23 Aug 5 Ways to Save Money on Your Photo Shoot
I spoke to at least twenty-seven contractors this year. Painters, flooring specialists, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, tree removal experts–I talked to them all. We bought a new home last year and gained more than a few projects with that purchase. In conversing with contractors, I found myself quickly falling in love with one phrase:
“If you’re willing to do ‘X’ yourself, you can save a little money.”
Home repairs add up fast, and a high-quality, insured professional who was also responsive is practically a unicorn (i.e. not cheap). If they suggested tackling a task to help save money, I was going to do it. I wanted it done right the first time, and I was also trying to work within a budget.
Many of our clients feel the same way about their photography shoots. They want high-quality, magazine-worthy imagery from a professional who can handle all of their wants and needs, and they’re often working within a budget. They ask the tough question, “How can I get what I want while saving money?”
Well, if you’re willing to do a few things before and during your photoshoot, you can save a little money.
Plan Ahead
We cannot stress enough how important it is to plan your photoshoot ahead of time, especially if you’re on a budget. You can’t wing it and expect everything to be efficient and smooth.
Make a list of all the photos you need. Think about your upcoming marketing projects, sales resources, media requests, award entries–anything that could need a photo. Put it all in one list. Once you have your complete wish list, break it out into sections: your “needs” and your “wants.” The “needs” will be the photos you have to get during your photo shoot. The “wants” will be the nice to haves, the ones you get if you have enough time during your session.
This is your shot list. Review this with your photographer and ask them what you can get done in a half day, full day, or whatever length session you want to schedule. Ask them how they would organize the shoot to maximize efficiency. You lose at least ten minutes every time your photographer moves their lights, more if they’re moving across the building or to a different floor. Once you find out how the photographer can move through your shot list efficiently, you can schedule your people, product, or space accordingly.
If you have an architecture shoot or are scheduling environmental portraits, you should ask for a walkthrough of your space. These are complimentary in our studio, and our photographer will meet with our client, tour the space to talk through the best angles, and develop a plan for the photo shoot. These are invaluable meetings that will help you save money on your photo shoot.
Stick to Your Shot List
Photo shoots are exciting. Once the lights are up, the camera is in place, and your photographer is saying things like, “Oh, this is going to be amazing,” it is hard to keep your creativity in check. Remember the shot list. You worked hard on it, so stick to it.
When a random, artistic shot comes to mind during your shoot, ask yourself if you really need it. Is it that important to derail an entire schedule? If it is, communicate your idea with your photographer as soon as possible to figure out how to efficiently add it to your list. You may need to reorganize or even cut another shot (or shots) to add the new photo. Your photographer will do whatever you want, but you can’t say you weren’t warned.
Stay with Your Photographer
It is so tempting to say, “Here you go. Photograph all of the things. I’m going to my desk to get back to work.” This photo shoot is your work. You hired a pro to take the photos, but you’re the one who has to use them.
Sticking with your photographer during a shoot helps speed up the process and ensures you get the exact photos you need. There are always small problems that pop up during a shoot–a person running late, a broken product, a locked room, a security guard trying to kick out your photographer. Things happen. If you’re nearby, you can stop a problem before it starts.
You’ll also be on hand to art direct. If you’re willing to help stage a shot and assist your photographer, you will save money on your photo shoot. The photographer can stay behind the camera for most of the shoot, and you won’t have to pay for an assistant.
Make Adjustments During the Shoot
Art directing is more than just moving objects a little to the left or adjusting someone’s hair. You need to approve the composition of the shot. Many people will say, “You’re the pro. Tell me what looks good.” However, you’re the one who will be using the photos. You know what works best for your projects (vertical vs. horizontal; wider composition vs. tighter crop; brighter lighting vs. dramatic lighting). There are 847 ways to photograph a space, product, or person. Only you know the best angle for your needs.
Making adjustments during the shoot not only ensures you get the perfect photo. It saves on post-production time, which in turn saves money. You need to know if retouching is included in a shoot and what your photographer is or isn’t willing to edit. This is your guideline during the shoot. If you or your photographer notices something that is outside of the retouching scope, you can quickly discuss whether you’re willing to pay for the edits or change the composition.
Think About Longevity
If you’re on a budget, you can’t afford to be trendy. Social media trends come and go so quickly, and some of those photos and reels take time to create. We encourage clients to be creative and fun while keeping longevity in mind. The trendy shots can be on your “want” list. You need photos that will last months or years, not minutes.
We also recommend creating versatile photos–images that will work for multiple projects. A photo that can be used for five purposes is more valuable than a photo that can only be used for one.
If you want to save money on your photo shoot, you need to communicate and plan. The more efficient you can make your session, the better. Knowing your options, collaborating with your photographer, and having a schedule helps you avoid reshoots and added dates. If you’re willing to do this list yourself, you can save a little money and have a lot of creative fun.
Want to talk about efficient photo shoots? Contact us.