Q: What is the history of Seltzer Photography?
A: Seltzer Photography, established in 2001, focuses on photographing the built and designed environment. Seltzer Photography has a sister studio, Seltzer Design Studios, which focuses on commercial photography. We also will be launching Boss Art Prints, which supplies Fine Art Photography to our clients and other commercial concerns. Gregg Seltzer, the senior photographer for all three studios has been photographing a variety of subjects since 1985 and architectural subjects since 1995. Gregg is the only photographer photographing our Architectural & Interior shoots.
Q: How do I book a shoot?
A: You may either call the studio or e-mail us, whichever is the easiest for you. In either case, please provide as much information about the date, location, start time, and other information, which might be helpful to us. We will contact you if we can book the requested date, or provide other alternatives if your date is not available.
Q: What cameras does Seltzer Photography use?
A: We use all Nikon Digital camera bodies, and Nikon Lenses. Our Nikon camera inventory consists of the Nikon Digital D70, Nikon D1x, and the top of Nikons Digital line, the Nikon D2x. The camera we use depends on the clients stated end use for the images. We also use the Pentax 6x7 medium format cameras, which is film based. This camera is used mostly for fine art photography.
Q: What type of lighting equipment does Seltzer Photography use?
A: We use Alien Bee lights, which are capable of lighting the most difficult spaces. We also use a variety of lighting modifiers, such as reflectors, silks, and other lighting tools to achieve the effects you see in our portfolio.
Q: Other than the photography, what sets Seltzer Photography apart from other architectural photographers?
A: We have set out to make our photography affordable and client friendly. We stand behind the quality of the images we produce, and this is why we do not ask for any portion of our fee until our client approves the images. In addition, we do not charge usage, creative, licensing, or travel fees. Every client and every shoot is of the highest importance to us. We want to establish long-term relationships with our clients. We hope that we will be your only source of photography. In addition, we want our clients to receive value, and produce images you will be proud to use to show case your talents.
Q: What does Seltzer Photography need from the client prior to a photo shoot?
A: We need a shoot location address, and your mailing address. In addition, we need a signed contract, and any renderings, drawings, elevations, and swatches that you care to send us. We try with local clients to view the location prior to the shoot, but this is not always possible for various reasons. These therefore, give us an idea of the look and feel for the shoot.
Q: What happens after the photo shoot is complete?
A: We bring the images back to our studio, and go through our first edit postproduction process. Once the first edit is complete, we post the images to our web site, in our session’s section, which is for clients only. We will send you an e-mail notice with your pass code, and wait for your comments. When we receive your comments, adjustments are made, (if necessary), to create the second edits. Again, we will notify you and wait for your comments. The average project goes through two edit processes. When we receive your final approval, an invoice is sent to you. When we receive your payment, the compact disk containing your images and any prints ordered is mailed to you, and the project is complete.
Q: How long does my project stay in the Seltzer Photography achieve?
A: We keep all digital negatives for at least three years. Most of our projects from our initial year of 2001 are still in our achieves. If you loose or damage your compact disk, we will replace it free. You only pay for the shipping.
Q: I have received rate quotes from other architectural photographers. Why is your rate less then theirs?
A: Professional photographers are artists. Artists always charge a lot for the work produced because it is one of a kind. We want to appeal to potential and existing clients that need professional images to be successful in their businesses. We want to establish a long-term relationship with our clients, and part of this means being affordable.
Q: Who are your clients?
A: When we started in 2001, we focused on the luxury hotel industry. Now, we photograph for Interior Designers, Architects, Yacht builders, home builders, Landscape Architects, Interior Re-designers, Set Stagers, Real Estate Agents, (high end properties), Bed & Breakfasts, restaurants, Aquatic Designers, and the construction industry.
Q: What is the best way to maximize the impact of my portfolio or web site?
A: We suggest that you show as many different styles of design as you can. Even if you specialize in just one or two.
Q: I want to see my designs in a magazine. Can you help me with this?
A: The way publications have picked designs have changed over the years. There was a time where you could submit images with text, and publications would buy directly from the photographer or designers. Now, most publications have a few staff photographers, and location scouts. It is still possible to get into more local publications, as opposed to the national publications. Most of our images are sold through one of our two stock agencies that have signed Seltzer Photography as a supplier of images. Let us know when you book a project if you have an interest in this.
Q: What is the lead-time I should give for a project?
A: We always suggest to our clients to book as early as you can. Remember, we do not require a deposit to book a date, and we try to keep two days a week open for emergency shoot requests. However, the sooner, the better. We are normally booked 30 to 60 days out from any given date.
Q: What amount of images can I expect from an average shoot?
A: I will provide an average. The average size house, (kitchen, bathroom, three bedrooms, living room, dining room, and a den); will yield between 32 and 50 images, comprised of a variety of views and vignettes. This is an average with more detailed designs yielding on the higher side.
Q: I had a photo shoot done of a design that is no longer existing or accessible to me. Can you re-master the original images to make them look better?
A: We will try. We need to see the original images before we can assess what is possible. However, we do charge $125.00 per hour for this service.
Q: I only have a small space I want photographed. Can I negotiate a rate for this?
A: We have a fee category called odd projects. Let us know what your need is, and we will try to accommodate your needs. This happens with just a small room such as a bathroom as an example.
Q: How do I stage for a shoot?
A: In general, our client makes sure that the set is staged with the right props. However, we generally collaborate on final staging prior to the actual shoot. If possible, I always recommend a pre-shoot visit so the client and I can go over what needs to be added or removed from the area. If a visit is not possible, sending us renderings, your own images, or drawing can be very helpful. As a last resort, we work with a professional staging professional, but this adds to your final cost. Please let us know if you want this service. We will provide you with a quote. We have provided a sheet with some simple tips for staging.
Q: I am working with a web designer, or printer and I do not know all of the terms, sizes, or other information asked. How do I work with them?
A: We want to make your experience as easy as we can. Therefore, you can have your team call us, and we will be happy to work with your web person, printer, or publication submissions person for you. Just let us know what your needs are, and we will do whatever it takes.
Q: I am located out of your state. Are you able to photograph anywhere?
A: Yes, we can travel to any location for a shoot. Although we do not charge for travel fees, we may request that you book a minimum of three consecutive projects. This helps us absorb the cost without charging for travel.
|
