Client questions answered: When should you start looking to hire a professional photographer?

A question that comes up a lot when talking to prospective clients is, how far along in the concept stage of the project should I be before hiring a professional photographer? While some may think their ideas should be completely hashed out, it’s quite the opposite. You really don’t need to be very far along in the process at all. 

There are a few specific questions that you and your team should discuss before meeting with a photographer to best communicate your needs. These questions will give the photographer a better sense of what role they can play, and what they can bring to the table. Knowing to ask these questions also empowers the client, and can facilitate better communication right out of the gate.

Here are the questions we believe to be most important when first engaging with a professional photographer:

 What are you looking to photograph?

Do you have any reference shots to share to help with visual art direction etc.?

How many people need to be photographed? (Groups or individuals?)

Where do you want the photoshoot to take place? (Studio or on location? and if on location, where and why?)

When does the shoot need to be scheduled? 

Is there requirement for additional talent? 

What is the turnaround time on deliverables?

Is there, or will there be an ad agency involved? 

What is the usage of the images we are going to produce? (Print, PR, advertising, online.) 

All of the above can influence the cost of the shoot, and so being direct can create trustworthy and meaningful communication about the project. 

These questions are foundational for both the photographer, and the team hiring them. Lead with these and you will have the support of your photographer throughout the project. 

JIVE'S NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

How is it already November? With the year end in sight, we have been reflecting on some of the projects that have meant the most to us in 2021. At the top of that list is the work we have done for Doctors Nova Scotia. JIVE was enlisted to produce a video for the Doctors Nova Scotia 2021 award recipients; demonstrating the work they do, and who they are. This project was such an incredible experience, and one that has created a product we are proud to share. From the moment we started this shoot we knew it was going to be special - but still, it exceeded our expectations.

These health professionals are heroes. They are intelligent beyond measure, humble and most notably, incredibly kind. Putting these videos together for them has been a great honour. Check out the teaser we put together for this project below:

JIVE’s Picks of the Month

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a must watch - even a must re-watch.

Quentin Tarantino really does check all the boxes. Every shot is so well crafted. I could really just watch it for the camera moves. That scene where Brad’s character drives the 1964 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia through the streets of LA at night, circa 1969 - just wow. Incredible sound track, as per usual, again, that’s a big part of Tarantino’s genius. Make sure to check it out.

Philly D.A. is an 8 part epic that follows Philadelphia's DA, Larry Krasner, during his tumultuous first term - and it is absolutely incredible. His approach to life is so refreshing. The clarity of his positions are so matter of fact.

He’s a hardcore lawyer-activist who has gotten himself elected to the highest office in the land - and that land (Philly), has the highest incarceration rate in the US... One thing is for sure, Larry Krasner is hell bent on doing the right thing.

Want to sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter? Or reach out about working with JIve? Contact us below:

Client questions answered: Do you need an advertising agency to facilitate your relationship with a photographer?

While we do work consistently with advertising and branding companies, you and your company certainly don’t have to go that route to work with a professional photographer.

However, not working with an agency means you will need a photographer who is seasoned in producing advertising work. Photographers who have experience working with agencies, art directors and creatives will understand that they are shooting to produce images for a specific marketing purpose. This means they will work in line with your specific messaging and will be able to produce images that reflect your brand values.

At JIVE we are aware that this experience in the advertising field is a must and we have years of delivering quality commercial content because of it. Every shoot we undertake, however big or small, involves strategic and all encompassing planning. Nothing we do, (at least almost nothing) happens by accident. As a result you as the client are well aware of what you will be receiving before the shoot even happens. The shoot is more likely to go smoothly when all involved parties have been part of the planning, it ensures the messaging will be spot on. 

Using a photographer with advertising/marketing experience means they will intuitively know what questions to ask you, and what obstacles may arise - meaning these issues can be squashed before the day of the shoot. This helps to guarantee quality images that are useable and relevant for years to come. 

The best way to make sure you are working with a photographer with this sort of experience? Ask the hard questions! By asking any photographer you are considering for a list of ad agencies and marketing companies they have worked with before, you will be able to decipher the level of experience they will bring to your shoot.

The most important aspect of working with anyone is understanding their experience and how it can serve you - working with a photographer is no different!

Trust us to capture your unique products!

Well, haven’t the past two years been a whirlwind? Every industry has had to deal with massive changes, shifts and changed expectations. The landscape has changed, for better or for worst, and staying vigilant with your business has become increasingly important. More than ever the consumer is looking to buy local, brand loyalty is at an all time high and meaningful relationship with your audience can lead directly to sales and recognition. For these reasons it is more important than ever to make sure your online presence is up to date and truly representative of your work and brand. In our experience, quality product shots are a huge part of puzzle - they are a driving force of engagement, conversion, retention and overall customer lifetime value. 

The importance of cohesive, consistent visuals to represent your products cannot be over looked. Especially in the age of online shopping and browsing. Your product has to visually pop and grab the attention of your customer. We have seen first hand how valuable well thought out and executed product shots can be - and we want to help fulfill that need for you and your business. Check out some of these examples of the work we have done with some incredible brands & let’s chat about what we can do for you…

Interested in chatting about product shots? Don’t hesitate to reach out:

The best kept secret in Nova Scotia

Picturesque, peaceful, and welcoming. These are the are the words that come to mind when I think of the place that has become my family’s second home. Petit Riviere is a quiet, beautiful community found in Lunenburg County on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, and it has been the back drop for many of my families most cherished memories. I believe it to be Nova Scotia’s best kept secret, but today I want to share it with you.

Finding Petit Riviere happened as a happy accident. On a Saturday afternoon many years ago, my wife Suzanne and I had taken a drive to explore Nova Scotia’s South Shore. We followed the LaHave River from Bridgewater and stumbled into Petit Riviere and then down Green Bay Road. Unexpectedly we found ourselves in our own personal heaven. We immediately fell in love with the rolling farmlands, the village, the homes and of course, the stunning beaches. It had everything we could ask for in a vacation spot, and we knew we would find ourselves here often from that day on.  

For a few years we stayed at the MacLeod Cottages, and then eventually sealed our relationship with the area by purchasing our own cottage. Since then the memories have been plentiful. Now, every summer, we have had the privilege to enjoy incredible cycling trails, clear night skies filled with stars and of course the world class beaches that surround the area. 

Speak to anyone who has spent time in Petit Riviere and they will tell you of the magic that lives here. It has a subtle way of reminding you what is important, and the value of slowing down. These shots exemplify some of that atmosphere.

As summer comes to an end, I feel compelled to share these sentiments. To remember that for a moment in time, just being can be enough. Things like, driving down the highway towards our cottage with the sun shining in on myself and those most important to me as we sing along to the radio, taking in the coastline with the morning sun, heading to our favourite spot. This place will shape my sons, I know this because it has shaped me, and for that I have so much gratitude.

For any recommendations in regards to Petit Riviere, never hesitate to reach out to us here at JIVE. What good is a gift like this if it can’t be shared.