Commercial photography is designed to promote products, services, and brands to drive sales and business growth. Professional commercial photographers work directly with businesses to create high-quality visual content for websites, social media, print materials, and digital marketing campaigns that align with brand objectives to attract and engage customers.

To start your project, get in touch directly on our website contact form, or send an email to Hello@PlatedProductions.com) Include the details of your project, such as: the type of photography needed, the number of images required, intended usage, timeline, and budget range. It may also be helpful to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs, location, and deliverables before providing a detailed quote. Be prepared to share information about your brand, target audience, and how you plan to use the images, as this helps us provide accurate pricing and ensure our services and availability align with your needs.

Image licensing is a legal agreement that grants a company specific rights to use a photograph in predetermined placements, while the photographer retains ownership of the copyright. In commercial photography, licensing determines how, where, and for how long you can use images, with terms covering usage scope (print, digital, or both), geographic distribution, duration of use, and exclusivity rights.

Commercial photography usage rights are typically categorized by placement type, which determines how and where your images can be used. Understanding these placement categories helps ensure proper licensing and avoids potential copyright issues.

Broadcast covers paid placements on television, radio, and connected TV platforms.

Collateral includes usage on client-owned platforms such as company websites, social media profiles, annual reports, brochures, and direct mail pieces designed to promote your brand or services.

Digital Advertising encompasses paid placements across digital platforms accessible through personal devices, including online ads, social media advertising, and digital marketing campaigns.

Editorial involves publishing images in educational or news-focused publications available to the general public, such as magazines or newspapers, without promotional intent for specific products or services.

In-Store Signage covers paid placements within retail locations, including shelf displays, window graphics, hanging banners, and digital signage.

Merchandise includes items sold to consumers like t-shirts, posters, or promotional products.

Out of Home (OOH) encompasses all public display advertising including billboards, transit ads, vehicle wraps, and cinema advertising.

Packaging means images appear directly on product packaging.

Public Display involves showing images in client-maintained spaces open to public viewing, like corporate offices, trade shows, restaurants, or public events.

Publicity refers to submitting images to editorial publications for unpaid editorial use only, typically for press coverage or news stories.

Print covers general printed mediums excluding packaging.

Print Advertising covers paid placements in handheld publications, such as magazines, newspapers, brochures, and catalogs.

Private Display covers non-commercial use in private spaces closed to public viewing, where images don't promote commercial products or services. Each placement type affects licensing costs and usage terms, making it important to identify all intended uses during your photography project planning.

Point of Purchase (POS) involves paid or non-paid promotional displays within retail spaces or client locations.

Trade Use targets specific industries or professional groups rather than general consumers.

Unlimited Use grants comprehensive rights across all placement categories. Each placement type affects licensing costs and contract terms, making it essential to identify all intended uses during your photography project planning.

When working with a commercial photographer, the image usage rights are negotiated during the project scoping process, and can often be renewed after the term has ended, or at any time to expand the licensed placements.

It is the client’s responsibility to clearly communicate all intended placements for imagery, specify the geographic scope of distribution—regional, national, or international—and define the duration of usage required, as these will directly influence the licensing agreement and costs. Once terms are agreed upon, both parties will execute a formal service agreement that legally establishes the negotiated usage rights and associated fees.

Always maintain proper licensing documentation to avoid copyright infringement issues. This contractual approach ensures transparency, protects both parties' interests, and provides clear guidelines for your commissioned photography usage while respecting the photographer's intellectual property rights.

Commercial photography projects can range from just a few weeks to several months from initial consultation to final delivery, depending on project complexity, product availability, and scope.

The timeline is influenced by three key phases: pre-production planning (including concept development, location scouting, and talent coordination), the actual shooting duration (which can span from a single day to multiple weeks), and post-production work (encompassing image selection, editing, and retouching).

Simple product photography sessions may be completed within 1-2 weeks, while comprehensive brand campaigns or complex commercial shoots requiring extensive creative planning and post-production can extend to 2-3 months. Clear communication about your timeline requirements during the initial consultation helps photographers provide accurate project schedules and ensure timely delivery of your commercial photography needs.

Creative direction in commercial photography involves strategic planning and artistic vision that guides your visual content's overall look, feel, and messaging. A creative director develops concepts, coordinates styling and props, manages color palettes, and ensures all visual elements align with your brand identity and marketing objectives to create cohesive, compelling imagery.

You likely need creative direction support if you're launching new campaigns, lack internal marketing expertise, want elevated brand consistency, or feel uncertain about translating business goals into effective visuals. This service is particularly valuable for complex projects, lifestyle shoots, or campaigns where strategic visual storytelling is essential to stand out from competitors and resonate with your target audience.

E-commerce Photography — clean, consistent images of your product on white or neutral backgrounds specifically designed for online stores and catalogs.

Stylized Product Photography — showcase products with creative styling, props, and artistic compositions that emphasize brand personality and aesthetic appeal.

Lifestyle Photography — captures products or services being used in real-world settings or situations, often with hired professional talent, showing customers how items fit into their daily lives.

Recipe Photography — food and beverages presented in original, appetizing contexts, often including preparation steps and styled food arrangements for culinary brands.

Team and Founder Headshots — welcoming portraits for websites, social media profiles, and marketing materials that build trust and personal connection with audiences.

Sense of Place Photography — captures your business location, workspace, or brand environment to communicate company culture and atmosphere.

Manufacturing Photography —documents industrial processes, facilities, and behind-the-scenes operations, particularly valuable for B2B companies showcasing their capabilities.

Corporate Event Photography — covers company launches, conferences, and gatherings for marketing and internal communications.