First-time clients. I prefer meeting first-time clients in person but can usually get the details necessary to estimate a job over the phone.

First-time projects. While some information can be collected over the phone, some jobs and projects are too complex to estimate without face-to-face meetings and site visits.

Repeat clients/jobs. After establishing a working relationship, clients may be able to provide the details necessary to estimate a job via email.

Estimating process. I have developed an estimating survey that captures all the details necessary to estimate a job in order to establish a clear understanding of desired results, required work effort, and available budget.

Factors may include, but are not limited to:

Planning/logistics. Some jobs/projects have too many moving parts to simply show up with a camera.

Art direction. Event/editorial/documentary/headshot photography usually requires only a shot list and rarely requires art direction. Some jobs require an art director to define, design, and direct the shoot. This is a skill and expertise that I have, but it goes beyond taking a photo of what’s in front of the camera.

Digital capture and processing. The client must decide who is going to handle the heavy lifting on developing the digital assets.

Deliverables. How many images are required or expected from the job/project?

Image Galleries. Do you want to make images available for prints and/or downloads?

Delivery time and method. When is delivery expected? Is it a multi-part delivery (such as x number of images next day and balance within a week)? Is delivery to be made by email, FTP, or some other method?

Expectations. Clients may be asked to provide sample imagery representing their envisioned end-results.

Once all the information is gathered, I produce a written estimate detailing the scope of work, deliverables, and associated fees. Once an estimate is accepted, work proceeds accordingly and is invoiced within 30 days of completion.

Note: individual departments, schools, and offices have different purchasing requirements. Please check with your fiscal controller to find out exactly what your internal policy is. As I am under contract, William & Mary does not require written estimates or purchase orders for amounts under $5,000.00; however, your department may require a written estimate to be logged before work can begin.

Also: William & Mary allows you to pay me by credit card for any jobs under $5,000.00.