Frequently Asked Questions
Read below for a comprehensive list of common questions and answers that we have compiled from the hundreds of commercial photography inquiries that we respond to each year.
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Pricing & Quotes
How much does a commercial photo shoot cost?
Every commercial photo shoot is unique, so pricing can vary depending on several factors, including the amount of shoot time, the number of final deliverables, intended image usage, photo editing requirements, lighting equipment, and production services such as location scouting, talent sourcing, styling, travel expenses, and more.
As a general guideline, a typical full-day commercial photography shoot that does not require additional production services (photography only) typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000+. We also offer half-day shoots at reduced rates and multi-day productions when needed.
Do you have a standard rate sheet?
No. Because every commercial photography project is different, we do not maintain a standard rate sheet. Every proposal is customized based on the specific goals, scope, and production requirements of your project.
As a general guideline, a typical full-day photography-only shoot ranges from $2,500 to $5,000+. We also offer half-day shoots at reduced rates and multi-day productions when needed.
How can I get a formal quote for my commercial photography project?
The best way to get started is by contacting our Account Executive, Paul DiGiovanni, at paul@risnerphoto.com.
Please include as much information as possible about your project, including the shoot location, desired shoot date, and a rough shot list if you have one. If you are still working through the details, that's perfectly okay. Paul will help you develop the scope of your project over email or during a phone call before preparing a formal quote.
Do you require a deposit to book a photo shoot?
Yes. We typically require a 50% deposit to secure your shoot date and begin pre-production planning. In some cases, the deposit amount may increase, decrease, or be waived depending on the production details and client needs.
Who should I contact about commercial photography services or pricing?
For questions about commercial photography services, availability, or pricing, please contact our Account Executive, Paul DiGiovanni, at paul@risnerphoto.com.
Paul typically responds as soon as possible by email and is also happy to schedule a phone call to discuss your project and answer any questions.
Scheduling & Availability
What is your next available commercial photo shoot date?
We typically have availability within the next 1–3 weeks. We frequently book commercial photo shoots on short notice, so don't hesitate to contact us even if you have an upcoming project with a tight deadline.
Some months fill up faster than others, but we typically still have scheduling options available. Our calendar is usually much more open 1–2 months in advance.
How far in advance should I book a commercial photo shoot?
In a perfect world, we recommend booking your commercial photo shoot about one month in advance. However, we know that's not always possible, and we regularly take on projects with much shorter timelines.
If you have a project coming up, simply contact us to check availability. We'll do our best to accommodate your schedule.
What days of the week do you schedule photo shoots?
We typically schedule commercial photo shoots Monday through Friday, but we're also available on weekends and holidays when needed.
That said, both our team and many of our clients generally prefer to avoid weekends and Mondays whenever possible.
What is the best time of day for a commercial photo shoot?
The ideal time of day depends on the type of photography you're looking to create and the overall style you're trying to achieve.
For outdoor locations, mornings and late afternoons or evenings typically provide softer, more flattering natural light. For many interior photography projects, we often take advantage of bright midday sunlight. However, every production is different, and there are many factors that can influence the ideal shooting schedule.
Some productions rely entirely on artificial lighting and can be photographed at any time of day, while others are specifically planned for nighttime. Many of our commercial photo shoots take place between midday and sunset. We'll discuss your project's goals and recommend the best shooting schedule during the planning process.
How long does a commercial photography project take from start to finish?
Many commercial photography projects can be completed in as little as 1–3 weeks, depending on project urgency and our availability.
Some productions require very little planning, while others involve 1–3 weeks of pre-production. The actual shoot may last anywhere from a couple of hours to multiple days, depending on the scope of the project.
After the shoot is complete, final edited images are typically delivered within 5–10 business days, although turnaround times may vary depending on the project's scope and any specific client deadlines.
What happens if bad weather affects my commercial photo shoot?
Weather cancellations are uncommon, but they do happen. While not every production depends on good weather, many of our outdoor commercial photo shoots do.
For smaller productions, weather cancellation fees can range from zero to minimal, depending on when the cancellation occurs and whether any production expenses cannot be recovered. Larger productions involving additional crew members, talent, or other production resources may require cancellation fees to compensate for reserved time.
Whenever possible, rescheduling a shoot instead of cancelling it altogether helps reduce cancellation costs. Cancellation without rescheduling will result in the loss of the client's deposit payment.
Our goal is always to keep cancellation costs as low as possible while helping clients schedule their shoot under the best possible conditions for outstanding photography.
Production & Photo Shoot Services
Do you have your own photography studio?
We do not have our own dedicated photography studio, but we have extensive local knowledge of professional studio spaces and shooting locations. We'll help you find and rent the right location based on the goals and production needs of your commercial photo shoot.
Can you help us find a location for our photo shoot?
Yes. Our team can scout and recommend location options for your commercial photography project. Depending on the amount of scouting required, additional fees may apply.
Once you've selected a location, you're welcome to book it yourself, or we can handle the booking and location management for you.
Do you offer video production in addition to photography?
