Portraits by Bronder offers straightforward pricing packages based on session length, starting with 1-hour headshots and extending to 5-hour sessions for portraits, headshots, and 3/4 length shots. Our Code of Ethics were created with the intention to encourage and preserve the dignity, class and art of the photography industry whilst maintaining a place where clients and models feel safe and beau
tiful. This Code of Ethics formalizes what should be standard photography business practices, and is designed to honour not only the trade but the women and men whose desire is to look their best while – providing safe, creative and private settings before, during and after their session. We at Portraits by Bronder, will…
Professionalism
• Conduct ourselves as professionals at all times
o We are representing the industry and my business
• Not share my client’s images without their consent and will acquire written approval beforehand
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of my clients’ images
o Review my digital storage retention and deletion policies on a regular basis
Quality
• Perform to the best of our ability at all times
• Strive to capture the best images at the time of the session
o Unless the request or goal is artistic modification, our practice shall be to endeavor to only use Photoshop / Editing Software to subtly enhance images, not “fix” them
• Report technical issues with photos or prints to our clients immediately and resolve them in a fair and timely manner
Preparedness
• Always arrive to the session location prepared and on time
• Have backup equipment on hand at all times
• Reasonably plan for all contingencies (inclement weather during outdoor session, on-call hair or makeup professionals, etc.) Contracts
• Have our sessions be governed by a written contract or agreement and signed prior to the session this is to protect the client and ourselves by setting terms, expectations and goals ahead of time
• Have a contract which specifies who will own the rights to the photos and never attempt to negotiate this at the session
Legal
• Never use photographs or images that we do not own the rights to – respect the copyrights of others
• Never publish photographs or images that we do not have a signed model release for
• Never discriminate based on s*x, race, religion, s*xual orientation or other factors
o Recognize that photography is an inclusive community and should welcome everyone
• Maintain appropriate business licenses as required
• Never engage in illegal activity or the promotion of illegal activity
• Make reasonable efforts to confirm that their clients are 18 years or older
Insurance
• Carry appropriate insurance to cover my business
o This provides security both for us the photographers, assistants, et al, and our clients
Image Rights
• Never pressure clients or models into releasing image rights. If they grant full or partial releases, it must be done freely and with full information
• Discuss image rights with our clients and models prior to the session and include this agreement in their contracts
o Never try to negotiate image releases at the session
o Model releases may be signed before or during the session or after the session to allow the client to review the images and decide which specific images to release
• Tell clients/models what we will do with the images
o Clients must be informed before releasing any rights
Transfer/Sale of image rights
• Not sell or transfer image rights to others who are likely to use the images for unethical/illegal reasons
o The subject of my photos took my professionalism and integrity into account when they transferred rights to me
• Always include in client contracts whether image rights will be transferable or not, and under what conditions and circumstances
Clients
• Always be honest and forthright with our clients and business contacts
• Discuss safety and privacy policies with our clients, including how they affect the session location and image storage
• Discuss expectations for the session with our clients, and have them share their desires and expectations as well
• Honor our client’s vision
o We will provide guidance and expertise, but remember that the client’s desires supersede our own when it comes to their final photos
o We ask that our clients recognize that they hired us because of our style and expertise, and allow us to guide them
• Honor their contracts
o Meet all requirements and deadlines, and provide the services to the best of my abilities at all times
Respectfulness
• Treat each client with civility and respect at all times
• Respect the wishes of our clients regarding rights to their photographs
Confidentiality
• Not reveal private information about our clients
o We often learn and see private things about our clients
o We will not share private/intimate knowledge with others unless we have permission to do so
• Not share photos of our clients on social media, website, or elsewhere, unless the client has signed a release for the photo(s)
• Not reveal the name(s) of our clients without permission
• Always use discretion when discussing engagements with third parties so that personally identifying information about our clients are not revealed
Communication
• Always respond to client communications in a timely and professional manner
Comfort of Client
• Make sure clients are comfortable at all times
o The more comfortable the client is, the better the results will be
• Keep the session clear of other people
o We will discuss with the client before the session anyone else who will be present during the session (hairstylist, makeup artist, photographer’s assistant, client’s friend or partner, etc.)
