Hi Steven, in the last days I was offered a really big architecture photography job and thankfully found your channel to help me study it. I would love if you could help me with a few questions that I have. I have a fujifilm xh2s (which I love) and I think it produces really high quality pictures but I'm kinda insecure about it being aps-c. I have 5k to spend on gear and I don't know if I should buy a full frame sony and new lenses or just keep my camera and invest in really high quality glass and acessories. I'm thinking in buying the laowa shift lens (its more budget friendly). What do you think? I'm worried that a wide angle that does have to be even more wide because my camera is aps c will have way more distortion than a "normal" wide for a full frame camera. Thank you for you time. (Planning on buying your course next week so I can continue to improve)
Greetings, sir. I'm studying architectural composition for creating real estate videos, and I must say there are many videos on the internet with millions of views. However, none resonate with me quite like yours - your work is so passionate, humble, and straight to the point. Thank you from Ukraine!
What I love about these videos is that no matter what type of photography you do there is always something new that you can learn. The concepts explained in these videos can be useful in landscape photography, street photography, product photography and so on. I know it takes a lot of effort to create this type of professional quality content and I highly appreciate it.
I swear, this video showed up and I listened while I was editing a photo for my portfolio for the website that I plan to start in June. I have many ready photos and RAWs to be edited, plus I have made a list of buildings and photos that I want to imitate to improve my craft. I also want to move to the website because I see that my Instagram is not giving me as much reach as I used to have due to the popularity of reels. I don't want to do more photos for the likes, I just want to take photos of what I want (architecture) when I want, and that this hobby of mine will eventually become a job. A year ago I had a year drone project and that felt amazing.
You can make reels that are basically slideshows of still images but yes a website would a better platform than only an instagram account. But direct marketing, directly contacting clients and not relying on clients to stumble upon your website, is the only way to go tbh. When I had my product photography business I would go talk to a potential client with an tablet in hand to show them images, whether on a website or files on the tablet, right then and there.
Thank you for all these great videos i just finished watching all of them and i also bought your great book Unlock the secrets of Architectural Photography and Composition, there are mountains of greats info that i got from it and i am very grateful to you.
Great video mate, how would you suggest getting access to commercial interiors, like what to say to the ones in charge of running these establishments?
A great question. And not so easy to answer definitively. And every location is different. • Obviously, it helps if you know someone who can vouch for your rectitude, like the architect/designer of the place you wish to shoot. An email or call ahead of time can help. • Having a business card can help. It establishes you as a legitimate professional. That, combined with the explanation that you are only building your portfolio may fall of cooperative ears. Offer to sign a form pledging that these are for you own use and will not be used commercially, except for your own promotional purposes. • Many times, people in these establishments (particularly hotels, restaurants, higher-end clothing stores, etc) are hesitant to allow outside (non-contracted) photography because they believe you will be using the photographs for commercial purposes, i.e., selling them. Many have ad agencies/pr firms that want total control over any/all images of their establishments. Convincing them that they are for your portfolio only is not always easy. You can offer to give them a set of finished photos. That works sometimes. • Many industrial facilities just don’t want the liability issues. • Government buildings are understandably hyper-security conscious. • Museum houses/historical locations are a bit easier to negotiate, especially if you offer a set of photographs. My suggestion is to start with the Director, who may then give you over to their pr manager. Rather than scatter-shoot, pick some particular establishments that you feel with showcase your skills, and focus your efforts on trying to gain access to those. The facilities need not be large and/or opulent to be good portfolio pieces, if they are photographed carefully and the images processed meticulously. I hope this is somewhat helpful.
I would love to hear your process for re-licensing images and how you go about selling images you've already made. I've been approached by 3 contractors in the last couple of weeks and they're wanting the images of a house I photographed for real estate. I offered free watermarked images OR a minimal licensing fee for the set and all of them declined. People seem to think that the work is done so why pay more. I'm in a losing battle because many people where I live don't understand how commercial photography works as a business. Any help is appreciated. Thank you for your videos!