Our primary focus is commercial still photography, but we regularly provide video (motion) capture as well. We can photograph stills and capture video during the same production, or dedicate the entire shoot to either photography or video.
Can you provide professional models or talent?
Yes. We can source professional models and talent for your production for additional talent and production costs.
We're also very experienced photographing real people, including your employees, customers, executives, family members, or friends when authentic imagery is the best fit for your project.
Do you provide professional hair and makeup styling?
Yes. We can source one or more commercial hair and makeup stylists for your production. Hair and makeup styling typically costs an additional $750–1,000 per day.
Do you provide wardrobe or prop styling?
Yes. We can source experienced commercial wardrobe stylists and prop stylists for your production. Wardrobe and prop styling costs can vary widely depending on the specific needs and complexity of your project.
How large is your typical photo shoot crew?
Our typical commercial photography crew consists of Jason, our Photographer and Director, along with two camera and lighting assistants.
For smaller productions, we may only bring one assistant. For larger productions, we may add a producer, stylists, video camera operators, additional assistants, and other crew members as needed.
Can you work alongside an existing video production crew?
Absolutely. We regularly work alongside video production companies to create still photography that matches the style, lighting, and story of the filmed production.
Jason has extensive experience working around active video crews without disrupting filming or slowing down the production schedule.
Do you photograph individuals?
Yes. We photograph professionals, executives, creatives, and others who need professional portraits for marketing and business purposes.
Because our minimum shoot fees typically range from $1,500–2,000, our services are not always the most economical option for individuals. That said, every project is different, so feel free to reach out to discuss your needs and see if we're a good fit.
We do not photograph graduation portraits, dating profile photos, or other personal or family photography.
Do you provide craft services during productions?
Yes. Our Producer can coordinate craft services upon request.
For smaller productions that do not include production services (photography crew only), we typically ask clients to provide their own food and beverages.
How should I prepare for a commercial photo shoot?
Every production requires a different level of preparation depending on which production responsibilities have been assigned to our team. Before every shoot, we'll walk you through a customized preparation checklist based on your specific project.
Preparation may include talent styling, location cleaning and staging, wardrobe recommendations, furniture and prop placement, practical lighting and window blind control, parking and equipment loading, talent photo releases, location permits, lunch coordination, and more.
How do I create a shot list?
A shot list can be as simple as a bullet-point list of the scenes or images you'd like to capture during your commercial photo shoot. More detailed shot lists often include notes about locations, sets, talent, wardrobe, props, lighting, and photo composition.
We recommend creating a rough shot list before requesting a quote. If you need help, our team is happy to work with you to develop your shot list and refine the details before shoot day.
Photo Editing, Retouching & Licensing
Do you provide photo editing and retouching services?
Yes. We provide both basic and advanced photo editing and retouching services. Most of our retouching is completed in-house by Jason, although we occasionally work with specialized third-party retouchers for projects that require unique expertise.
Do you offer graphic design services?
We do not provide graphic design services, but we're happy to refer you to a trusted creative agency if your project requires design support.
How many final images will I receive from my photo shoot?
The number of final images delivered depends on the length of the shoot and the type of photography being produced. As a general guideline, a typical full-day commercial photo shoot yields approximately 30–60 final selected images, although we frequently deliver more.
When you request a quote, we'll provide a detailed scope of work that includes an estimated number of final deliverables for your project.
What is your post-production process and typical turnaround time?
Once your commercial photo shoot is complete, we begin by performing a basic color correction on all of the images and preparing an online proof gallery. The proof gallery is typically delivered within 5 business days.
After reviewing the proofs, you'll create a list of your favorite images for final editing. Once we receive your selections, we typically spend another 5 business days completing final color correction and retouching.
Delivery timelines may vary depending on the scope of the project and any pre-planned client deadlines.
Do your commercial photography projects include unlimited image licensing?
Yes. Every commercial photography project includes unlimited licensing and usage for marketing and advertising purposes for all final deliverables. The cost of licensing is already included in our photography fees.
Our shoot fees may vary based on client size and intended image usage. Images may not be resold, relicensed, turned into products for resale (such as a book), or provided to third parties without permission.
Images may be published in unpaid media placements such as newspapers, magazines, blogs, and social media with credit to Jason Risner Photography.
Overall, our licensing terms are more flexible than those offered by many commercial photographers. If you have questions about a specific use or licensing scenario, please contact paul@risnerphoto.com.
What file formats and image resolution do you deliver?
Final images are typically delivered as full-resolution, uncropped JPG and TIF files at 8192 × 5464 pixels.
In special circumstances, we may also deliver RAW files or color-corrected DNG files. If you need images cropped or resized to specific dimensions or file specifications, we're happy to provide that as well.
Do you deliver RAW image files?
In certain situations, we provide the complete RAW image library. This is generally reserved for clients who have their own post-production capabilities or when RAW file delivery is required by contract.
How do you deliver completed images?
Most projects are delivered through a secure Dropbox download link. Depending on the client's needs, files may also be delivered on a physical hard drive or uploaded to client-provided cloud storage.
How long do you archive client images?
