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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

 

I’ve gathered the key questions clients regularly ask about working together, from how I plan and structure each project to what’s included, how usage works, and what you can expect from start to finish. Whether you’re a hotel, restaurant, or hospitality brand, this section makes the process clear and straightforward. If anything’s missing, I’m always here to help.

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This page gives you a full picture of how I work, from scheduling to usage, planning, delivery and everything in between. I ask that all clients read through it so we both start the project with a shared understanding. Once we begin working together, these guidelines help keep everything smooth, clear and consistent for your team and mine.

Why have you moved away from day rates?

Day rates put the focus on hours. Most brands don’t need that. You need a clear scope, clear deliverables, and content that actually supports your marketing goals. Project pricing lets me build each shoot properly; creative direction, planning, shooting, editing, usage without rushing or breaking things into hours.

 

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What are the benefits of project-based pricing for us?

You know exactly what you’re getting before we begin.

You know exactly what the final content will look like.

You know how you can use it.

No guesswork, no hourly surprises, no open-ended timelines.

 

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Does project pricing mean it’s more expensive?

Not necessarily. It means the investment matches the scale and impact of the content. For smaller shoots, it can actually make things simpler and more predictable. For bigger productions, it ensures everything is properly planned and executed from start to finish.

 

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SCOPE & DELIVERABLES

 

What exactly is included in a typical project?

Every project includes:

• Creative planning and concept development

• A shoot with full lighting + equipment

• Editing and post-production

• Final delivery in multiple formats

• Usage rights based on your needs

• A clear schedule and revision process

 

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Can I choose how many photos or videos I want?

Yes. You can choose a set amount, or we can build a package based on your goals (e.g., menu launch, full hotel campaign, seasonal content).

 

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What if I’m not sure how much content I need?

I’ll guide you. Once I understand your goals (social growth, website update, PR push, room launch, menu refresh), I’ll recommend the right deliverables.

 

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How many images does a typical project include?

It depends on the scope. Smaller shoots may include 20–30. Larger hotel or campaign shoots may include 80+. Everything is clearly defined beforehand.

 

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CREATIVE PROCESS

 

Do you help with creative direction?

Yes - it’s a core part of the service. I create mood-boards, shot lists, concepts, and structure the story of the shoot around your brand.

 

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Can you match our existing brand style?

Yes, I can absolutely align the shoot with your brand guidelines, colour palette, mood and overall visual direction. If you have previous content you want the new work to sit alongside, I can blend everything seamlessly so your visuals stay consistent.

 

What I don’t do is replicate another photographer’s style or copy another creator’s aesthetic. Every photographer has their own way of shooting, lighting and editing, and clients usually come to me because they want the style they’ve seen in my portfolio. I’ll always adapt to your brand, but I keep the creative approach authentic to my work. That way you get the quality, tone and atmosphere you hired me for.

 

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Can you suggest new creative ideas if we don’t have anything planned?

Yes. Many brands prefer me to lead creatively. I’ll bring ideas that match your goals and elevate your brand.

 

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Do you plan everything before the shoot?

Yes. Nothing is left to chance. We’ll confirm the creative direction, shot list, structure of the day, and the deliverables before we begin. 

 

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USAGE & LICENSING

 

What usage rights are included?

Social media usage is included by default.

If you need website, PR, advertising or full commercial use, that can be added.

 

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Why does usage matter?

Because how you use content affects its value. Using an image in an Instagram post is different from using it on billboards, campaigns or paid ads. Your license reflects your needs.

 

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Can I upgrade usage later?

Yes. You can upgrade usage at any time, even months after the project.

 

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Can I use the images for PR?

Yes - as long as your license includes PR usage. If not, it’s easy to add.

 

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Can other businesses (e.g., suppliers) use the images?

Only if the license includes that. Supplier usage is an optional add-on, because it’s essentially a second client benefiting from the content.

 

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Do you ever give full rights or buyouts?

Yes, if requested. Buyouts are priced based on scale and duration.

 

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Do you give RAW files?

RAW files aren’t included as standard, but can be licensed if needed.

 

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EDITING & DELIVERY

 

How long does editing take?

Typically 7 to 14 days depending on the scope. Larger campaigns may take slightly longer. Rush delivery option subject to availability 

 

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Do you offer rush delivery?

Yes (Subject to availability at the time). Rush delivery is available and priced separately.

All edits required within 24-hours of shoot (50% of total project fee will be added).

All edits required 48-hours of shoot (25% of total project fee will be added).