Brian, This is a common question. I deal with this situation on a regular basis. Unless the potential buyer has participated in the initial cost of the project, they must pay for the rights to use any of the images. No exceptions! Here are the considerations: (1) In the end, it comes down to this: they can either pay your fee for existing images or they can go photograph the project themselves. The latter is almost always more expensive. And with existing images they know what they are getting; with new photography, who knows? (2) You do NOT have to justify to anyone why you are charging for existing work. (3) It’s not WHAT you charge, but HOW you present your fee schedule. Never give your fee verbally; only present it in writing. (4) Establish your reuse fees depending on the usage. Have some standard fees established ahead of time. If it is a buyer such as an ad agency ask WHAT’S THE BUDGET? The budget is often higher than you would have proposed. If they won’t give you a budget, charge your regular fee or 30-50% higher. (5) Always receive payment PRIOR to sending any files! Never, ever, send files without receiving payment first. The files exist; they know what they are buying; they pay first, just like buying anything online. If they are on a deadline, tell them to use PAYPAL and pay you via a credit card. (6) And remember: You are providing a valuable service and are part of a centuries-old noble profession. Charge accordingly and unapologetically. Not just anyone can do this work. (7) If they don't wish to pay for the existing images, do not, under any conditions, offer anything for free! You do yourself and the profession a disservice.
"you may need permission" Well, that's never stopped me before from "trespassing" and taking an architectural photograph 😆 edit: "you can shoot anything you want" That's the spirit, Steven!
Lots of useful information! Is it okay to combine both real estate and architectural photography in one website, yet separate pages? I am looking to grow architectural work while making money in RE photography.
I also separate individual real estate projects from bigger developments such as Seaside, where I show the town as a whole rather than just individual buildings.
@@stevenbrookephotography I would have classified that one under landscape, but I guess it depends on what a client wants. I want to branch out from doing mainly real estate to incorporate A&D, and I purchased your book. Thank you so much!
As usual, fantastic, practical lessons for beginner and professional photographers.
Hi Steven, in the last days I was offered a really big architecture photography job and thankfully found your channel to help me study it. I would love if you could help me with a few questions that I have.
I have a fujifilm xh2s (which I love) and I think it produces really high quality pictures but I'm kinda insecure about it being aps-c. I have 5k to spend on gear and I don't know if I should buy a full frame sony and new lenses or just keep my camera and invest in really high quality glass and acessories.
I'm thinking in buying the laowa shift lens (its more budget friendly). What do you think? I'm worried that a wide angle that does have to be even more wide because my camera is aps c will have way more distortion than a "normal" wide for a full frame camera.
Thank you for you time.
(Planning on buying your course next week so I can continue to improve)
Greetings, sir. I'm studying architectural composition for creating real estate videos, and I must say there are many videos on the internet with millions of views. However, none resonate with me quite like yours - your work is so passionate, humble, and straight to the point. Thank you from Ukraine!
Thank you for your kind comments. Good luck with your work. Sending best wishes to you and for your country.
What I love about these videos is that no matter what type of photography you do there is always something new that you can learn. The concepts explained in these videos can be useful in landscape photography, street photography, product photography and so on. I know it takes a lot of effort to create this type of professional quality content and I highly appreciate it.
Thank you. I am pleased to know that you have found these videos helpful.
@@stevenbrookephotography Thank you! And I will also be buying your book.
Fantastic insights from a pro. Thank you so much for what you do!
I swear, this video showed up and I listened while I was editing a photo for my portfolio for the website that I plan to start in June. I have many ready photos and RAWs to be edited, plus I have made a list of buildings and photos that I want to imitate to improve my craft. I also want to move to the website because I see that my Instagram is not giving me as much reach as I used to have due to the popularity of reels. I don't want to do more photos for the likes, I just want to take photos of what I want (architecture) when I want, and that this hobby of mine will eventually become a job. A year ago I had a year drone project and that felt amazing.
You can make reels that are basically slideshows of still images but yes a website would a better platform than only an instagram account. But direct marketing, directly contacting clients and not relying on clients to stumble upon your website, is the only way to go tbh. When I had my product photography business I would go talk to a potential client with an tablet in hand to show them images, whether on a website or files on the tablet, right then and there.
Thank you very much for another excellent lesson. I'm applying everything I learn from you. Best regards from Lithuania.
Labai prašom!
Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge!
Great content, and great book, I really admire your educational work.
Thank you very much. I hope the videos will help you with your work.
You are the best photographer I've ever wanted to hear.
Thank you very much for that.
Thank you for all these great videos i just finished watching all of them and i also bought your great book Unlock the secrets of Architectural Photography and Composition, there are mountains of greats info that i got from it and i am very grateful to you.
Thank you for your note and kind words.
