Photographer/ videographer on retainer? Hmmm.

We have recently created a retainer partnership with a local tourism destination — Longneck Manor. We go out there once a month and in turn they get fresh, consistent content. So I thought, “You know, more organizations should do this. It’s a win-win!”

In my many years in advertising as an Art Director and Creative Director, I admit I never had a photographer or videographer on “retainer” for any client. Arranging a photoshoot was always so customized and “special” to each client and project. We were trying to compose a shot for a very specific ad campaign, brochure, or direct mail piece. Things did not move at the pace they do today. When stock photography took over, original photography was even more alluring and “special” to be part of because it was becoming a rarity. Before I left my role completely, I was starting to orchestrate periodic all-day “content shoots” collecting both photography and video. Thank you, social media. The need for ever-evolving content was born!

Here are my the main 3 reasons you just might want to consider it.

#3 You can save time, money, and hassle:

Think of the time it takes to secure photographers and videographers. Typically it goes like this. When you need visual content you reach out to several photographers to get bids. “Oh shoot…I forgot to include video!” So you may have to find an additional resource, or hopefully, your first bidders can do both. (Photographers typically bid by their day rate, but if a consistent retainer is involved, a reduced rate is more likely to be negotiated because consistent work is something creative professionals love.) Then you have to find a day they are available. If a retainer situation is set up, the photographer will always have you on the calendar.

#2 Brand Building:

Using a retainer allows you to get consistent brand imagery across photography and video. They get to know your brand, the ins and outs; what you like and what you don’t. As a result, they become a partner in stewarding your brand, instead of you educating a revolving pool of vendors. As a result, you get a consistent flow of imagery to use in your brand storytelling.

#1 It’s proactive, not reactive:

Most importantly, putting a reliable, qualified photographer/videographer on retainer means you are being proactive with your marketing dollars by planning for things you KNOW you will need and capturing the visual messages you KNOW you need to tell — rather than waiting until something is pressing and then scrambling to capture it. Additionally, it forces you to continually create FRESH content to keep your followers, customers, and clients engaged.

Who is this for ideally?

• Hospitals
• Schools
• Tourism destinations
• Restaurants
• Zoos
• Amusement parks
• Resorts
• Real estate developers
and so many more!

Give it some thought! If you are an agency representative or are part of a company/organization that has a lot to tell, you — or one of your clients — just might benefit from having someone like us on retainer. We love the consistency and getting to know clients well is just icing on the cake!

If you’re interested, give me a call at 830.456.6926.