All of our image files are backed up on a physical RAID storage system with an additional backup through Backblaze. For client delivery and access, files are uploaded to Dropbox cloud storage.
While we do not guarantee permanent file storage, we currently retain all camera originals and will continue to do so for as long as we are in business. Because of this, we strongly recommend that clients immediately download and archive all delivered files within their own storage systems.
If archived files need to be retrieved in the future, retrieval fees may apply.
Equipment & Lighting
What cameras and lenses do you use?
We photograph all of our commercial projects using the Canon R5 (Mark I and Mark II) camera system. These cameras produce extremely high-resolution images and offer some of the industry's best autofocus performance for professional still photography.
We also utilize a wide range of Canon RF prime and zoom lenses, allowing us to capture everything from expansive architectural interiors to detailed product photography and portraits.
Can we review images during the photo shoot?
Yes. We always have either a laptop or iPad available on set so clients can review images in real time as they're captured.
We encourage clients to provide feedback and creative direction throughout the shoot. Every production is a collaborative process, and reviewing images together helps ensure we're creating photography that aligns with your vision and project goals.
Do you offer remote image review during a photo shoot?
Yes. Remote viewing and remote image review can be provided upon request for an additional fee.
Whenever possible, we recommend that clients and agency representatives attend the shoot in person, as it allows for faster feedback and more collaborative creative decision-making throughout the production.
Do you photograph using natural light?
Yes. We have extensive experience creating photography using only available natural light, as well as combining natural light with professional artificial lighting when it helps achieve the desired look.
Do you use professional strobe lighting?
Yes. We own a complete professional strobe lighting and grip equipment package, and most of our commercial photography productions incorporate strobe lighting to provide consistent, controlled, and high-quality results.
Do you use continuous lighting?
Yes. For certain productions, we utilize both owned and rented continuous lighting, particularly for lifestyle photography and video capture.
Depending on the scope of the project, continuous lighting may require additional equipment rental and crew fees.
About Our Team
Who is Jason Risner Photography?
Jason Risner Photography is a commercial photography team based in San Antonio and Austin, Texas, creating photography for businesses, brands, and creative agencies across a wide range of industries.
Jason Risner serves as our Photographer, Director, and Owner, while Paul DiGiovanni is our Account Executive and Client Relationship Manager. Jason and Paul have worked together since 2016. Depending on the needs of each production, we also work with a trusted network of contract assistants, stylists, producers, and other experienced production partners.
What does Jason do as the Photographer & Director?
Jason is the Owner, Photographer, and Director of Jason Risner Photography. He leads the creative direction for every production, including directing talent, composing and capturing images, and designing and executing each lighting setup.
What does Paul do as the Account Executive?
Paul is the Account Executive at Jason Risner Photography. He primarily manages sales, marketing, client relationships, and post-production delivery.
Paul also assists with shoot production, creative direction, and technical and equipment problem solving throughout the production process.
How long have you been providing commercial photography services?
We've been providing commercial photography services since 2012. During that time, we've worked with hundreds of clients and completed well over a thousand commercial photo shoots.
Where is Jason Risner Photography located?
We're based in San Antonio, Texas, and also work extensively throughout Austin and the surrounding areas. Our team regularly travels throughout Texas and beyond for commercial photography projects.
Do you travel for commercial photo shoots?
Yes. We routinely travel throughout Texas and beyond for commercial photography assignments. While most of our productions take place in South and Central Texas, travel is a regular part of what we do.
What types of businesses and industries do you work with?
We've worked with businesses across a wide variety of industries, including hospitality, food, consumer products, fashion, outdoors, industrial, construction, oil and gas, corporate, professional services, medical, western wear, architecture, and many others.
There are very few industries we haven't photographed. If you don't see work related to your business in our portfolio, contact paul@risnerphoto.com. He can often provide additional examples that are relevant to your industry.
Do you offer family photography?
No. We specialize exclusively in commercial photography and do not provide family or other non-commercial photography services. If you're looking for family portraits, we recommend searching for a local wedding or family photographer.
Have you photographed any celebrities?
Yes. Over the years we've photographed a number of notable individuals, including George Strait, Victor Wembanyama, Eva Longoria, Donald Trump, Tony Plana, Koe Wetzel, and others.
Photographing celebrities is not a primary focus of our business, but we've gained extensive experience working with high-profile individuals throughout our careers.
How many commercial photo shoots have you completed?
Since 2012, we've completed well over a thousand commercial photo shoots for hundreds of different clients across many industries.
Do you work with creative and advertising agencies?
Yes. We regularly partner with creative agencies and advertising agencies to produce commercial photography for their clients and campaigns.
Can businesses hire you directly without an agency?
Absolutely. We have extensive experience working directly with businesses to plan and produce commercial photography projects from start to finish.
Whether you're working with a creative agency or managing the project internally, we're happy to guide you through the process and help create photography that supports your marketing goals.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Whether you're planning a small one-day photo shoot or a large commercial production, we'd love to learn more about your project. Our team is happy to answer questions, discuss ideas, and prepare a customized proposal based on your goals.
Click below to discuss your project, request pricing, or schedule a discovery call.