Schedule/Timing/Duration of Shooting Images

Ideally, the order in which images are taken needs to be established before arrival on the location and can easily be established by some kind of scouting. Natural lighting through windows, on exterior faces, etc. can determine what order images will be shot in. As a very rough rule of thumb, each individual image can take from 45 to 90 minutes to set up, properly stag with props and furniture arrangement, and photograph. However, some of the highest end architectural photographers can take several hours for set up, primarily to position lighting. I know of one of the top photographers that can has been known to use 200+ lights on a single image and it took eight hours to achieve his single, award-winning shot.

Photography Staging Area

Talk with the photographer about what kind of staging area needs are required. He/she will need space for cases, lighting assembly, and, if the photographer doesn’t work with their camera tethered to a display, a workstation to review images after the shot. Depending on the amount of equipment and props required, these needs can be just a few square feet, but generally average about 10x10.

Your Input - How Much Are You Involved?

Photography is a collaborative effort, but how this is handled varies from photographer to photographer. My approach is working with you, listening to your vision for the image, your preferences, learning what you’re trying to achieve with an image, etc. helps me create an image that hopefully exceeds your expectations. But just like you are a specialist in your field, we are as well, and bring unique experience and creativity to the process as well. If it were easy to just press a button and capture incredible images, you could bring in a high school student or someone from your administrative staff with a good camera.

Potential “Don’ts” When Working With A Photographer

This is varies from photographer to photographer:

• Touching Equipment. Just from a liability standpoint, if you were innocently shift a tripod or a light stand, and it were to fall over... well, you get the picture.
• Looking Through the View Finder/Touching the Camera. Some photographers absolutely don’t like this at all. With more and more photographers shooting tethered, you will be able to see the image instantaneously as soon as it is shot anyway. Besides, again, would you want to accidentally knock over that camera that potentially is worth more than some used cars?
• “Saying Anything But “Yes.”  I saw this written on another architectural photographer’s web site as something some photographers demand - and they were referred to as prima donnas. Personally if you were always saying yes to me, I would be worried that you weren’t completely involved in the project, and we might not be accomplishing your vision.

Whether you were there or not, and whether we are your photographer on a project or not, if you have any questions or comments about commissioning architectural photography, please feel free to drop us a line anytime. We'd be happy to help!

Kimberly Blom-Roemer
Photographer
R2 Photography, LLC
r2-photography.com

866-722-9506

SAP-We Have an Estimate – Now What? Controlling the Cost of a Project

A photographer’s estimate is based on the information you provided about the scope of work of your project. Just like your bidding process for your own projects, there may be questions, clarifications, and negotiations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to negotiate, but just always negotiate in the same manner in which you would want to be negotiated with... fairly. When you ask the photographer for something, be prepared to give something.

Have your annual budget and number of projects in mind. Many photographers are willing to negotiate fees on one project, when there are multiple projects added to the original agreement. You’re familiar with this, the quantity discount. But, be prepared to contract all of these projects at the time you’re offering it, because nearly every single photographer has been burned on the promise of “future work” if you “cut us a deal” now, and the future work never materializes.

There are areas in which you can trim your costs, but always remember, the photographer has included these items in their estimate for a reason, and probably has already tried to keep these charges to a minimum in order to land your project. If you want to negotiate down the lighting rental charge, remember that this may impact the quality of the final image. If you’re looking at the number of assistants required, this may increase the amount of time the photographer has to be on site since set up may potentially take longer with fewer crew members.

Whether you were there or not, and whether we are your photographer on a project or not, if you have any questions or comments about commissioning architectural photography, please feel free to drop us a line anytime. We'd be happy to help!

Kimberly Blom-Roemer
Owner-Photographer
R2 Photography, LLC
r2-photography.com

866-722-9506

SAP-Understanding the Estimate

The most common question an architectural photographer is asked, “How much will it cost?” But unfortunately, that question is usually asked without much detail about the project. Very few architectural photographers have a “Price List” because of the nature of each and every project is different. There is also not a “pay scale” for architectural photographers because images are not a commodity. Finally, identical services from two different photographers will charge a completely different set of fees.

Just like your design rates quoted in your proposals for projects, that number isn’t what the individual architect or designer takes home as their pay. Just like your firm, architectural photographers have overhead: cameras, computers, software, vehicles, lighting, office space, equipment, etc. The fees you see in an estimate aren’t just the charge for clicking a shutter.

