Questions Creative Directors can Ask an Athlete Photographer in Their First Meeting (or two)
I’ve been writing content that pops in my head and usually it is just photoshoot stuff that may help other photographers. It’s content within my skillset so it makes sense for me to write about it. And then I remembered the point of my marketing plan should be to connect with creative directors because they are actually hiring photographers. Although I am not a creative director, I think I can speak to how I may interact with a creative director or provide helpful resources for creative directors who are working with photographers.
These are questions that I would be comfortable with a creative director or brand manager or whoever is hiring creatives to ask me. Perhaps not all at once because developing a relationship is important in any interview process. I added the question “What do you think elevates your work?”. This question is giving me what are your secrets vibes so I think it’s a fair question but again, all in context of a developing relationship.
I did a dump of questions so feel free to copy paste and use as is helpful or shoot me a note if you need any other help.
On Location, Creative
Can you clarify what type of photography you’re focused on/specialize in?
Do you prefer on site or studio work? Where do you spend most of your time?
Where do you get your ideas from?
How do you scout locations?
What on site concepts work for you geographically? Ie. Are there concepts you can work on more easily based on where you are based out of?
How do you pull your ideas together? Do you use moodboards?
What types of athletes have you worked with in the past?
Business & Process
What does your process look like?
With planning for a shoot?
Shoot day?
Post production of a shoot?
How much do you communicate with clients from request to delivery? Do you have notifications or give them any visibility throughout the creative process?
Do you have any models you like to work with? Where do you get your talent from typically?
What sort of resources do you like to work with? Photo assist, styling, gaffers, etc.
Do you have video partners?
Working together
Walk me through some of your favorite projects. What was the input from client? Why do you think they turned out so well?
What do you think elevates your work?
What are some areas we can help you get better?
How would you describe your attitude (vibe) on set?
How do you handle unexpected situations on set? (Weather, model cancellations, etc.)
Operations
What software tools do you use?
What photography gear do you typically use? Camera, lens, etc.
Is there gear you like to rent?
How many images do you typically deliver?
How much lead time do you need for a concept?
What are some of your biggest bottlenecks?
How do you manage RAW files/images?
Billing
When do you invoice?
Do you have retainers?
Do you provide fixed cost or bill for expenses?