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.