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Our Process: Preparation Meets Creativity
Our Process: Preparation Meets Creativity
Whether we are shooting in the studio or on location, clarity is key. Before every session, you will receive a written brief detailing the purpose of the shoot, location and timing, as well as specific requirements, such as wardrobe needs when outfits aren’t provided. While we always leave room to explore fresh lighting or compositional concepts, our focus remains firmly on achieving the project's primary goals.
Commercial releases differ from client to client, however these are sent well in advance of the shoot for you to review.
At Stuart Duffy Photography, we know that a great image is never just down to the person holding the camera. Whether we’re in the studio or out on location, we deeply value the contribution of everyone on set, Models, MUAs, Stylists, and Assistants.
To make sure we’re all on the same page, we’ve put together this outline of what you can expect when working with us.
1. Types of Shoots
1. Types of Shoots
Every shoot requires a release form, which all members of the creative team will receive. Our shoots generally fall into three categories:
Portfolio Shoots: These are for extending our creative practices, testing new lighting, or experimenting. We only use these images on our own social media (like Instagram) and website. If we ever want to use them for anything else, we will always discuss it with you first.
Studio Sessions: This is when we open the studio for clients to experience a professional shoot. The images belong to the client to use as they wish, and we may only use them on our digital platforms for promotion.
Commercial Shoots: These are paid client shoots. Even though we work to a specific brief, clients sometimes use the images in broader ways depending on the copyright they’ve purchased. We will always clarify these terms with the creative team beforehand.
2. Communication & Commitment
2. Communication & Commitment
We respect your time and your craft. Here is how we handle logistics:
The Brief: Whenever possible, we will provide a written brief outlining the shoot's purpose, date, location, start time, and (if possible) an estimated wrap time.
Expenses: We like to cover expenses (even just travel) for portfolio shoots. This will be agreed upon beforehand and paid on the day.
Cancellations: If we cancel a portfolio shoot within 24 hours, we will still pay your agreed expenses. The only exceptions are forces outside our control (pandemic restrictions, strikes) or if a commercial client requests our services for an immediate, emergency shoot, it happens!
3. On the Shoot
3. On the Shoot
Who is in Charge: It sounds a bit boring, but unless the brief states otherwise, the lead photographer is in charge on set.
Health & Safety: We meticulously check locations for potential dangers to keep the team safe. In the studio, there are wires, stands, and tripods everywhere. If we give you firm instructions on where to step, we aren't being bossy, well, we are, but purely for your safety!
Your Wellbeing: If you have an illness or condition (even a managed one), please let us know in strict confidence. We have successfully and safely shot with creatives navigating cystic fibrosis, anxiety, and cancer. Let us know what you need, and we will plan the shoot around you.
How We Work:
How We Work:
Our Code of Practice
Our Code of Practice
4. Your Images
4. Your Images
For portfolio and collaborative shoots, we provide a fair selection of the best images to all creatives involved (excluding restricted client shoots).
Delivery: Images are uploaded to a personalized cloud folder on our system as we edit them. It usually takes up to 7 days to complete the gallery.
Editing Rules: Please do not apply your own edits to these images (cropping and basic social filters are fine). If you want a specific edit or retouch, just send us the file name and ask!
Watermarks & Crediting: We prefer to give you images without watermarks whenever possible. We kindly ask that you credit us when you post, though we understand this isn't always possible with certain magazine or journal publications.
5. Image Control & Usage
5. Image Control & Usage
You are a professional building a brand, and we never want to damage that.
Context is Everything: Portfolio shoots can get weird. You might be standing in a loch or covered in jam in a coffin in the middle of a field (don't ask). While our release allows us to use these for promotion, we will never use them in a way that takes the image out of context without your explicit permission.
Implied Nudity/Nudity: We have years of experience shooting boudoir and fine art nudes. The purpose of these shoots will be strictly detailed in the release. The final images must reflect the agreed context and will never be used to infer something else.
Selling Portfolio Images: We don't generally sell portfolio images. However, if a commercial client later asks to buy one to promote a product, the profits are shared equally among all creatives on the release. My image, the MUA's look, the Model's face, and the Stylist's story all creatives are equal. (Note: Commercial shoots have different, pre-agreed payment terms).
6. When Things Go Wrong
6. When Things Go Wrong
Mistakes happen. This is a fast-moving industry where priorities change on a penny. Creatives can be highly strung (a huge generalisation, but generally true!), and sometimes things fall through the cracks. If we mess something up, please know, it is never deliberate. We will apologise, and we will do everything in our power to put it right.
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