Proud Photography Blog

Let’s say you have managed to find lots of people who want portfolio pictures taken, you have the suitable equipment and you have set your prices.  What other things does a budding photographer need to think about when taking portfolio shots for someone?
1.    Contracts

When someone is hiring your services, such as in the case of portfolio shots, you should ask for permission to use their images.  Why would you need to do this?  Well, you may want to include their images in your portfolio, or on your website to drum up interest.  In this case you must ask the model if this would be ok and ask them so sign a model release for.

There are lots of template model release forms online that you can download and edit for your own needs but it is very important that you ask for this, even if you have an informal discussion and he or she agrees.  They can always change their mind in the future, which could cause your disruption or cause embarrassment.

This is every important if you shoot models who are under 16 and need permission from parents.

If you ask your model to sign a release form they will want to know where you are going to use it and that you wont profit from using the images (after all, they my feel that they should be reaping any benefits from the images, not you).  You can always strike up a deal with them, like offering a discount or more prints if they would allow you to use the images on different materials (website and leaflets or even on a commercial context).  Either way, don’t just presume that because they know you well, that you can get away without getting a contract.  You need one.

2.    Add Ons

We know that people always want headshots and full body shots, but you can make extra money by offering additional services, such as Photoshopping and creating more of a set up for the photograph.

You can also play with the layouts and request extra fees – for example, some people like portfolio shots where there are four images on one A4 sheet.  You an easily do this in Photoshop and add any extra lettering the person needs and charge a flat fee for this.

You can even offer to do something like a 10 photo portfolio for a fixed price – it could include the usual head shot and full length shot as well as something more natural in an outdoors environment, and something more dramatic – think of creative versatile shots.

3.    Hire a Room

If you want to test the waters, consider hiring out a room at a social club or local hall and set up a small studio.  Get your clients ready and get them in on the same day so you can shoot lots of people on the same day (like how children have their school photographs!).  It makes everything cost effective and also encourages people to see you in a group, where they feel more comfortable.