First, this post is not just for photographers! Anyone with a service-based business needs to have a well-worded, comprehensive contract or agreement. Even part-time photographers who provide services to friends and family now and then can benefit from a photography contract. Contracts—as scary as they may sound—are essential to your business because they:  clearly outline […]

If you’re not in it every day, it’s hard to know how much to budget for your commercial photography or advertising project. I get quite a few inquiries from people who know what they want, but they’re unsure of all of that goes into a commercial photoshoot and the costs associated with it. So, here’s […]

Motion clips are great to add to your advertising arsenal…if done correctly. You can’t just pop any little clip in any spot and expect it to perform. However, if you strategically utilize stop-motion clips and GIF movement into your ads, you’ll probably find that they perform well and add that needed spark to your marketing […]

On the fence about whether or not you need a professional model? If your product is something that people can eat, use, or wear (which just about covers everything), you should consider using hand models or other professional models in some of your marketing material. Here’s why: 5 Reasons to Use Professional Models + Hand […]

If you’re in commercial photography or videography, fine-tuning your treatment process is crucial. As clients search for the perfect professional for their project, making the best first impression is key to landing the job. Plus, if they love what they see, they may be willing to pay more for it. Your treatment backs up your […]

Spontaneity is great for new adventures, road trips, and date nights. But it’s not so great for your visual marketing strategy. Here a few reasons to know what types of images you need and how you’ll use them before booking your food or product photographer (plus a few tips on how to narrow down your […]

You’ve nailed down the final pieces of your project, set up your inspiration board, submitted your creative brief, and you’re ready to get the show on the road! After booking a commercial photoshoot, I know how eager you are to get those images in your hands—or on your labels. But it’s imperative that we put […]

As a commercial photographer who loves photographing food, I tend to dabble in food styling (amateurly). Trying new plating and food presentation techniques is a creative process that I find both challenging and inspirational. The methods I discover while photographing food play into other types of photoshoots I do. Like me, most marketing professionals have […]

Can you imagine spending hours putting effort, creativity, and care into a project only to have someone take the credit right out from under you? They claim it as their own, share it with others, and you never get a second glance. Many professional marketing creatives passionately put all they have into each project and […]

Whether this is you’re a first-time “brander” with a new business or you’re a seasoned pro in the middle of rebranding, the marketing game has drastically changed over the last ten years. Not so long ago, most branding efforts went into the logo, website, products, and print materials. But now, there are many more platforms […]