All photographers are performing a balancing act between providing the most exceptional images possible while still providing you the most value for your project.

Elements of an Estimate

Though every Estimate is different, there are usually three basic components:

Creative Fee

Some photographers perform their services on a “Day” or “Half Day” rate, while others work on a “per shot” basis. This component also can be broken down by Photographer and Digital Artist (post production).

Usage Fee

You would not allow your General Contractor, or your Client, to take your designs for a building and build another building using them, and thus profit from it. Those are your creative designs and they are owned by your firm. The same holds true for your architectural photographs, the photographer lets you use them, just like you… for a fee.

Copyright of images is usually retained by the architectural photographer, unless specifically granted in the Terms and Conditions of your contract. Most photographers register their images with the US Copyright Office and to violate that copyright can be an expensive prospect. Some photographers do offer the copyrights to their images to their clients, but in doing so, they usually charge for this transfer.

Usage varies also according to how you are going to use the image. If you are going to use the images only for in-house documentation purposes, the usage would be relatively low. However, if you were going to use it on a billboard for paid advertising purposes, the Usage would be quite high because your potential financial gain from that image is a lot higher than the construction progress images in your file cabinet.

NOTE: To protect your firm, you need to be sure that you understand clearly the terms and conditions of usage of the images of your project. If you don’t understand something in the Terms and Conditions, ask the photographer, they will be more than happy to explain them, and if necessary, adjust them to meet your needs. However, this pay increase (or decrease) the Usage charges on the estimate.

Expenses

These are generally set expenses incurred by the photographer. Typical examples include:

• Assistants
• Lighting or Other Equipment Rental
• Location Scouting (either by the photographer or an assistant)
• Props
• Travel
• Media
• Permits

Whether you were there or not, and whether we are your photographer on a project or not, if you have any questions or comments about commissioning architectural photography, please feel free to drop us a line anytime. We'd be happy to help!

Kimberly Blom-Roemer
Photographer
R2 Photography, LLC
r2-photography.com

866-722-9506

NEWS RELEASE-Local Business Owner Elected to ASMP National Board of Directors

Contact: Kimberly Blom-Roemer (866) 722-9506

contact_us@r2-photography.com

For Immediate Release

French Settlement, LA – Kimberly Blom-Roemer, Owner of R2 Photography, LLC has been elected to serve a 3-year term on the National Board of Directors of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP).

Board members are elected nation-wide by the organization’s General Members on the basis of their professional qualifications and leadership experience, as well as their perspective on various issues impacting photographers and the creative industry.

“I am acutely aware of the issues and challenges facing photographers and everyone in the creative industry,” notes Blom-Roemer on her inspiration to pursue the ASMP Board position. “The industry bears little resemblance to the one of five or ten years ago. Technology has made a massive impact, with extreme benefits and sometimes drawbacks to working professionals. But rather than lament the change in the industry, I am about believing in the promise of the new frontiers open to all of us. To help other creatives refine their business practices in order to embrace these changes to grow their businesses is a goal of my service on the ASMP National Board.

Blom-Roemer is also a member of the Association of Independent Architectural Photographers (AIAP), the International Association of Architectural Photographers (IAAP) where she is a client needs forum lead, the Real Estate Photographers of American and International (REPAI), and has been an affiliate member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in Kansas City.

Before moving to French Settlement in the fall of 2011, Blom-Roemer helped resurrect a dormant ASMP chapter in Kansas City, serving both as the Vice President, and later it’s President. Her efforts included bringing Canon Explorers of Light presenters to the area, and to establish regular educational and networking events. All these activities were designed to enhance the professional development opportunities in the region.

ASMP is the premier trade association for photographers, providing members with all the tools, information and support needed to run successful photography businesses. ASMP members are recognized as a community of forward-thinking professionals. More information about ASMP is available at http://www.asmp.org.

R2 Photography, LLC is one of the few architectural and aerial photography specialists along the Gulf Coast. We provide architectural, interior design, architectural product, aerial, and construction progress photography to support projects from initial ground breaking to final completion photography. In addition to being a State of Louisiana Registered Vendor, we are also a State of Louisiana Certified Small Entrepreneur (Hudson Initiative) (SEHI) Vendor, and a Federal Small Business Registered Enterprise. Contact R2 Photography, LLC, 17030 Dykes Road, French Settlement, LA 70733, telephone: 866-722-9506 or by visiting our web site at http://www.r2-photography.com.

