Offering Competitive Estimates

In order to offer a competitive quote estimates are calculated using the information below.

As every assignment and client’s requirements are different, GIS prefers to give an estimate for each individual job, as opposed to quoting a flat rate, which can be very misleading.

The vast majority of jobs begin with a brief:

1. Some sort of oral or written brief/visual is usually required.

2. Is the photographic brief to be ‘open’ or ‘closed’? An 'open' brief means allowing us freedom - We will need to know the product's selling points or benefits. What type of person is likely to use it. How will the photograph be used? - This is important because different treatments are appropriate for press releases, magazine covers, brochures or advertising applications. For example there's not much point in making an elaborate, creative shot full of coloured lights or image manipulation, if the intended use is a product release for business or technical magazines. Something clean and clearly lit, which shows what the product looks like, perhaps on a white background to make cutouts easier. On the other hand, if you are looking for a cover shot, then a creative, eye-catching picture may be exactly what fits the bill.

A 'closed' brief typically consists of a layout or visual, which is usually the work of an art director or layout artist. In this case the job is translated to a workable photograph.

3. Is there a budget? If so, please let us know up front. Finding the appropriate creative solutions makes sense in business terms. We very often do work to budgets - advising you as to how to get the maximum number of images, quality, service and best results for your money is all part of our job and we will be glad to help.

An estimate will be made out for the job and a written copy sent to you, normally by e-mail. It should be printed, signed and returned before work is undertaken. Please note: estimates are based on information received and are therefore subject to changes if the job alters at any stage.

The photography fees & costs, to cover an assignment, are broken down in the following ways:

Fees:

1. Photography fee: Based on time and / or usage rights. Our usage fees are based on NUJ published rates; please ask for a quote based on your specific requirement.

2. Deposit / Booking fee: A deposit may be required in situations where costs are incurred, for purchases, hiring of people or equipment prior to the shoot taking place. A booking fee will be required when the value of a purchase order or other notification to undertake such work is in excess of £1500. A non refundable deposit may be required for assignments which are booked in advance.

3. Pre & Post Production fee: Pre production is very often the most important part of a successful photo shoot and is frequently over looked. Time spent beforehand arranging and organizing everything will greatly help the assignment to run smoothly and quickly, saving you time and money in the long run. Post Production is the time spent working on the raw images after capture. This work covers optimisation of images, colour correction, sharpening, cropping, tonal adjustments, resizing, profiling etc.

4. Travel Time: Time spent travelling to and from the location.

5. Retouching: Time spend retouching the images after the photo shoot - sometimes it is more cost effective to retouch the image afterwards than spend the time trying to perfect it at the time. Retouching opens up endless possibilities.