My Full Photography Workflow: A guide to working with IGC
In my ten years as a photographer, something I’ve noticed across the board is that a lot of photographers are very secretive about their workflow and processes. Thankfully, this is beginning to change as you, the client, want to be more informed than ever before when making major financial decisions in your business, such as hiring a photographer for a campaign. So whether you’re a total newbie to working with photographers, or a seasoned pro that just wants to know how I work before booking, hopefully this handy guide will answer any questions you may have about how I work, and so all my clients know what stage I’m up to, and what’s coming next!
The Enquiry
The first step is when you get in touch to make an enquiry about booking me as your photographer! Over email, I’ll discuss your base project needs with you, and then I’ll book a consultation call for us to go over your project more in depth to make sure I’m the right photographer for you!The Consultation Call
On the call we’ll cover all the points covered in my guide to planning the perfect photoshoot to make sure all bases are covered for what you require from me.It’s Document Time!
After we’ve addressed your project needs and you’re ready to move forwards, I’llI send over my contract (which I’m always happy to explain in more detail) and invoice plus all the info you might need whilst we’re working together! In the invoice there will be the option to pay the deposit, and the rest of the payment can be split up however you like!Shoot Planning Begins
Once the deposit is paid, I start planning the shoot with whatever details we’ve discussed on the call, whether that’s sourcing a location, or models etc. This part sometimes takes a while depending on what's needed for the shoot, and what I’ve agreed to plan for the shoot, so it’s always best to book a while in advance of when you need the finished result.Pre-Shoot Prep
Once the planning is complete, I’ll liaise with you and the team on the run up to the shoot day to make sure we’re all set. We’ll put together a schedule for the day to keep us on track, inclusive of rest periods to make sure no one is tuckering themselves out. Shoot days can be quite intensive, but proper planning helps keep stress to a minimum!Shoot day!
The day of the shoot is always the most fun step of the process, I like to make my shoots fun and light hearted so everyone comes away having had a great time, and having been super productive!Post-Shoot
After the shoot the images are uploaded, backed up, and organised. I do some small tweaks and filter out any misfires, then 3-4 days after the shoot (or the same day if we’re at the studio!), you’ll receive a password protected gallery of proofs. These images are watermarked as they’re unedited and not for use, they’re for you to choose the best images that you’d like me to edit. To select your images, you just need to add it to a favourites list, which I’ll be able to see so you don’t need to spend time squinting at a contact sheet and writing down countless file numbers!The Approval Phase
Once you’ve made your selections, I get to work on editing! I begin by editing one or two, and then sending over a sample to you for approval to make sure you like the colour and/or retouching style. Sometimes I’ll put together multiple colour grading options for you to choose from if I think there are multiple options that’ll work great! For more complicated retouches such as composites, these will instead be mock-ups to make sure I’m heading in the right direction and we can make tweaks before I spend hours in photoshop.Editing Begins!
Once I have the style down, I’ll get through editing the rest of the images chronologically unless certain images are needed sooner than others. Depending on the scope of the project, this stage can take 3-12 weeks depending on the project.Amends Rounds
After the images are complete, you’ll receive a sample to make sure everything is to your liking, if not, I’ll make up to 2 rounds of amends before I charge for re-editing, so you can be secure in the fact you’re getting the perfect images for your project.Squaring Up
After the editing is complete, I’ll send an invoice reminder for any remaining funds or image licensing fees which are always required before any images are sent. This will include any extra images, hours, or amends fees accrued throughout the project, but I’ll always inform you of any extra charges before I carry out the work.Sending the Final Product
Finally you’ll get a password protected gallery of your images where you can download social media sized or full-res versions of your images. Your gallery is also linked to a print shop with the family run, Glasgow based Loxley Colour, whom I’ve trusted with my printing for many years!To Infinity and Beyond
After I’ve sent the images, you’re free to use them per our agreed terms. If you’re using your images on social media, I always appreciate a tag and a review!Keeping in touch
I don’t send out newsletters or mailers very often, but every now and then you’ll get a little update about how things here at IGC are going, plus exclusive offers and first access to discounts for our next creative adventure together!
Depending on what the shoot is for, and how you work, certain steps can sometimes move around a little. Maybe the project involves a little more communication in the editing phase, that’s absolutely okay! I pride myself on being adaptable, and adjusting based on the scope and timeline of the project. If you’ve booked a package that includes branding support, that will also include a bit of extra communication throughout the project so I can best advise which images you need and where is best to use them. You can always expect clear and direct communication from me! I hope this helps demystify the photography process, and my usual workflow to help you feel a bit more confident next time you hire a photographer!
If you’re looking for a fun and vibrant photographer to capture your portrait, or maybe you need images for your brand or small business? Feel free to reach out if you think I might be the photographer for you!