I highly recommend the e-book. A incredible resource!
I'm pleased to know that the book is going to help you with your work.
Thanks for the great video! Looking forward to checking out your book and class!
Insightful and as always inspirational and informative. Advice packaged with gemstones.
Thank you, Terry.
Fantastic advice! Thanks.
Great video mate, how would you suggest getting access to commercial interiors, like what to say to the ones in charge of running these establishments?
A great question. And not so easy to answer definitively. And every location is different.
• Obviously, it helps if you know someone who can vouch for your rectitude, like the architect/designer of the place you wish to shoot.
An email or call ahead of time can help.
• Having a business card can help. It establishes you as a legitimate professional. That, combined with the explanation that you are only building your portfolio may fall of cooperative ears. Offer to sign a form pledging that these are for you own use and will not be used commercially, except for your own promotional purposes.
• Many times, people in these establishments (particularly hotels, restaurants, higher-end clothing stores, etc) are hesitant to allow outside (non-contracted) photography because they believe you will be using the photographs for commercial purposes, i.e., selling them. Many have ad agencies/pr firms that want total control over any/all images of their establishments. Convincing them that they are for your portfolio only is not always easy. You can offer to give them a set of finished photos. That works sometimes.
• Many industrial facilities just don’t want the liability issues.
• Government buildings are understandably hyper-security conscious.
• Museum houses/historical locations are a bit easier to negotiate, especially if you offer a set of photographs.
My suggestion is to start with the Director, who may then give you over to their pr manager.
Rather than scatter-shoot, pick some particular establishments that you feel with showcase your skills, and focus your efforts on trying to gain access to those. The facilities need not be large and/or opulent to be good portfolio pieces, if they are photographed carefully and the images processed meticulously.
I hope this is somewhat helpful.
I would love to hear your process for re-licensing images and how you go about selling images you've already made. I've been approached by 3 contractors in the last couple of weeks and they're wanting the images of a house I photographed for real estate. I offered free watermarked images OR a minimal licensing fee for the set and all of them declined. People seem to think that the work is done so why pay more. I'm in a losing battle because many people where I live don't understand how commercial photography works as a business. Any help is appreciated. Thank you for your videos!
Brian,
This is a common question. I deal with this situation on a regular basis.
Unless the potential buyer has participated in the initial cost of the project, they must pay for the rights to use any of the images.
No exceptions! Here are the considerations:
(1) In the end, it comes down to this: they can either pay your fee for existing images or they can go photograph the project themselves. The latter is almost always more expensive. And with existing images they know what they are getting; with new photography, who knows?
(2) You do NOT have to justify to anyone why you are charging for existing work.
(3) It’s not WHAT you charge, but HOW you present your fee schedule.
Never give your fee verbally; only present it in writing.
(4) Establish your reuse fees depending on the usage. Have some standard fees established ahead of time.
If it is a buyer such as an ad agency ask WHAT’S THE BUDGET?
The budget is often higher than you would have proposed.
If they won’t give you a budget, charge your regular fee or 30-50% higher.
(5)
Always receive payment PRIOR to sending any files!
Never, ever, send files without receiving payment first. The files exist; they know what they are buying; they pay first, just like buying anything online.
If they are on a deadline, tell them to use PAYPAL and pay you via a credit card.
(6) And remember:
You are providing a valuable service and are part of a centuries-old noble profession.
Charge accordingly and unapologetically. Not just anyone can do this work.
(7) If they don't wish to pay for the existing images, do not, under any conditions, offer anything for free!
You do yourself and the profession a disservice.
@@stevenbrookephotography Learning how to present the schedule is a skill I am practicing. Thank you Mr. Brooke!
"you may need permission"
Well, that's never stopped me before from "trespassing" and taking an architectural photograph
😆
edit: "you can shoot anything you want"
That's the spirit, Steven!
What I learned living in Rome: better (easier) to ask for forgiveness than permission
Lots of useful information!
Is it okay to combine both real estate and architectural photography in one website, yet separate pages? I am looking to grow architectural work while making money in RE photography.
Yes. And I would definitely separate them.
I also separate individual real estate projects from bigger developments such as Seaside, where I show the town as a whole rather than just individual buildings.
@@stevenbrookephotography I would have classified that one under landscape, but I guess it depends on what a client wants. I want to branch out from doing mainly real estate to incorporate A&D, and I purchased your book.
Thank you so much!