In simple terms, the creator of the image holds the copyright. The use is then licensed to the purchaser or business. For example you need the dynamic exterior listed above for use on your web site and in a brochure. We "release" the copyright for you to use the image as described for as long as you need it. We retain the right to use the image for internal promotion and advertising (like using it on our web site to show off your beautiful building). You are not free to sell the image to, for example, to Sunset Magazine or National Geographic. If they want the image for the cover of their next months edition, they need to talk with us. We can negotiate or arrange for any need you have. Candidly, images of your business or products are really only valuable to you so copyright is seldom an issue.

On our web site, there is a tab named Commercial Shoot Checklist. This is a list of many of the things that the photographer is looking for or will be doing during the shoot. There is really nothing magic in this list. Just a practical walk-through for you to make sure everything is in order.

It is almost impossible to give a specific number as each job has different requirements and expectations. For example, we just had a client request a building exterior for advertising. We visited the building a couple of times to see how the light and shadows played off the structure. We took a number of reconnaissance photos, did no retouching or editing but used those to sit down with the client to review the angles and lighting and to determine their needs and expectations. One particular angle was "just perfect" for their needs. We waited for them to complete some landscaping and for the right weather and light to complete the job. In that case they received just the one image. When needs cannot be as "dialed-in" we shoot a wide variety to make sure we have the clients needs taken care of.

This would be a similar answer to how many photographs are taken. If a business owner needed a new photograph of his remodeled lobby and had everything prepared prior to the photographer arriving, we could be in and out of the building in 30 minutes. An elaborate kitchen interior with staging and models could take several hours. We work at asking a lot of questions and helping the business owner be as ready as possible to minimize the time taken for the imagery. There is a balance however. The more time we are allowed, the more and higher quality we can produce.

This is a tougher one to call. When the client is present, we can show the images as they are taken on a high resolution iPad screen to allow immediate feedback and approval. The flip side of this is that this takes additional time which typically equates to a higher cost. We are always open to having the client present and participating in the process. Sometimes it is a great help, other times it can be distracting and limit the creative flow. It all depends on the nature and subject matter being photographed. We are always open to discussion to accommodate the clients needs in this matter.

A business owner can certainly use their own camera in the same way you can decide to repair your new car. Without the right and special tools though, it may not provide the results you desire. We have specialized cameras, lenses and custom tools made just for Commercial Photography. Also, the taking of the photographs is just the first step. For every hour of photography, there is two hours of editing, retouching and enhancing the images with specialty computer programs.

Typically when someone wants a photographer, they contact a local photography studio, which is happy to come do the work, among their scheduling of family portraits, seniors, newborns and weddings. We specialize in commercial photography as our only focus. Our training, equipment and expertise is directed to make you more profitable. It's like the difference between a general auto mechanic and a specialty shop that only does high performance German automobiles.

Once we sit and discuss your specific needs, we prepare a quote for the photography services. Once this quote is approved, the business will be invoiced for the services we will be performing.