Exploring My Architectural Photography Service Structure
This includes how I structure my fees. While I won't delve into specific numbers here, I want to provide a transparent overview of the key components that go into my pricing. This structure ensures that each project is tailored to your needs, covering everything from on-site capture to post-production polish. By breaking it down, I hope to give you insight into the value and expertise behind each element.
Photographer's Creative Fee
The core of any project is my time and creative expertise on set. This fee covers my professional services for capturing high-quality architectural images that highlight the form, function, and finer details of your buildings or spaces.
Full Day: This option is ideal for comprehensive shoots requiring extensive coverage, such as large-scale developments or a house. It includes up to a standard full workday(10 hours), allowing ample time for setup, lighting adjustments, and multiple angles to ensure we capture the essence of the architecture.
Half Day: Perfect for smaller projects or targeted sessions, like focusing on a single facade or interior space. It provides a focused block of time without committing to a full day, making it efficient for quick yet impactful shoots.
Overtime: If a shoot runs longer than planned, overtime is billed hourly to accommodate the extra effort while keeping the project on track.
Photographer's Assistant
Architectural photography often involves complex setups, from managing lighting equipment to handling props or ensuring safety on site. My assistant plays a crucial role in streamlining the process.
Full Day: The assistant's fee covers a standard workday, supporting me in tasks like equipment transport, setup, and real-time adjustments to capture those perfect shots of your architectural masterpieces.
Overtime: For extended sessions, overtime ensures the assistant's continued support without compromising efficiency or quality.
Post-Capture Digital Editing and Post-Production
Raw images are just the starting point; post-production transforms them into polished, professional assets ready for portfolios, marketing, or publications.
Photoshop Editing: Each image receives detailed editing to enhance colors, correct perspectives, and ensure architectural accuracy. A per-image fee applies, with a reduced rate for a second version (e.g., with or without people) if needed for versatility in your usage.
Removal of Unwanted Objects: Sometimes, elements like construction debris or temporary signage need to be digitally removed for a clean final product. This is billed hourly to account for the precision required in maintaining the integrity of the architecture.
Pre-Shoot Planning and Scouting
Given my demanding schedule, pre-shoot scouting is not always an option. Instead, I rely on clients to provide detailed floor plans that indicate approximate views for each shot, which helps me plan more precisely. I utilize specialized software to analyze sun positions and determine optimal shooting times for specific perspectives. On the day of the shoot, I always do a preliminary site walkthrough before production begins. If a client needs pre-shoot scouting services, I will bill for the time spent on location, any expenses and prepare a contact sheet with lightly edited photos for their review.
Drone Flight Insurance and FAA Application
When drone usage is requested, the associated costs vary depending on the location and challenges of the site. In dense urban areas with significant foot and vehicle traffic or tall buildings, I engage a professional drone pilot experienced in navigating such environments. This pilot manages all FAA permits, coordination with local authorities, drone liability insurance, flight operations, and follows my directions to capture the desired imagery. These services are added to the creative fee, accompanied by an application process that requires advance notice (typically 15 days) to ensure full compliance and safety.
Parking and Vehicle Mileage
Logistics matter in architectural photography, where shoots might take place in urban centers, remote developments, or anywhere in between. Parking fees are passed through based on actual rates at the location. For sites more than a certain distance from my base, mileage is calculated per mile to cover travel efficiently and fairly.
Cancellation and Delays
Flexibility is important, but last-minute changes can impact scheduling. For cancellations within a short window (e.g., 15 days or 24 hours), a percentage of the creative fee plus any non-refundable travel expenses applies to cover committed resources. If weather delays occur while on location (especially out of town), a daily waiting fee ensures we're prepared to resume as soon as conditions improve, minimizing disruptions to your timeline.
Contract Acceptance and Payments
To secure your shoot date, a signed contract and retainer (half of the total amount) are required upon agreement. This locks in the schedule and allows us to move forward with confidence. Full payment for all services is due before delivering the selected, post-produced digital files. If separate invoices are needed for additional parties, a small fee per invoice covers the administrative handling.
Client Representation on Location
Collaboration is at the heart of my process. You're welcome to join on-site or send a representative to provide input during the shoot, helping align the images with your architectural narrative. If you're unable to attend, I'll rely on my professional judgment to deliver results that meet high standards. Should a reshoot be requested later, it's handled at your expense to cover the additional time and resources.
Shared Rights with Additional Parties
Architectural projects often involve multiple stakeholders, such as subcontractors, vendors, or clients. If shared usage rights are needed for these parties, a fee per additional entity is added to the creative fee. All parties must commit within 30 days of the final invoice.