My process for making creative commercial photography and answers to your most burning questions.
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From big-budget campaigns to ad agency collabs to small biz image libraries, the heart of the work is always the same:
Meet the client where they're at, and serve their customers with authenticity, skill, and imagination. And have a damn fine time doing it! I bring years of experience, an eagerness to listen, and an open mind to every commission. With that, the desire to craft creative stories and overdeliver for the client is always my mission.
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Every commission begins with a free consultation: up to 30 minutes of brainstorming. I'll listen to your immediate needs and vision, and advise how we can overdeliver. I'll relate how we can efficiently achieve stellar results within budget. If it's a good fit, you simply sign a contract and send over a deposit. Then, we launch into pre-production.
With years of experience, I can help guide the pre-production and planning phase to ensure you get everything you need.
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In pre-production, we fine tune the details of the shoot. I also help you hone in on the deliverables. If needed, I can assist in procuring models, location scouting, and a techy day. I can also advise on assets that could be added to provide a more robust set of photos and videos to future-proof the campaign.
We'll craft commercial photography that's equal parts influence and imagination. I'm all about overdelivering.
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On production days, we'll nail our shot list and allow space for creative inspiration and spontaneity. Whether the commission is on location or in the studio, we'll ensure all your needs are met. After we wrapping, it's generally a one-week turnaround for your proof gallery, where you can make your selections. For video, it's two to four weeks for the first draft.
It’s all about creating an impact.
PROJECTS
To best demonstrate what we can craft together, view a diverse showcase of recent photography commissions. This includes commercial and advertising imagery, as well as brand narratives and corporate headshots. You'll learn about the creative direction, pre-production planning, the shoot, deliverables, and more.
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Reviews from Recent Photography Commissions
I highly recommend Austen's work from jobs he's done for my company and for other professional organizations and marketing agencies. He's a pro. Dependable, equipped, fast, flexible, and, especially for large events, understands the big picture (pardon the pun). His technical skills are impressive. Several times, I've seen his work next to the work of others and wondered how he got such a great shot in those weird light conditions when everyone else's images were so mediocre. His artistic sensibility captures the emotion and dynamism of the moment so you end up with an image as alive as the moment you remember. Whether it's for a commercial product, event, or portrait, Austen should be your first choice.
I've worked with Austen numerous times on many different photography projects for needs ranging from print to digital. He is always organized, friendly, pays attention to detail and is very responsive. Austen is helpful in gathering models, model releases, scouting locations and so much more. He's amazing at adapting to working with different subjects and different locations. Not to mention, his work is incredible and high quality. There's a reason I hire Austen year after year.
Austen was my #1 go-to photog whenever Visit Salt Lake had photo asset needs. Austen is dependable, professional, and has an eye for detail that is rarely matched in the contracting world. Austen was great both when I was fully involved in a hands-on production, as well as when I assigned him to projects with minimal direction and oversight. From sourcing models and locations to batching selection galleries and making edits, Austen was consistently on-point. From meeting to discuss high-level projects to producing quick run-and-gun assets, Austen’s professionalism and talent runs the gamut. Working with Austen is a no-brainer--I couldn’t recommend him more.
Hailey Klotz
Ski Utah
Jason Whitehouse
Stephen Brown
Visit Salt Lake
SB Dance, Eat Drink SLC
“He always delivers outstanding quality and work that feels fresh.”
Kind Words
Austen has traveled across the state to help the Utah Office of Tourism build-out our photo library. From photographing chocolate-makers to salt mines to small town festivals to outdoor recreation he always delivers outstanding quality and work that feels fresh. He appreciates the art of storytelling and it comes through in his photos. His professionalism and communication is top notch. Can't recommend him enough.
- Rosie Serago, Visit Utah
FAQ
What sets you apart from other photographers?
Aside from being an award-winning storyteller, having Jedi skills with lighting, and my stellar craftsmanship to creatively capturing your vision...it's definitely my beaming and hilarious personality! I've been working as a professional commercial photographer for nearly a decade, and I have the experience and artistry to bring your campaign to life. Read these reviews for yourself.
I shoot on Sony full-frame cameras for both photography and video. I utilize a slew of primes and zooms, depending on the job. I bring backups of everything to every shoot to avoid any hiccups. I have a bevy of Profoto and Elinchrom photography lighting and modifiers, as well as continuous LED lights from Aputure for video. Finally, I can bring a half-ton worth of grip on any shoot, including stands, modifiers, and miscellaneous grip. Whatever the goal of the day, I have the tools to achieve it, often without the need for supplemental gear from a rental house.
What equipment do you use?
Rates for photo and video vary by the project, production days, and deliverables. Generally, I offer full dulls for production, with a half-day minimum for all work. Rates will include a world-wide license in perpetuity to simplify things. Contact me for more info and a custom quote.
What are your rates?
What is the process of booking you?
Once you approve the quote, or the amended quote, sign an electronic contract and pay a retainer. The amount ranges between $250 and $1,000 based on the project. Then, I'm reserved for your commission, and the pre-production begins.
What is the turnaround time after shoot days for edited images and video?
For photography, I strive to deliver your proof gallery within two weeks of the production day(s). Once your selections are made, it's another two weeks for the final edits. If heavy-handed editing is needed, an additional quote will be approved with an additional two-week turnaround. For videos, the first rough cut will be sent within three weeks. Additional edits may take up to two weeks each. Rush jobs are accepted on a case by case basis and fees are applicable.
Yes, head to the Projects page to see a bevy of commissions and subsequent imagery. If you'd like to see additional photos or video, or something specific and similar to your needs, please feel email me.
Can I see samples of commissions you've completed?
Do you work on location or in a studio?
Both. Most of my work requires that I'm on location in myriad environments. I'm accustomed to this and can accomodate any scenario. For small product photography, I work out of my home studio. For larger projects where a studio is desired, I will source the right place and the client pays the rental fee.
Do you have commercial photography insurance?
Yes, full coverage as you might expect, plus aerial drone insurance. If your location or event requires proof of insurance, please ask at least a week in advance.
How far will you travel for a commission?
While most of my commissions are within the Intermountain West (Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona), I'm happy to travel far and wide for your commission. Travel fees will apply.
You need a craftsman.
If this gallery piqued your interest, let's chat about your specific needs. I'll tell you how my creativity and expertise will bring your brand, campaign, or personality to life!
Let's Chat
Contact me today to discuss your project and to set up a free consultation.
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