Single images - £50 (within 24-hours), £25 (within 48-hours).

 

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Can we ask for revisions?

Each project includes one round of revisions - this includes the basics > exposure, contrast, white balance, saturation. Additional revisions can be added if needed. Any extensive re-touching required will be quoted for and billed at the end of the project.

 

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Do you deliver unedited images?

No - only final edited images are delivered. This ensures quality and brand consistency.

 

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How do you deliver the final content?

Via Dropbox or WeTransfer - your choice!

 

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Do you resize for social media?

Yes - everything can be delivered Instagram-ready, TikTok-ready and website-ready. If you can let me know dimensions prior to beginning any post-production. Resizing images post-delivery can be added if required.

 

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VIDEO & SOCIAL CONTENT

 

Do you create reels or TikTok videos?

Yes. Short-form video content on iPhone is typically packaged based on number required. We can discuss in more detail ahead of the shoot.

 

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Do you film content vertically for social?

Always, unless you request landscape.

 

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Can you create video with audio, transitions, and text?

Yes - full editing is available.

 

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Can you make a mix of photography and video in the same project?

Definitely - most projects include both photography and video. The only thing to keep in mind is that I can’t physically shoot photo and video at the exact same time. To keep everything organised and to make sure nothing feels rushed or messy, I normally structure the day in two clear parts: photography first, then video (or the other way around depending on the brief).

 

This approach keeps the lighting consistent, the styling clean, and the overall flow professional. You still get a full mix of both formats - it just means each part is shot intentionally rather than trying to juggle both at once.

 

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Can you create social-ready carousels or story sets?

Yes - I can deliver finished Instagram carousels, story slides, or even small campaign sets.

 

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Can you help us decide what will perform well on social?

Yes. I always build a social-first approach into content planning.

 

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Do you offer any sort of social media management service?

Yes - I offer a fully managed, creatively led social media service for hospitality brands that want consistent content and a strong online presence. This can include content planning, posting, captions, scheduling, creative direction and full visual management. It works perfectly alongside ongoing photography and video projects, giving you a complete content and social solution in one place.

 

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LOGISTICS

 

Do you travel?

Yes - throughout the UK and internationally.

 

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Are travel and accommodation included in the quote?

Travel, accommodation, and transportation (including parking) are quoted separately based on the location and requirements. Within the Greater Manchester area travel costs are included. Outside of Greater Manchester travel will be quoted for based on current prices when booking (train, plane). Or if travelling by car at £0.50p per mile.

 

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Can you shoot during service or opening hours?

Yes. This is normal for hospitality.

We can also stage dishes or shoot before service if needed.

 

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Do you bring lighting and equipment?

Yes - everything needed is included.

 

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Do you need anything from us on the day?

Just people, access, and the agreed items/dishes/rooms ready. I handle the rest.

 

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If we’re shooting food, who plates the dishes?

Your chef/team plates them. I’ll guide styling and make recommendations on camera.

 

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What if the space is dark?

No problem. I bring lighting suited to restaurants, bars and hotels.

 

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What if we need staff or models?

You can provide them, or I can help arrange models if needed.

 

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What happens if the weather changes?

We adapt the plan. Outdoor shots can be moved, swapped, or rescheduled depending on the project.

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What happens if there are delays on the day of the shoot?

 

I fully understand that hospitality can be unpredictable - kitchens get busy, rooms run behind schedule, equipment fails, staff get pulled away, and things don’t always go to plan. I always try to be flexible and patient on the day, and small delays are completely normal.

 

However, if delays become significant and result in long periods of downtime where I’m waiting for dishes, rooms, spaces or people to become available, this can impact the flow of the shoot and the amount of content we’re able to capture.

 

If delays extend the shoot far beyond the agreed schedule, an additional fee may apply. This simply covers the extra time allocated, especially when it prevents me from working on other projects later that day.

 

My goal is always to keep the day running smoothly and produce the best possible content, and I’ll always communicate clearly before any extra time or fees are added.

 

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REVISIONS, CHANGES & RESHOOTS

 

What happens if we want to change the brief after booking?

Small changes are fine.

If the scope changes significantly, i’ll update the quote so everything stays clear.

 

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What if we need a reshoot?

If the reshoot is due to your internal changes (new menu, new rooms, staff availability), it’s an additional project.

If something goes wrong on my side (very rare), I take responsibility.

 

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Can you fix issues in editing?

Yes - lighting, colours, small distractions, plates, marks, minor retouching, etc. For anything more significant then I can quote based on your requirements.

