Frequently Asked Questions
for Dwight Cendrowski

I see you're a member of ASMP and EP What are they?

ASMP, the American Society of Media Photographers, if the country's largest trade association of photographers. It was founded in 1944 by the most prominent photojournalists of the time. They defined the Society's main purpose with these words: "To protect and promote the interests of photographers, whose work is primarily for publication." Today, ASMP is a 5,000 strong, diverse group of advertising, corporate and editorial photographers. It's an unequaled resource for information on business practices, educating both photographers and clients alike. ASMP founded Mira, a stock photo agency now under the auspices of Creative Eye, an artists' cooperative.

Editorial Photographers (EP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the business of editorial photography. They maintain an internet discussion forum on business issues with more than 2900 subscribers participating from over 30 countries around the globe. Via the forum photographers exchange information on business practices, copyright and contract concerns. On EP's web site at http://www.editorialphoto.com, photographers can find useful resources such as sample business forms, publisher contract reviews and more. Their mission is to educate photographers about business issues and in the process to raise the level of business practices in the profession. EP advocates fair contracts from publishers, and promotes the position that both photographers and publishers must seek win/win working relationships for either side to profit and prosper. In the face of the rapidly changing editorial marketplace, EP's goal is to find positive solutions to problems within the industry.

How do you price a job? What's your assignment day rate?

I don't have any set day rates. The creative fee depends on several factors, primarily usage, since photos are licensed for specific uses. Also factored in are time, complexity of the shoot, and travel. Generally, the more extensive media exposure a photograph receives, the higher the fee will be for producing it. This way, clients pay for only the usage they need.

How about copyright?

Copyright and ownership of images remains with the photographer unless transferred in writing.

What about digital?

I have been shooting digitally for eight years. I can still use film, but the great majority of my work is now done digitally. I use high resolution Canon digital cameras, and have full post production capabilities. I maintain the highest professional workflow standards to produce sharp, clean, colorful digital files that will give you outstanding reproduction in print or electronic form. Images are captured in raw mode and color corrections and retouching are made in 16 bit mode to provide the highest possible quality. Images are delivered digitally via ftp or on CD/DVD in Tiff format.

What are your lab charges?

Color and B&W lab services are outlined in my rate card (in pdf format). Prints are made from digital files on glossy or matte finish archival paper.

Are you a location or studio photographer?

I'm primarily an on-location photographer for corporations and magazines. I often set up a studio on a client's premises. For shoots that require largescale setups, I rent space.

How about stock?

I have a stock library that includes business and industrial, lifestyle, healthcare, education, and travel destinations including China, Africa, Japan and Europe. Visit the Stock page for more information.

Can I have a few samples to keep for my file?

Sure. I'd by happy to send you sample promo sheets for your reference file.

Can I talk to one of your clients?

Absolutely. I'd be happy to supply you with names, addresses and numbers of recent clients. You may also visit the testimonial page to see what clients say about my services.

I've got to have these pictures on time? Can I count on you?

I pride myself on organization and punctuality. I'm on-time and prepared for assignments.

And I deliver when promised, period. I use Federal Express for next morning deliveries. And before every job I'll fax or email you an estimate/agreement form that lists all the specs of the job, including fee, expense estimate, details of the shoot, etc. When I send you the images, I'll include a delivery memo that contains terms and number of images. I want everything clear before we start, and I'll take as much time as necessary to make sure we both fully understand the agreement.

Can you recommend designers or other graphic professionals?

Yes, I work with designers, writers, printers and other suppliers that could help with your project. I'd by happy to give you several names.

Do I have to be there to direct you on the shoot?

I certainly welcome and encourage your participation on the shoot. I'd prefer you were there, but if that's not possible, I'll simply get all the information I need beforehand and handle the shoot myself. I often work that way.

Corporate

Editorial

Healthcare

Travel

Stock

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