How to Start Working with Brands as a Photographer and Earn $1,000–$8,000 per shoot
Working with brands is less about creativity and more about building a reliable source of income.
Here are a few examples from my own shoots:
US Polo Shoot
This one was straightforward: I followed their guidelines, took the photos, and that was it.
My payment for the half-day shoot was $1,000
Here are a few examples from my own shoots:
US Polo Shoot
This one was straightforward: I followed their guidelines, took the photos, and that was it.
My payment for the half-day shoot was $1,000
- I arrived 10 minutes before the session, and everything was already set up. The entire shoot took less than five hours.
Photos from the US Polo shoot
Private clients usually want you to bring your vision to life through your photography. With brands, however, your creative vision often takes a back seat to technical execution.
For example, US Polo has clear guidelines on how their photos should look. I simply followed their instructions to produce website-ready images.
For example, US Polo has clear guidelines on how their photos should look. I simply followed their instructions to produce website-ready images.
- The goal of these shoots is to showcase the product effectively. For clothing, it’s typically a lookbook; for jewelry, it’s usually close-up or still-life photography.
Pretty Little Things Shoot
After one of my shoots, I was recommended to another brand. The production reached outdirectlr to me.(In instagram it was the owner of ‘Love The Label’ and also producer of ‘Fila’ shoot)
After one of my shoots, I was recommended to another brand. The production reached outdirectlr to me.(In instagram it was the owner of ‘Love The Label’ and also producer of ‘Fila’ shoot)
- I shot for two days, earning $5,000
Fila Shoot
This shoot took place on a private jet, and the fee was $8,000 (photography only, not for the entire project).
This shoot took place on a private jet, and the fee was $8,000 (photography only, not for the entire project).
Stories from the Fila shoot
34 hours before the shoot, we drove across the U.S., camping overnight and taking turns sleeping in the van. We had to stop along the way to stay on schedule, and eventually arrived at the private jet location.
- Other locations included a countryside estate and a vintage car in Dumbo. Interestingly, we were shooting warm clothing in nearly 40°C (104°F) heat!
How to Find These Opportunities
- Use apps like SWIPE to respond to job postings and share your portfolio. That’s how I started working with US Polo. They posted a call for photographers, and I applied.
- Explore platforms like NOVA, where brands also post job openings.
- Reach out to brands directly via email, social media, or in person. You never know which approach will work.
Offer in Swipe and after reccomendation
Always do your job well, even if it’s a small shoot. You never know who’s watching or where it could lead.
Networking is crucial. You need to be naturally nice, professional, and polite. Sometimes you’ll be assisted by people who also run their own business. And it’s simply a small world. Be nice.
Networking is crucial. You need to be naturally nice, professional, and polite. Sometimes you’ll be assisted by people who also run their own business. And it’s simply a small world. Be nice.
- I’ll share more details about how to craft effective outreach messages and start working with brands during my mentorship program.
How to set prices with Brands
If I handle production, I set the pricing.
When a brand hires me, like US Polo or Fila, they provide the budget and terms upfront.
If I handle production, I set the pricing.
When a brand hires me, like US Polo or Fila, they provide the budget and terms upfront.
- I’ll be breaking down every key aspect of brand photography in my upcoming online masterclass — see the details through the link and secure your spot for only $50!
What does it look like to work with a brand step-by-step?
1. Initial Call with the Team
Just to understand that you are talking about the same thing and understand each other.
Listen to them, and then summarize it: "Let me make it clear that I understand you correctly..." and you say back what you just heard so that they can see that you understand them.
1. Initial Call with the Team
Just to understand that you are talking about the same thing and understand each other.
Listen to them, and then summarize it: "Let me make it clear that I understand you correctly..." and you say back what you just heard so that they can see that you understand them.
- Ask specific questions:
- “How will the images be used?”
- “What format do you need?”
- “What image ratios work for your site?”
2. On-Site
3. Lunch is a time for networking
When you can meet and exchange contacts in a more informal way. The people who will follow you are your potential employers. You will be in their radar even if you're just posting your lifestyle — that will show your personality and discrete the distance.
- Remember the name of each crew member on a set. Write names down in your notes. Your job is to create a cool atmosphere on the set.
- Ask your assistant to take pictures of the backstage, which you can then use in social media. Be sure to find out the nicknames and tag them in insta. They probably have colleagues and friends — and the probability that you will have a new offer increases.
3. Lunch is a time for networking
When you can meet and exchange contacts in a more informal way. The people who will follow you are your potential employers. You will be in their radar even if you're just posting your lifestyle — that will show your personality and discrete the distance.
- The team is much more loyal to you — they feel like they know you already. They may not write to you for months, but they will not forget you, because you will always flash in front of their eyes.
4. Post-Shoot
My lifehack: I like to make an impression and at the end of the shoot I say: "I already sent you a link to the photos with color correction!"
Quickly sort the photos and apply presets during the shoot if you can. Upload a selection with color corrections and share a link with the client.