 

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Do you do retouching?

Yes, basic re-touching is included, but high-end retouching may be quoted separately.

 

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ADMIN, PAYMENTS, CONTRACTS

 

How do deposits work?

A deposit normally secures your shoot date and covers the time allocated to your project. The remaining balance is due on delivery, unless we’ve agreed otherwise.

 

I understand that some hospitality groups and hotels work differently, for example, 30-day payment terms or no-deposit systems. That’s absolutely fine. In those cases, we’ll confirm the payment structure in advance so everything is clear before the project begins.

 

The key point is that the date needs to be officially confirmed, either with a deposit or with an agreed alternative arrangement that both sides are comfortable with.

 

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Are deposits refundable?

Deposits are non-refundable, as they secure the day for your brand and reserve production time that can’t easily be reallocated.

If we’ve agreed to work without a deposit, the same protection is covered by a cancellation fee (outlined below).

 

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Can we pay in instalments?

Yes - instalments or staged payments are available for larger projects. I can also work to your company’s preferred payment terms (e.g., 30 days) if agreed in advance.

 

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What is your cancellation or date-change policy?

I know hospitality can be unpredictable, and I always try to be as flexible and fair as possible. All I ask is that any changes are communicated as early as you can so I can manage my schedule responsibly.

 

Here’s how cancellations and date changes work:

 

If the shoot is cancelled or the date is changed more than 7 days before the shoot:

• No additional fee for one change

• Additional changes may incur a small fee depending on the project time already invested

 

If the shoot is cancelled or the date is changed within 7 days of the shoot:

• A percentage of the project fee will be charged - typically 50%

(This protects the time blocked out for your brand, which often can’t be rebooked at short notice.)

 

If the shoot is cancelled or moved within 48 hours:

• The full project fee is due

(At this point, the day is fully allocated to you and can’t be replaced, which results in a direct loss of income)

 

If we’re working without a deposit, the same policy applies - the cancellation fee simply replaces the deposit protection.

 

Any planning, pre-production work, or concept development completed before cancellation will also be invoiced.

 

I always take a fair and reasonable approach, but this structure ensures the time reserved for your brand is protected.

 

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RETAINERS & ONGOING WORK

 

Do you offer retainers?

Yes - retainer agreements are available for brands that require consistent content throughout the year. A retainer is based on a clear commitment to a set number of shoots per annum. Each shoot is billed at the agreed project rate upon completion.

 

To ensure fairness and uphold the value of the agreement, the retainer discount is applied at the end of the year once the full number of contracted shoots has been delivered. This structure prevents any imbalance in the arrangement and ensures both parties benefit from the long-term partnership as intended.

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Do I need to complete the 'Project Enquiry' form every time I need to book a shoot?

For existing clients, you don’t need to complete the project enquiry form every time. Once I understand your brand, your visual style and your content needs, we can plan new projects directly through email. The form is only required for new clients or when a brief changes significantly, such as a new venue, a rebrand or a different type of project.

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What’s included in a retainer?

• A set number of shoots per year

• Preferred scheduling - retainer clients get priority for dates

• Better long-term value

• A consistent visual style across your brand

 

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Can we customise a retainer?

Yes - every retainer is designed around your brand’s needs.

 

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Do retainers include social media management?

They can. Photography-only retainers and full content retainers are both available.

 

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BEHIND THE SCENES & BRAND COLLABORATION

 

Can you provide behind-the-scenes content?

Yes - this can be added to any shoot.

 

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Do you collaborate with PR, marketing and agencies?

All the time. I’m very used to working with multiple departments.

 

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Can you shoot staff headshots or team photos during the same project?

Yes - these can be added if time allows.

 

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Do you work with stylists, art directors or set designers?

Yes - I can arrange these if the project requires it.

 

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BACKUPS & AFTERCARE

 

Do you keep backups of our images?

Yes - everything is backed up and stored safely for 12 months. But please download all your assets upon delivery.

 

 

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Can we reorder images later?

Yes - I can deliver additional edits anytime. Quoted for separately at the time.

 

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Can we book you again for seasonal updates?

Absolutely - many clients book quarterly or seasonally.

© 2026 by Louis Cannell / itsmelouis.com

Copyright Note: All images displayed on this website are protected by copyright law. The images are the intellectual property of Louis Cannell | It's Me Louis Photography. The unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution of these images is strictly prohibited. For inquiries regarding image usage or licensing, please contact me directly - contact@itsmelouis.com.

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