This page outlines general policies and considerations for assignment photography.
Assignment photography can consist of a wide range of services. In general, assignment photography includes all types of photography commissioned by a client. Assignment photography is the opposite of stock photography, where the client licenses the use of existing photographic images.
Assignment photography consists of either:
If you have not worked with me before, and, particularly if you have not contracted for assignment photography before, please read the following carefully. The policies outlined here are similar to those of most photographers who provide assignment photography services.
Because each assignment is different, fees for assignment photography are negotiated for each assignment, on a time plus expense basis. Also factored in are the rights for picture use required by the client.
The fees for photography take into consideration the uses to be made of the photography and the potential of the images for future use as stock photography. (See the section on stock photography below.) Time-based fees are normally based on either:
For some special-case situations I will consider a half-day fee (0.6 times the one-day fee) for a simple local shoot. Because of preparation and follow-up work required for all assignments, I do not consider assignments of less than half a day.
All location shoots require some preparation. As a follow-up to all assignment photography, I have the film commercially processed and then number and label the resulting transparencies. These photos are then edited and arranged for review by the client. In addition, all images shot on assignment are kept on file by me for potential future use by the client.
These services are normally included in the basic fee unless special post-production services are required.
Travel time is billed at half the agreed-on day rate. Travel time applies when more than half the day is spent on travel related to the assignment. A travel day may include some shooting related to the assignment -- if this is not the only shooting involved in the assignment.
Location delays resulting from weather conditions (making the desired photography impossible) and other circumstances beyond the control of the client are billed at half the agreed on day rate. Clients should consider the possibility of adverse weather in scheduling assignments and allow an adequate number of shooting days.
Terms for assignment photography assume the client has selected specific locations for the photography. Where the assignment requires extensive location scouting or other research prior to or following the photography, this work normally results in an additional fee.
Expenses for assignment photography can include (but are not limited to) the following:
Assignments with substantial travel expenses or other major purchases to be paid by me prior to the assignment normally require an advance payment. The advance payment is stipulated in the assignment estimate, agreement to which, constitutes a contract for the assignment work.
Film and processing are a special expense category because of the following considerations:
Therefore, film is normally billed based on a rounded-off figure stipulated on the assignment estimate. The same is true for processing. You will only be billed for the actual number of rolls shot and processed.
Lab services for display prints or duplicate transparencies (for AV presentations) are billed as an expense. These are a different category from the rights to such uses, which are included in the basic fee.
Where the assignment requires special props or the services of professional models, I prefer that the client contract for these services. In any case, please advise of the arrangements to be made in this area. If these arrangements are to be made by me, they will be billed for separately.
I normally work alone. However, some situations may require assistance in setting up or moving equipment (particularly where extensive lighting is required) or in having someone watch over equipment while I do the actual photography. In many cases, these services can be provided by someone employed by the client.
If a professional photographic assistant is required, this will be stipulated in the assignment contract and will be a billable expense.
I have worked in many types of industrial situations and normally provide my own safety gear, including OSHA-compliant steel-toed boots and eye glasses. I also normally provide my own hard hat and hearing protectors, where these are required. Should an assignment require additional protective gear or provide hazards to me or my equipment, please be sure to discuss these prior to the assignment.
I maintain a substantial stock photo file, specializing in the following areas:
If you are interested in stock coverage of any of the above subject areas, please contact me for additional information. [rev.99/08]
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If you are interested in having me do assignment photography for your publication or organization, please also read the discussion of Copyright Issues applicable to assignment photography, available in this section of the site.
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