way to structure rates. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the difference between them will help you budget and ensure a smooth, successful project. Your visual professional should also be able to explain these terms and why they recommend a particular rate structure so you can make the best possible decision for you and your project.

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Want to discuss an upcoming visual project or want help telling your visual story? Let us know!

Redundancy and Creative Resilience

October 17, 2023 0 Comments read Blog, Business, Shop Talk, Tips, Tools

*David Moses Bridges, Passamaquoddy artist and activist, photographed in 2007. © Brian Fitzgerald*

Redundancy has a bad rap. It conjures images of lost jobs, of being the expendable one. But as a creative, redundancy is my secret weapon. It makes me and my creative work resilient.

Think about photo gear: cameras, cards, batteries, lights—all need backups. When I’m far from home, a single gear failure can derail a shoot. But the idea goes deeper. Redundant copies of client work, a shortlist of reliable assistants, multiple setups for every shoot—they all are necessary in my world.

A case in point: a recent shoot went sideways. My first location and setup just wasn’t working the way I wanted it to. Then, my subject got pulled into a surprise last-minute meeting. This chewed up one hour of a two-hour shoot. Fortunately, I’d arrived hours before the shoot and had other setups and locations waiting. I pivoted, and once my subject was free, we were able to move on.

Those second and third locations turned out to be gold. Far better than the original, in fact. Redundancy gave me options, which in turn gave me the ability to adapt. Challenges are a certainty in any business. But if you give yourself options, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving when things change. Maybe it’s better to reframe redundancy. Rather than being expendable, it’s about being prepared.

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Bridging the Gap

September 12, 2023 0 Comments read Blog, Creative, Inspirational, Photographers, Shop Talk, Tips

In the classic “South Park” episode featuring the Underpants Gnomes, a straightforward but fundamentally flawed business plan is unveiled: Phase 1, collect underpants. Phase 3, reap the profits. This presentation humorously omits a crucial element — Phase 2.

Aspiring artists watching YouTube might hear similar-sounding plans: “Step one, buy this camera; watch this course. Step 3, get clients, fame, and financial freedom.” So simple, anyone can do it.

So why don’t they?

As with the gnomes’ plan, several vital steps are missing. True success as a creative requires identifying and filling these gaps.

For creatives, learning doesn’t follow a neat linear path — mastering one skill thoroughly before progressing to the next. It’s a more chaotic, but rewarding, journey: gain a foundational understanding, move forward, stumble, recognize a gap in knowledge or skill, then return to deepen your understanding. It is an ongoing cycle of growth where mistakes aren’t setbacks but signals, guiding you toward the gaps begging for attention.

The goal isn’t to avoid errors; it’s to engage actively and learn from them. It’s about embracing a dynamic learning process where missteps aren’t failures but opportunities to go deeper.

If you think you’ve addressed the gap but issues persist, you’ve dealt with a surface-level gap but not the true, core gap at the root of your problems. In other words, maybe the issue isn’t that the gnomes don’t know how to make stolen underpants profitable. Maybe the real gap is their decision to venture into the underpants business in the first place.

Gaps are the elusive Phase 2 on the path to genuine, sustainable success as a creative. Look for the gaps and let them lead you in the right direction.

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Rituals That Preserve Energy and Creativity

July 18, 2023 0 Comments read Blog, Creativity, Education, On Location, Shop Talk, Tips, Tools

Gear Checklist © Brian Fitzgerald

With years of commercial and editorial photography under my belt, I’ve learned that the devil is truly in the details. Never mind the big stuff, like bustling locations or fickle weather. It’s the little things that make or break a shoot. Like the old proverb goes, “for want of a nail, the kingdom was lost”, small errors can lead to big problems.

Photographers and videographers juggle a lot. From equipment to location details, timing to names—keeping track of it all is a Herculean task. That’s why experienced pros systemize their workflows to preempt surprises and minimize errors.

My pre- and post-shoot rituals are a must. Sure, they’re mundane and time-consuming, but not skipping them is a lesson I’ve learned the hard way. I always kick-off each location shoot with a gear checklist. Once packed, I tick off each item once more lest I wind up forgetting a digital card or battery. Post-shoot, the list doubles up to check off used items and note gear needing servicing.

My other post-shoot ritual is a comprehensive review—think of a military-style After-Action Review. This step is vital to noting both wins and areas for improvement. Only then can I truly learn and progress. This entire process adds about an hour, but it’s saved me ample headaches and led to constant refinement of my processes.

Over the years, I’ve used everything from journals and paper checklists to Evernote templates and now, Notion. The tech isn’t important—consistency is.

