You might say to yourself, I have a camera anyone can take a great picture if they have a good camera. Thats like going to a gourmet restaurant and enjoying a really great meal prepared by a well renown International Chef and on your way out the door you turn to him and say, Great meal Chef you must have a great stove and some awesome pans! With a professional photographer you get to benefit from their knowledge, skill and abilities that has taken years to acquire. Let’s be honest if your using photography in part to advertise your product or service you only get one chance to make a great impression. Why would you want to sabotage that important step?
Most photographers go into business for themselves because they are passionate about making pictures — not because they want to be in business. The irony is that photographers who do not learn and implement sound business practices will not be able to continue photographing professionally.
Images are the intellectual property of the creator, but for that property to generate income, photographers have to know their production costs, the value of their work, and the value of the usage their client is licensing.
Did you know if you take a picture and their just happens to be a registered trademark sign and you publish it you can quickly find yourself embroiled in a major lawsuit by the companies trademark attorneys. Yes, posting a picture on line is all it takes for it to be considered “published”. A Professional Photographer knows the ins and outs and how to keep his clients out of court! Reputable professionals also carry Errors & Omission coverage too!
Images are the intellectual property of the creator, but for that property to generate income, photographers have to know their production costs, the value of their work, and the value of the usage their client is licensing.
You want to make sure you get in writing permission to use the images as well as how you can use them. Lets say you hire a photographer and he simply hands you media containing the images and you go about your business and start using the images for the purpose you intended. The photographer dies and the heirs of their estate become aware your using photos taken by the beloved photographer and they demand proof you have permission ( a license) to use the photographs. You don’t have one! Your now liable for thousands of dollars in damages. Statutory damages start at $150,000 per image. Get the picture ?
10 Top Reasons for Hiring a Professional Photographer
Liability – Professionals carry liability insurance to cover any property damage during a photography shoot.
Releases -Professionals know when Model and Property Releases are required and what they should include.
Equipment – Professionals have back-ups to get the job done even if there’s an equipment failure.
Efficiency -Professionals work to ensure your client’s or your business incurs minimal disruption during the shoot.
Paperwork– Professionals document the scope and cost of each job.
Copyright -Professionals understand copyright law and how it impacts the use of the images.
Licensing – Professionals know that images must be licensed to protect you and the work created.
Customer Service – Professionals treat you and your clients with courtesy and respect.
Budget – Professionals stay on budget and inform you immediately if a request will alter the price.
Deadlines – Professionals meet deadlines.
About Jeff McClintock
Jeff McClintock is an award winning Denver Real Estate Architectural, Travel and Landscape photographer. His images first started appearing in magazines and publications back in 1988. Over the years his images have appeared in Sierra Club, National Géographique, Best of Photography, Country Magazine, as well as Travel and Visitor Bureau’s in Québec, Canada.
Today Jeff still accepts both local and international assignments in the United States, Canada and Western Europe as traveling still remains a passion and a big part of his photography. Based in Denver, Colorado, Jeff focuses his day to day energy providing high quality real estate images and virtual tours of homes for sale, on properties located in Denver, Co, Breckenridge, and Vail mountain valley communities. His services for residential photography extend to Aspen Colorado and Telluride as well. Jeff routinely provides high quality still image photos to realtors, custom builders, architects, hotels, resorts, interior designers and home staging experts to assist them in the personal marketing of their business and services. He also shoots commercial images for business looking to expand thier operations or just need updates in support of their marketing materials and or a company website.”