My 3 P’s for a successful photo production & shoot.

Jan 22

Since 2016 we’ve produced and created photo + video content for over 100 clients worldwide including Framebridge, Madewell, Wedding Wire and Essence Magazine!

After finding success in my business and being praised for my project management skills, I decided to extend photo production services to other photographers.

I had the opportunity to provide photo production services to Destination DC + freelance photographer Jennifer Chase. In total we worked on 6 photo shoots together across 3 months!

Why would you hire a photo producer?

A Producer is responsible for overseeing and providing production services including employing the crew, contracting any vendors, providing insurance for the project, securing third party releases, etc.

Producer Serves as a Orchestra’s Conductor, we make sure everyone works together to create a beautifully composed piece [or assets video + images]. It allows a photographer to be proactive instead of reactive when working on a project.

Many artists (photographers, videographers, agencies) may lack the time, patience and resources to focus on the creative AND project management/analytical logistics for a project.

A photo producer provides project management support for photographers and other creatives.

Services Include but are not limited to:

Talent Crew Hiring/Casting
Project Budgeting
Securing Permits/Talent Releases
Location Scouting
Day of Coordination [Sending out call sheets/call times; ordering craft services, liason between the client + crew, manage flow of the day, alert photographer of client adjustments to adjust the timelines, etc]
Pre-Production Management
Post-Production Management [Retouching + File Management]

For Destination DC I managed talent releases and day of Coordination Services for 6 shoots at 6 separate locations.

What makes a successful photo production?

I love creating frameworks to help remember concepts and there are 3 P’s for a successful photo production: Project, People and Pay Terms.

Project (or Scope of work)

Producers are not magicians or mind readers. We can anticipate changes, with information IN ADVANCE. It’s helpful to know all information about the project to determine who will be a great fit and build out a budget based on needs. Information we’d need to know:

Stills? How many images? Motion? How many videos?
In Studio/On Location?
Turnaround time/Due date for Assets?
Models?
Usage [Duration, Territories, Budget]
Where is the shoot?
Prep Days?

Tip: Never assume! Ask for clarification via email or phone call.

People

A crew can make/break a project. Understanding the scope of work allows the producer to recommend/hire the right team members for a project.

Collaborate with local creatives and lean on your network. Before hiring new collaborators for bigger projects I always schedule test/smaller projects. I also ask for creatives’ rates IN ADVANCE

Tip: Ask for creatives’ rates IN ADVANCE and create a contact Rolodex with creatives’ rates + update 1x quarter/1x year.

Payment (Budget)

Producers/Photographers need to know the budget before committing to the project. It allows us to figure out logistics and alignment.

Logistics: What is required to execute this project? Talent, Location, Timing]
Alignment: Can we achieve what the client is looking for with the budget? or does the scope of work need to be adjusted?

How does a producer get paid?

A Producer’s Rate can be a flat rate OR a % of the total cost of the project. Itemized like the rest of components of the invoice. [Rate based on scope of work].

Producers require to be paid in full before the FIRST shoot day OR 50 - 75% at contract signing. **In line with AICP guidelines & in agreement with the AMA.

Hopefully this gives you a better idea of what photo producers do and how they can help elevate your shoot.

Here are the final images from this project!!!!