Usually, people are thrilled after this! Here you are immediately ready to work and preview images - no need to wait even an extra hour. But this requires skills and abilities, which means knowledge of programs.
5. Follow-Up
The next day write to the producer and the team — " Thank you! It was great to work with you, I'll be happy to so it again!" If you remember some personal tricks with someone, write about them: "I hope that your dog will quickly learn a new command!".
My lifehack: I like to make an impression and at the end of the shoot I say: "I already sent you a link to the photos with color correction!"
Quickly sort the photos and apply presets during the shoot if you can. Upload a selection with color corrections and share a link with the client.
Usually, people are thrilled after this! Here you are immediately ready to work and preview images - no need to wait even an extra hour. But this requires skills and abilities, which means knowledge of programs.
5. Follow-Up
The next day write to the producer and the team — " Thank you! It was great to work with you, I'll be happy to so it again!" If you remember some personal tricks with someone, write about them: "I hope that your dog will quickly learn a new command!".
- Problem-Solving lifehack:if there is a technical problem, don't show that something is wrong. Say that you need 10 minutes for technical stuff. And handle it. No one needs to know that something happens.
Don't send that "panic signal" into the air. There's no point in showing it. If you can solve the problem, solve it. Everyone needs to make sure you know what you're doing.
How do I start a collaboration?
1. Write on Instagram
Once you've found the right brand, write to them on Instagram. Attach examples of your work and photos to show what you can offer.
2. Offer cooperation
If the brand is interested in cooperation, offer them your services. For example, you can offer to shoot an influencer or a creative shoot using items from the brand.
3. Use the features of logs
If you work with a model from an agency that provides models for free creative shooting, there may be problems with the commercial use of these shots. In this case, you can publish your work in a journal to avoid any complaints from.
4. Collaborate with small magazines
If you want to expand your capabilities, consider collaborating with smaller magazines. You can write to a magazine and offer your services.
1. Write on Instagram
Once you've found the right brand, write to them on Instagram. Attach examples of your work and photos to show what you can offer.
2. Offer cooperation
If the brand is interested in cooperation, offer them your services. For example, you can offer to shoot an influencer or a creative shoot using items from the brand.
3. Use the features of logs
If you work with a model from an agency that provides models for free creative shooting, there may be problems with the commercial use of these shots. In this case, you can publish your work in a journal to avoid any complaints from.
4. Collaborate with small magazines
If you want to expand your capabilities, consider collaborating with smaller magazines. You can write to a magazine and offer your services.
My experience
I have always tried to establish a warm and trusting relationship with brands. For example, when I was asked to shoot for a magazine, I used this opportunity to ask for items from brands. I was given things, and I initially developed communication with the brand.
Later, I collaborated with brands such as Live The Process, Cynthia Rowley and Larroude. This has helped me develop my skills and find new clients.
Collaboration with brands is a great way to prove yourself and improve your marketing skills. If you follow my advice, you can easily find the right brand and start working with it
I have always tried to establish a warm and trusting relationship with brands. For example, when I was asked to shoot for a magazine, I used this opportunity to ask for items from brands. I was given things, and I initially developed communication with the brand.
Later, I collaborated with brands such as Live The Process, Cynthia Rowley and Larroude. This has helped me develop my skills and find new clients.
Collaboration with brands is a great way to prove yourself and improve your marketing skills. If you follow my advice, you can easily find the right brand and start working with it
Tips for Beginners
- Always connect your camera to a laptop so the team can monitor shots in real time. On a big shoot, 20 people will look at your laptop and watch the shooting process. An art director can ask some technical requirements, like to keep more space over the model head" (if, for example, there will be a specific banner size).
- Show two shots with different settings and let the team choose before proceeding. Be sure to confirm that everything is OK. This way you can do all the shooting with the correct settings that have been approved.
- Follow the brand’s guidelines without unnecessary creativity unless explicitly asked.
- Don't try to do creative work if you weren't asked to. You can suggest: "Do you want to try a little different?" But most likely you will be told: "We have a guideline, follow it."
It's like a professional makeup artist is told to do light makeup — and he's like: "Damn, I wanted to draw fire all over my face, it will be cool!".
Your professionalism consists in this, to do what is asked of you.
What Brand Shoots Have Enabled Me to Do
I’ve shared examples of shoots earning $1,500, $5,000, and $8,000. Brand projects provide funds to invest in personal creative projects, raising your status as a photographer. For example, I’ve held my own exhibition in New York.
I’ve shared examples of shoots earning $1,500, $5,000, and $8,000. Brand projects provide funds to invest in personal creative projects, raising your status as a photographer. For example, I’ve held my own exhibition in New York.
- To work with brands, you need:
- A portfolio tailored to brand needs (lookbooks, still-life).
- Technical skills in lighting and studio setups.
- Networking abilities to connect with stylists, makeup artists, and other professionals who can bring you on board.
- Want to understand brand shoots from A to Z? I’ll cover it all in my next live online masterclass — click the link for details and join for just $50!
