Code of Practice
The Creative Team
We acknowledge the contribution that everyone makes on a shoot, whether it is in the studio or on location. It is to that end we specify our code of practise for everyone involved in a shoot, be that models, MUAs, Photographers or Stylists (to name a few).
Code of Practice - Pre Shoot
Communication: Whenever possible we communicate the purpose of the photoshoot in writing, stating the date, location and time. If possible, we will state an end time, though this might be difficult under certain circumstances. This will give everyone involved in the shoot an outline of the shoot and what is expected, even if that expectation is broad.
Type of Shoot
Each shoot will have a release form which all members of the creative team will get a copy of. Our release falls into three brackets, Portfolio, Studio Shoots and Commercial.
Portfolio Shoots: This is where we are extending our own creative practices whether that is trying out new lighting set ups or testing set ups for future shoots. Portfolio shoots are only used on our social media outlets like Instagram and Websites. Should we wish to use these beyond this purpose we will discuss this with you and the creative team via email.
Studio Sessions: This is where we open the studio up for people to come along and try out a professional shoot. Images here are yours to use and we may only use these on our digital plarforms.
Commercial is where we are being paid for the images. It should be understood that even though we shoot with a brief, the client has been known to use them in other ways. Most clients do tell us but it depends upon the brief and whether they have bought the copyright to the images. We will always discuss this with the creative team.
Commitment
Where expenses are being paid, and we do like to pay these for portfolio shoots, even if it is just travelling expenses, these will be agreed before hand and normally be paid on the day. Should we cancel a portfolio shoot within 24 hours of the shoot we will pay the expenses as agreed. The exception to this will be where we are closing due to the terms of the pandemic restrictions, strike action etc. It has been known for emergencies to crop up or commercial clients to request our services immediately. It has happened!
Images
We provide a selection of images to all the creatives mentioned in the release in involved in the shoot unless this is a client shoot and it is restricted. These will not be everything taken on the day but a fair selection of them. We post these to your own cloud file within our system. This cloud file is usually your name and subdirectories are created within this for each shoot, should we shoot again.
Please do not edit these yourself without asking first, excluding cropping and filters. If you want these edited simply let us know the file name and the edit you would like!
We sometimes size and watermark the images but whenever possible you get them without a watermark. We ask that you credit us but we understand that this is sometimes out of your hands. Magazines and Journals sometimes limit text on content!
Normally it takes us up to 7 days to complete but as we post them to your directory as we go through them.
Image Control
Portfolio Shoots sometimes mean we shoot some complex sets. You could be standing in a Loch or covered in Jam whilst standing in a coffin in the middle of a field, don't ask. The brief and the release allows us to use these for our promotion, however, context is everything and if we are promoting on a site or in a way that is significantly out of context of the shoot, we need your permission. You are professionals creating a brand, we will never want to damage that!
Where there is Implied Nudity or Nudity
We have shot boudoir and fine art nudes. Our release will detail what we are doing and for what purpose, however, you are a brand and the images must reflect the context of the shoot and not infer something different.. We have been doing this for many years and it works.
Sale of images
We do not sell portfolio images, however, if the image is requested by a client for their use, i.e. a business client wants an image to promote a product etc, the profits are shared equally between all the creatives mentioned in the release for that shoot, my image, the MUAs look, the Models face and the Stylists story, all creatives are equal!
On commercial shoots the terms are slightly different but that is known beforehand and agreed upon!
Where there is an 'Oops'
They happen, it's a fast moving industry where priorities change, however, if we do cock something up, we are sorry and we will try and put it right.
Creatives can be a little highly strung (this is a huge generalisation but generally true), however, we'll try and put it right, sometimes it is out of our control and sometimes we may have missed something but please know that it is not deliberate, so, sorry in advance?!?
Health and Safety
It can be a little boring but on the shoot, unless otherwise stated in the brief, the lead photographer is the person in charge.
We will always check a location for potential dangers, we will be conscious of the surroundings and we will keep the team safe. We do plan the shoots and in a studio we do have wires, stands and tripod so please understand when we instruct you, we are not being bossy, actually we are but in a nice way.
If you have an illness or a condition, even managed, let us know so we can be mindful and help you. We have shot with people suffering from CF, anxiety and cancer. We'll keep it confidential and we can plan the shoot around these factors
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