How to Book Photography with Margo Reed Studio
Whether you’re planning a corporate headshot day, commissioning marketing photography for your organization, documenting an event, or scheduling a family portrait session, every project begins with a conversation.
No two assignments are exactly alike. The questions I ask before booking help me understand your goals, recommend the right approach, and provide an accurate quote. Here’s what you can expect when working with me.
corporate headshots
Professional headshots may seem simple, but there are many ways to structure a headshot session depending on your organization, schedule, and brand.
Before I prepare a proposal, I’ll typically ask:
- How many people need to be photographed?
- How many finished images does each person need?
- Will the images require professional retouching?
- How would you like to handle image selection?
- On-site proofing
- Online proofing after the session
- Or would you prefer me to make the final selections?
- When do you need the finished photographs? See rush fees.
- Would you like a seamless background? If so, what color?
- Is there a particular visual style or branding you’re trying to match?
If you aren’t sure exactly what you’re looking for, you’re welcome to browse my headshot portfolio before we talk. Often clients simply point out examples they like, and we’ll build a session around that aesthetic.
Because every organization has different needs, headshot sessions are quoted individually based on the number of people, production requirements, and delivery specifications. You can read about how to prepare for your headshot here.
marketing & visual Storytelling
The goal of marketing photography or a visual story is to create a library of authentic images that tell your organization’s story and support everything from websites and annual reports to recruitment campaigns and social media.
The more I understand your organization before the shoot, the stronger the final images become.
We’ll typically discuss:
- What the photographs will be used for
- Your target audience
- Brand guidelines or visual direction
- Key people, locations, or departments
- Whether specific stories or research should be highlighted
- Shot priorities
- Schedule and access to locations
- Any required releases or permissions
Many organizations also have existing photography they’d like new work to complement. Sharing examples ahead of time helps create a cohesive visual library.
Because these images are typically used for marketing and commercial purposes, licensing is an important part of every proposal. You can learn more on my Licensing page.
portrait sessions
Portrait sessions are built around people, not poses.
Whether I’m photographing a family at home, an artist in their studio, or an executive in their workspace, I spend time learning about the people involved before the camera ever comes out.
Before a portrait session, we’ll usually discuss:
- Who will be photographed
- The location
- What a typical day or routine looks like
- Specific photographs you’re hoping to create
- Favorite rooms, outdoor spaces
- Any important details I should know beforehand
For sessions taking place in your home or another private location, I may also ask for a few cellphone photos or a short video walkthrough beforehand. This allows me to plan around available light and identify the strongest locations before I arrive.
Most portrait sessions also include a conversation about wardrobe, weather, scheduling, and timing to ensure we’re photographing you under the best possible conditions.
information that helps me prepare your quote
No matter what type of project you’re planning, it’s helpful to include as much of the following information as possible when you first reach out:
- Type of photography needed
- Organization or client name
- Date(s)
- Location(s)
- Number of people involved
- Approximate schedule
- Intended use of the photographs
- Deadline for delivery
- Any creative vision, mood board, or reference images
- Budget, if one has already been established
Don’t worry if you don’t know all the answers yet. Part of my job is helping clients figure out exactly what they need.
a note about licensing
Most photography projects include a license allowing you to use the photographs for the purposes outlined in your proposal.
Occasionally, organizations request a full copyright transfer or a work-for-hire agreement. Those arrangements are different from standard licensing because they transfer ownership of the photographs rather than permission to use them. If your legal department requires one of these agreements, simply let me know during the quoting process so I can prepare the appropriate estimate.
You can learn more about commercial licensing, copyright, and image usage on my Licensing page.
ready to start?
The easiest way to begin is by sending an email with a brief description of your project. Even if you don’t have every detail finalized, I can help guide you through the planning process.
Great photography starts long before the shutter opens. A thoughtful planning conversation allows us to create images that not only look beautiful, but genuinely communicate who you are and what your organization does.
