Image is Everything.

Congratulations! If you’re reading this, it’s because you’re considering taking your small business to the next level – and you realize that the image you project of your business is vital to your success. Hiring a professional photographer is a big decision, both psychologically and financially, and I get that. I’m a small business too, as are the vast majority of my clients. They are designers, artists, creators - creative thinkers who are amazing at what they do. With very few exceptions, I’ve hand picked every commercial client I have. I’ve chosen artists and artisans who are (in my opinion) incredibly talented and create amazing work. They all appreciated the importance of branding and projecting a certain image. They needed their clients to see what sets them apart, what makes them special. Professional photography is a big part of that. 

In my 25 years of experience of running my own business and of meeting hundreds of artists and artisans at various shows and exhibitions, I’ve seen the ones who succeed are the ones who realize they need to be business people as well as artists. You can make the most beautiful piece in the world but if your photography, social media page(s), and website design aren’t also great then it reflects poorly on the piece and on your business as a whole.

Applications for grants and for shows are also judged in large part on the level of professionalism of the images submitted. Visitors to your studio or booth at a show will judge the quality of your work in part by the design of your space and the printed materials you hand out (business cards, postcards etc.). Any way you look at it it’s very important to present a clean and consistent image of your work and your business. “Clean” and “consistent” doesn’t mean “boring” and “soulless” by the way - I really love working creatively with creative rock stars like you :)

When working with a new client I always chat with them before our first shoot to discuss their goals for their business and the purposes for the images we’re going to create. Based on your shot list I will be able to give you a clear idea of how long it will take, and what the cost will be.

On the day of your shoot we’ll meet at the shooting location (studio or otherwise), already with a clear idea of what we’re going to accomplish for the day. We’ll have a look at all the pieces you want to shoot, set up the lights, and get started. We often shoot with the camera tethered to the laptop so you’ll be able to see your images immediately on screen. This is a very collaborative process so if you want to see a different angle or feature of your piece then you just let me know and I’ll adjust the set-up as needed. Once you’re thrilled with the final image we’ll move on to the next piece. 

There are basically three types of shots: The first is what we would call “Lifestyle” or “Hero” shots, which are great for branding and often involve special backgrounds, props, models etc. The second type is the straightforward “product shots” on a white or otherwise plain background, which are less exciting but have many practical uses for applications, websites etc. The third type are “details”, which are exactly what they sound like: close-up images that show the craftsmanship, and subtle details of colour and texture in your work.

Ideally you’ll use a combination of all three of these types of shots to brand your work and communicate clearly with your audience. The number of shots we’ll do in a day depends on a variety of factors but generally can range anywhere from 10 to 35.

A final thing to consider is an artist portrait, or an image of you at work in your studio - these are great for helping people connect to you as the maker of your work, and you’ll often be asked for a headshot on applications and submissions. One of the largest factors in the value of your work is that YOU made it. People investing in your work are drawn to you and your creative vision!

I’ll deliver finished retouched images within a week. I give all my clients two sets of files: one set is full-size for printing, the other set is smaller for easy web uploading. If you have upcoming applications that require specific file types just let me know and I can create a set that size as well. 

I know an important part of your decision to book your first shoot will be the cost involved, so let’s talk about that… To keep things simple I charge a flat photography day rate, no matter what type of images or how many. A full day (8 hours) is $1300+HST and a half-day (4 hours) is $750+HST. Digital production fees are calculated based on an hourly rate of $125/hour. The number of images produced per hour depends on how much retouching is required but on average I can usually do about 5-10 images per hour. As for the payment schedule, the total amount payable is split into 3 installments – the first third is due when you book your shoot and will secure your date, the second third is due on or before the shoot date, and the final payment is due within 14 days of delivery of the finished files.

If you're great at what you do, then my goal is to help you show the rest of the world how great you are. 

Get in touch now to discuss your vision for your brand, and how we can help you achieve it! {email: photo@jessicalin.ca // mobile: 416.806.1585}

Clients I’ve photographed for include:

Any Direct Flight (women’s fashion) 
Apa Designs (fine jewellery)
Colero (glass jewellery)
Curious Oddities (costume jewellery)
Dawn Pearcey (painter)
Edge of Your Seat (furniture)
Erin Tracy Designs (fine jewellery)
Filipa Pimentel (ceramics)
I Heart Cake (bakery)
Janice Turner (fiber arts)
Janna Burford (ceramics)
Jenny Greco (fine jewellery)
Joanna Strong (painting)
Kim Drosdick (fine jewellery)
Kosoy + Bouchard (ceramics + glass)
Leah Bazian (women’s fashion)
Mandala Design (women’s fashion)
Maureen Ault (dried flower collage)
Melanie LeBlanc (fine jewellery)
Om Home (home decor)
Pamela Lauz (fine jewellery)
Penny Griffin (painter)
Rob Croxford (painting)
Sabine Liva (painter)
Sailorgirl (glass jewellery)
Sheila Thompson (fiber artist)
Soak (wash liquid for delicates)
Tanya Kirouac (encaustic paintings)
The Artists’ Network (artist organization)

With additional experience shooting for:

Canadian Home and Country magazine
House and Home magazine
Ikea
Style at Home magazine
William Ashley