How to Submit an Inquiry: What to Expect on a Discovery Call with Your Photographer

Are you gearing up to take your product imagery and visual marketing to the next level? Whether launching a new campaign, updating your website, or preparing for a big social media push, professional photography and videography can make all the difference. But before snapping photos, there's an essential step: the inquiry and discovery call. Finding the right fit and aligning your vision is paramount to successful production.

This post will guide you through submitting a project inquiry and preparing for our discovery call. We'll focus on questions your photographer may ask during the chat, but you can also find a list of helpful questions to ask your photographer here.

Clear and open communication makes all the difference in any working relationship, and I want to help you knock your branding or marketing project out of the park!

Step 1: Submitting an Inquiry

First things first, reaching out! The inquiry process is your first step towards collaborating with a product photographer. Here are some tips to make your inquiry stand out:

1. Clearly State Your Needs

When filling out an inquiry form or sending an email, be specific about your requirements. Mention the type of products you have, the number of items needing photographing, and any particular style or theme you envision.

Example:

"Hi, I'm looking for a photographer to help us with our new line of eco-friendly skincare products. We have about 15 items, and we're aiming for a clean, minimalistic style with a touch of nature. Could you please share your availability and more info on your services?"

2. Share Your Brand Story 

A little background about your brand can go a long way. It helps the photographer understand your vision and how best to represent your products.

Example:

"Our brand focuses on sustainable beauty products. We believe in being kind to the planet and our skin. We'd love our photos to reflect this ethos."

3. Include Deadlines

If you have a specific timeline, inform the photographer upfront to ensure both parties plan accordingly.

Example: 

"We plan to launch our new line in early December, so we'd need the final images by mid-November."

Step 2: Preparing for Your Discovery Call

Congrats! You've scheduled a discovery call with your potential photographer. This call is a fantastic opportunity for both parties to get to know each other, set expectations, and ensure a good fit. Here's a rundown of what you can expect: 

Questions Your Photographer May Ask During a Discovery Call: 

Can You Describe Your Products?

The photographer will want to know more about the products – their size, shape, color, texture, etc. Product descriptions help in planning the shoot, selecting the right equipment, and deciding on the best lighting techniques.

What Is the Purpose of the Photos?

Are these images for an e-commerce site, social media, print ads, or a catalog? Each platform requires specific styles, sizes, and resolutions.

How Many Products and Shots Do You Need?

Let’s talk numbers. Knowing how many products and shots you need will help me provide a more accurate quote and timeline. Do you need a few hero shots, detailed close-ups, or a combination?

Do You Have a Specific Style in Mind? 

Share any inspiration or mood boards you have. Inspiration could include anything from color palettes to specific shots you love. The more precise your vision, the easier for the photographer to deliver exactly what you want. Even better, circle or note down what you like most about your sample images.

Are there specific angles, backgrounds, or props you have in mind? Does your brand lean toward clean and minimal, bold and colorful, rustic and natural—identifying the style helps while planning the shoot.

Who Is Your Target Audience?

Understanding your target demographic can influence the style and presentation of the photos. For instance, a brand targeting young, eco-conscious consumers might go for a fresh, vibrant look, whereas a luxury brand might opt for something more polished and elegant.

What Is Your Budget? 

Discussing your budget upfront helps set realistic expectations and ensure the services offered and project scope are within your budget.

Are There Any Specific Brand Guidelines or Requirements? 

Let me know if you have any brand guidelines, color schemes, fonts, logo placement, or particular angles we need to capture so I can include those in the plan. 

Where will the shoot take place? 

Do you have a location in mind, or will we be shooting in the studio? We can fine-tune the design, props, venue booking, styling, and other logistics from there.

Are There Any Other Project Collaborators? 

Will we be working with stylists, models, or other creatives? Who will be the primary point of contact, and will other team members be involved? Let me know who is involved, what their roles are, and what their participation level is in the project.

Step 3: Asking Your Own Questions 

Don't be shy about asking your own questions! Here are some examples to get you started (you can find more questions in my recent post about what to ask your photographer):

·      Can you show me examples of similar projects you've worked on?

·      What is your process like from start to finish?

·      How do you handle revisions or reshoots, if necessary?

·      What are your turnaround times for edited images?

·      Do you provide any guidance on styling or props?

Wrapping Up 

By the end of our call, the goal is to have a clear understanding of your vision, needs, and expectations to set the stage for a successful collaboration and compelling final images.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to help and make sure you feel confident and excited about the project.  

Ready to create something amazing together? Fill out that inquiry form, and let’s get started!

P.S. Feel free to copy and paste this guide to plan out your answers before your discovery call. It’s here as a resource for you.