Challenge yourself to identify places in your workflow where you can add checklists and simple procedures that will free you up to focus on your creative (and more valuable) work.

Shoot Post-Mortem by Brian Fitzgerald

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Five Tips For Better Outdoor Portraits

May 23, 2023 0 Comments read Assignments, Blog, Editorial, On Location, Portraits, Storytelling, Tips

well-dressed motorcycle rider © Brian Fitzgerald

Outdoor environmental portraits offer a blend of human emotion and natural beauty and can elevate a simple portrait into a compelling visual story. Whether you’re a pro photographer looking to refine your craft—or you’re in a position to hire one—understanding the dynamics of outdoor portrait photography is key. Here are five things I try to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Fight the Sun (Unless You Know You Can Win)

There’s no way around it: photographing outside in full sun is a big challenge, especially for natural-light photographers. Harsh direct sunlight can cause unflattering shadows, squinting, and overexposure. A classic solution is shooting during the ‘golden hour’ – the time just after sunrise or just before sunset when the light is softer and warmer, which can help to create a magical mood.

Choosing the time of day isn’t always an option, so if you’re planning on doing battle under the blazing noon sun, you’ll have to bring plenty of backup in the form of off-camera flash and reflectors. For example, you might position your subject with their back to the sun, using it as a hair light, and fill in their face with a reflector or flash. You’ll need a firm grasp on balancing ambient and artificial light, but if done correctly, you can create dramatic portraits with impact.

2. Show The Environment

The outdoors provides background options that can complement your subject and tell a deeper story. Storytelling details might also help tell the story of your subject.

Watch out for distracting elements in the frame that may draw attention away from your subject. Use depth of field to your advantage, blurring out the background to keep focus on your subject when necessary.

3. Use Motivated Lighting

Just like in filmmaking, motivated lighting plays a crucial role in photography. The concept refers to lighting that appears to come from a natural source within the scene, like the sun, a lamp, or a fire. This kind of lighting not only looks more natural, but it also helps to tell a story and create a certain mood or atmosphere.

4. Create Rapport

Creating a genuine connection with your subject is vital in any kind of portrait photography, but it’s even more crucial outdoors where there are more variables at play. It’s easy to get caught up in your gear, or dealing with changing light and variables like wind, and to forget about connecting with your subject. Good rapport can help your subject feel comfortable and relaxed, leading to more authentic expressions and poses.

5. Mix It Up

Finally, add variety to your outdoor portraits by mixing up poses, locations, angles, and focal lengths. You might start with wide, non-portrait lens and then work up to a tight headshot with a portrait-length lens. Have your subject look away from the camera as well as towards it. You’re not just after a well-composed portrait; you’re looking to create a mood.

The key to a successful outdoor portrait shoot is adaptability. The natural environment is ever-changing, and so should your approach. The sun might not always cooperate, and your environment will present unexpected challenges or distractions. But with these five tips in mind you’ll be better prepared to capture stunning outdoor portraits that truly tell a story.

Timeless Visuals: 3 Strategies for Lasting Impact

May 9, 2023 0 Comments read Business, Marketing, Tips

Everyday Heroes © Brian Fitzgerald

Evergreen visual content consists of images, videos, and graphics that remain relevant and engaging for years. Unlike content tied to trends or current events, evergreen visuals focus on timeless themes, making them a valuable, long-lasting asset for your brand. Here are three tips that can help with your content plan, along with examples.

Focus on universal themes and emotions
Create visual content that speaks to your audience’s core emotions and experiences. Rather than designing an infographic about a fleeting social media challenge, create one highlighting the importance of work-life balance.

Scenario: A health and wellness brand creates a visually striking video series that explores mindfulness techniques and stress reduction, instead of focusing on a short-lived fitness fad. This series will continue to resonate with audiences, helping the brand maintain a long-lasting connection with its followers.

Your Turn! @Brian Fitzgerald

Invest in high-quality visuals
Great visuals stand the test of time, reflecting your brand’s commitment to excellence. For example, a property management company can showcase the lifestyle of their properties through professional images that highlight key features and capture the experience of actually living in their spaces. These captivating images will continue to impress potential clients and show the company to be one who cares about making the lives of residents better.

Scenario: A tech company produces a well-designed, informative infographic that simplifies complex data and conveys the benefits of their software solutions. This kind of useful visual piece will continue to educate and engage audiences, even as the industry evolves.

Optimize visual content for searchability
Ensure your evergreen visuals remain discoverable by incorporating SEO best practices. When uploading images to your blog, use descriptive filenames and alt text that accurately represent the content. Additionally, make use of structured data to help search engines better understand and display your visuals in search results.