SAP-Selecting Projects to Photograph for Your Portfolio

Project Selection

There are various reasons to photograph your projects, and your probably have different portfolios for different marketing strategies.

• Ideal Target Market Projects - This is the portfolio with images to grab the attention of clients that you’re targeting specifically.
• Balanced Portfolio - For more general target clients that show the wide-spectrum of capabilities of your firm.
• General Projects - These are more of a documentary of your projects, so you have it for your records and the ability to pull these images for specialized presentations.
• Reshooting Previously Photographed Projects - This is a very under utilized marketing strategy which is a way to keep your portfolio fresh with new images even if they are of slightly older projects. It is also extremely beneficial when you have a strong relationship with one or two photographers in which you can further refine your firm’s entire brand image.

When to Photograph

When every possible we highly recommend photographing a facility before occupancy or opening, or just slightly after. Elements and details of a project are still new, crisp, clean, and fresh and free of the normal wear and tear of a facility over time.

Additionally, if you are considering submitting the images for competitions or publications, the more current the project the more relevant the submission.

Identify Your Needs

Questions to ask yourself.

• What elements of your project best represent your vision and design?
• What are additional elements, concepts or other features do you wish to highlight?
• What aspects of a project do you not want to be photographed and avoided by the photographer?
• Were there any aspects of your design that illustrate creative problems solving by your firm?
• How is the photography going to be incorporated into your marketing plan?
• Display to clients via web site, presentations and portfolios?
• Competitions
• Paid placement advertising
• Trade magazines or book publication
• Internally produced publications
• In-house only reference and documentation?

Whether you were there or not, and whether we are your photographer on a project or not, if you have any questions or comments about commissioning architectural photography, please feel free to drop us a line anytime. We'd be happy to help!

Kimberly Blom-Roemer
Photographer
R2 Photography, LLC
r2-photography.com

866-722-9506

SAP Newsletter-Planning Your Architectural Photography Project

As they say, a little planning saves a lot of pain, and that holds true for Architectural Photography. It isn’t as easy showing up and clicking a shutter. To ensure excellent final images, a thorough pre-planning process can save everyone from headaches, miscommunication, and surprises later in a project.

Below is an outline of typical planning milestones we have found to lead to a successful team effort with our clients.

Image Requirements Discussion
Before our initial meeting it is important that you and your design team identify views that best represent your designs. Questions to discuss include:

• Are there any specific concepts/elements/features you want highlighted?
• Are there areas that illustrate creative problem solving by your team?
• Are there specific “must-have” interior and exterior views?

After discussing and listing all the desired images, prioritize those images in order of importance.

Site Visit
The Site Visit is vitally important for several reasons:

• Face-To-Face Discussions. We review your desired shot list and identify them in the facility. Notes are made concerning the specific expectations of individual shots and any challenges or requirements to create your vision. We will also discuss logistical requirements.

• Facility Representative Coordination. We can discuss with them what is happen during the assignment. They can ensure all lights are in working order,undesirable items are removed, landscaping/cleaning, various “housekeeping” items completed, etc. We don’t want them surprised by cases of equipment and several individuals descending on their facility for a day or more. Without their cooperation, it would be nearly impossible to complete the project.

• Technical Preparation. Color quality and light levels are measured and notated to determine technical requirements for illumination and color correcting . Scouting photographs are also taken which will be posted to your private section of our web site for review to prepare for the final photography meeting.

Site Specific Checklist
After the Site Visit we will provide you a checklist of items and details that need to be addressed or corrected prior to the photography.

Final Photography Meeting
Usually performed via telephone, together we will review your online scouting photographs and the Site Specific Checklist. We will agree on specific final views to be performed the day of the assignment.

Whether you were there or not, and whether we are your photographer on a project or not, if you have any questions or comments about commissioning architectural photography, please feel free to drop us a line anytime. We'd be happy to help!

Kimberly Blom-Roemer
Photographer
R2 Photography, LLC
r2-photography.com

866-722-9506

2011-Happy Holidays from R2 Photography LLC

Happy Holidays

and a

Prosperous New Year

from everyone here at