FAQ

Approach + Pre-Shoot Planning

Approach
I specialize in capturing the work of interior designers, architects, and product designers. For more about me and my background, click here.

While a full gear list might not be relevant information for clients, understanding how a photographer uses it is important. Appropriate lighting is essential to producing images that reflect the in-person experience of a space. Natural lighting is beautiful, and I leverage it in nearly every photograph, but it often needs to be shaped with diffusion and supplemented by additional lighting at times to better control color casts and reflections and mitigate the look of things being “blown out” in the image. My clients know I bring a full kit of gear that ensures we get the best possible result every single time — allowing for consistent, clear, appealing images that draw viewers in.

Preparatory Checklist
Completing the list below will ensure alignment and set the photo shoot up for success.

1. Clarify stakeholders in the photo shoot. For some shoots, contractors, suppliers, or other partners are interested in gaining rights to use the images in addition to my client. In these cases, I add 30% to my base day rate per additional partner; the invoice remains the responsibility of my direct client, allowing them to divide the cost among the participating partners as they wish. In order to share costs and usage rights in this manner, it must be agreed upon prior to the photoshoot. If a party is interested in access to the photos following the shoot, they must purchase individual image usage licenses. See Promotions + Usage section for partners or brands who would like to purchase individual images following the shoot.

2. Confirm date(s) and amount of time required. We determine the amount of time required for the shoot based on the client’s priorities and a loose shot list. A half day of photography includes up to 4 hours of shooting up to 10 images; a full day includes up to 8 hours of shooting up to 20 images. Overtime and additional images (at a cost) can be an option if needed, but will always be discussed with the client prior so there are no surprises.

3. Determine whether support team members are needed. I employ an assistant for every shoot, with few exceptions. Depending on the number of shots needed and the purpose of the images, a a stylist or other support might be recommended. See the Voices on Set section to learn more about what roles these team members perform during the shoot.

4. Share location, solidify call time, and identify parking and load-in plan. Since I drive with my equipment to every photo shoot, I will need space to load in and somewhere to park the car for the day. Sometimes in large condo buildings, this might mean getting prior approval/access from building management.

A few days before the shoot, I will send an email including the above information to confirm and account for any last-minute needs.

Day of Photo Shoot

Commitment
I take the fact that clients have contracted my time very seriously. I will arrive at the call time, connect with the client on the plan for the day, get set up, and will be ready to go. I will be focused on taking the most advantage of the time allotted. The easiest way for clients to capitalize on the time they have secured with me is to have space(s) ready to photograph; my clients often work one room/space ahead of me throughout the day to keep things moving. The more a client/their team is engaged throughout the day, the more smoothly the shoot will run and the more aligned the images will be with their priorities and vision.

Voices on Set
On photo shoot days, the designer/architect’s role is to set the priorities and lead in the development of a shot list. They are partners to the photographer in ensuring spaces are captured in alignment with their design vision/brand and that they address their business’s usage needs ranging from social media to magazines to portfolio and website.

The best interior designers and architects create spaces that bring function, beauty, and pleasure to the lives of their clients. The photographer’s role is to approach photography with the same human-centric spirit, infusing an aesthetically ideal image with a lived-in quality that captures attention and communicates the client’s point of view. On set, I guide the team through the shoot based on the client’s priorities, timing, and shot list.

The photo assistant’s role is to help the shoot move more quickly and smoothly by handling gear, setting up lights, positioning furniture, etc. Support from an assistant results in a more seamless day on set and allows for a longer shot list to be completed in the time allotted.

The stylist’s role is to ensure the designer’s vision is displayed in 2D format, balancing the image and closely connecting it to the in-person experience and mood of the space. Stylists make soft goods lay intentionally, give styled bookshelves dimension, and add extra touches of life and personality through props and florals. Support from a stylist results in more dynamic, impactful imagery that makes the client’s work look its best.

While not present on set, the photo retoucher’s role is to ensure the final images are publication-quality and any feedback/mark ups from the client are resolved. I work between my client and the retoucher to ensure the client’s vision is realized.

Post-Shoot Process

Retouching
Retouching is a time-intensive process, with needs varying based on the image. However, a general rule of thumb is that it will take approximately the same amount of time to retouch as it did to photograph the images. Following the shoot, my team retouches the photos, ensuring they are color and light balanced, appropriately cropped and straightened, and that simple removals are completed. I will then send the proofs for review. If a few changes are still needed, those will be made and final images will be delivered. For images requiring more extensive reconstruction, I will offer an estimate based on the time required to complete the edits -- though this is not typically necessary.

Invoicing + Terms
After final imagery is delivered, I will issue an invoice. Net payment terms are 30 days from the date of invoice. I accept Venmo, Zelle/QuickPay, or a personal check.

Below is an example of the line items a client might expect to see on an invoice (if applicable):

• Photographer and Assistant’s day rates

• Photographer’s overtime (hourly fee equivalent to my day rate converted to hours)

• Assistant’s overtime (time-and-a-half)

• Shoot-related expenses (mileage, travel, parking, lunch, etc.)

• Additional retouching (if over 10 images for a half day or 20 images for a full day)

Any additional talent, time, or expenses will be discussed prior to shoot day. Clients will have a good understanding of what will be charged prior to receiving the invoice and can request a detailed estimate if needed.

Promotions + Usage

Client Usage
When a client hires me, they are purchasing my time photographing and retouching + usage of the images themselves.

When posting on social media, captions should include “Image: @rymcdon” or similar phrasing. When using the photos in editorial/press, photo captions carry the credit line: “© Ryan McDonald,” “Image: Ryan McDonald,” or similar.

Clients have full rights to use the images in their portfolios, on their website, and in advertising -- no additional acknowledgment required.

These usage rights do not transfer to vendors, project partners, or any other party involved in the project. For more information, see Third-Party Usage.

Photographer Usage
Unless a client commits to a full copyright buyout of the images, I too am able to use the images with the same terms listed above. I enjoy showcasing my and my client’s work via social media, but will always ensure the photos aren’t being held for a media exclusive or special reveal prior to sharing.

Third-Party Usage
Design imagery is popular on social media, and accounts share others’ work often. As long as credit is given to both myself and the designer and the image is not being utilized to directly sell a product, I’m always happy to see my images shared broadly by others natively on social media channels.

If a partner or brand would like to use the image in their own marketing, on their website (including social media widgets), in advertising, or additional uses outside of native social media, I will allow them to purchase usage of a selection of images, pending the original client’s approval. Once images are purchased, the same agreement as above remains in place both for the client and for the image purchaser.

Usage Infringements
Just as the design work my clients produce is their art and their intellectual property, my photographs are mine. If images are utilized without a license by any party, whether or not they were involved in the design project, they may be subject to legal action. If such an infringement occurs, I will always check in with my client first to understand any necessary context prior to reaching out to the infringing party.