Scenario: A travel agency creates an extensive collection of stunning destination photos, each with a relevant keyword-rich filename and alt text. As a result, the agency’s website gains increased visibility in search results, drawing in potential clients and showcasing the company’s expertise in the travel industry.

By focusing in these three areas, you can create evergreen visual content that captivates, strengthens your brand’s presence, and endures over time.

Interested in creating evergreen visual content that will have a lasting impact? Let us know!

Hiring a Drone Photographer? Consider This First

April 25, 2023 0 Comments read Blog, Drone, Marketing, Shop Talk, Tips, Tools

Casco Bay Tugboat — *The tug Peggy Winslow passes Spring Point Ledge Light near Southern Maine Community College. © Brian Fitzgerald*

In the ever-changing world of drone photography, regulations and requirements are constantly updated. The FAA’s remote ID rule, set to take effect in September 2023, mandates that most drones in US airspace possess remote identification capabilities for safety and compliance. Drone pilots can meet these requirements by operating a drone with built-in broadcast capability, using an add-on remote ID broadcast module, or flying non-compliant aircraft exclusively at FAA-recognized identification areas (FRIAs)

As drone operators adapt to these changes, it’s crucial to ensure your chosen drone pilot can legally operate commercial flights. But that’s just the beginning. Here are five essential points to consider when hiring a drone photographer:

FAA Part 107 Certification: Ensure the drone pilot holds a current FAA Part 107 Certification, proving their knowledge of airspace regulations and safety procedures.
Insurance Coverage: Accidents happen. Make sure the photographer is insured to protect both parties.
Experience and Portfolio: Assess the photographer’s experience in your project type and review their portfolio to evaluate their style and proficiency.
Equipment and Capabilities: Inquire about the drone, camera, and stabilization systems used to determine their ability to deliver the desired quality.
Safety and Compliance Procedures: A responsible photographer will obtain necessary waivers, follow local regulations, and prioritize safe operation, including having a safety plan and visual observers when needed.

Address these five points to minimize risks and find a drone photographer who expertly navigates both the skies and the rules that govern them.

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Looking to incorporate aerial video or stills into your content marketing? We’d love to help!

Master your Content Calendar in 5 Steps

April 4, 2023 0 Comments read Blog, Business, Marketing, Tips

Ready to level up your content game? Craft a killer content calendar to keep your audience hooked. Streamline content creation, ensure a steady flow of engaging material, and support your brand’s marketing objectives with these five steps.

Set Goals, Win Big: Nail down your content goals from the get-go. Targeting brand awareness, social media engagement, or website traffic? Your objectives guide your content, and professional photography and videos will make it pop.
Themes and Topics, Front and Center: Jot down themes and topics that resonate with your audience. Align them with your brand, industry, and target interests (yes, we can help with that!). A bit of preparation guarantees a stream of impactful photo and video projects.
Variety is Key. Mix it up: Combine evergreen, timely, and promotional content. Showcase your brand’s different facets and keep your audience coming back for more.
Schedule Like a Pro: Map out your content release schedule. Consider the best days, times, and platforms for each post. Advance planning means you have time for targeted photography and video shoots, ensuring high-quality visual assets to accompany your content. Three planning tools we’ve used here at Fitzgerald Photo—good for individuals and for teams—include Trello, Asana and Google Workspace (formerly G Suite).
Adapt and Thrive: There’s no ‘set it and forget it’. Review and update your editorial calendar regularly. Analyze past content, tweak your approach, and plan for new projects. A dynamic calendar helps you stay aligned with your marketing goals while generating demand for the things you do and the ‘stuff’ you sell.

Follow these five steps to create an unbeatable content calendar. Your audience will be captivated, and your well-crafted and thought-out visuals will get the attention your brand deserves.

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Let your backgrounds tell the story

January 31, 2023 0 Comments read Blog, Education, Marketing, Tips

Portland, Maine Bartender — *Andrew Volk, co-owner of Portland, Maine’s Hunt & Alpine Club © Brian Fitzgerald*

When it comes to portraits: choosing the proper background environment is as important (and sometimes, more so) than the subject themselves.

Your backgrounds give clues, both subtle and overt, and add contextual information that gives portraits mood and depth. They help to tell a more complete story about your subject. In short, a well-executed background can do some heavy lifting when it comes to conveying information and emotion.

Think about your background environments as deeply as you do your primary subjects. Give that background your attention—with purposeful lighting, frame composition and styling—and let it do the hard work of storytelling for you.