Save agency costs, work directly with your photographer

Turbogenerator manufacturing plant in Wroclaw, Poland. Photo by Bryan McCartney

In a tough economy, trimming back agency costs is a necessity for business communicators. Many clients are now working directly with us, rather than turning to their creative agency for image requests. Whether you are experienced or a novice at working with photographers, here are five simple tips you should know:

1. Provide a written brief. A well-written briefing document helps ensure that the photographer understands what you want and what it will take to get the right images. A written brief should include image requirements, important contact details, delivery formats and timelines. 
2. Develop a “shot list”. The photographer must be clear on what he has to deliver to you. If the project involves shooting at another location, be sure to share the shot list with personnel who are on the ground at that location so they can help coordinate access to the products and areas required for the shooting. 
3. Guidelines are great. If your organization has visual guidelines for photography, take time to review these with your photographer. If you do not have guidelines, provide your photographer with reference image similar to what you want him/her to produce for you. 
4. Speak the same language. Be sure that you and your photographer are using the same terminology. We often hear clients mention that they want 'buy-out' rights, but in most cases, a temporary rights agreement will be much less expensive. 
5. Don't waste time. Photographers normally bill by the hour, so the more you can do to reduce the time the photographer needs to spend on-location, the less it will cost you. At the very least, have someone on site who is familiar with the project, able to answer questions and able to help coordinate activities (people, places, products) needed for the photo shoot.

In upcoming posts, we'll look closer at some of the topics we mentioned here, including how to prepare for a photo shoot, what to include in a shot list, and understanding copyrights.