Creating high-quality images on location presents a complex series of challenges. Thorough planning and communication among the client, the photographer, the location owner and representatives at the site can help ensure maximum efficiency and productivity. The material in this checklist has been gathered from design firms and architectural photographers around the country. While each assignment is unique, the information will be helpful in anticipating issues that may come up during the planning and actual production of a location photography project. It is a useful reference guide for the designer, the client, others involved in the assignment and for the photographer as well. The checklist is a working document. It is not copyrighted. Please feel free to duplicate these sheets or to revise the information and include it with any of your material. If you have ideas to add to the checklist or experiences to share with the Architectural Photographers Specialty Group, please send them to ASMP-APSG.
Description of assignment and preparation of the job proposal:
The client to specify:

* Exact location of the site, description and documentation required.
* Walk through the project with photographer if feasible
* Provide maps and/or plans with accurate North arrow
* Provide construction progress photos
* Clearly describe goals: areas to photograph, number of views
* Detail design materials, light sources, spaces in use, etc.
* Communicate problems or flaws that photographer should downplay
or avoid
* Who is commissioning photography and for what purpose?
* Images for single client only?
* Multiple parties sharing photo costs?
* Outline permissions required for use of photography Needed by all
parties?
* Delivery deadline and presentation form of the images. Prints, slides,
transparencies, digital media

The photographer to specify:

* Copyright: Explain clearly that copyright is retained by the
photographer unless specifically noted in writing
* Permitted/Restricted use of images: Indicate scope of uses: archives,
A/V or multi-media presentation, portfolios, press kits Brochure or
collateral materials Design competitions: AIA? Product/Specialty
competitions? Commercially sponsored? Restricted award
announcement use? Editorial features? Advertisements: trade or
consumer? Other?
* License for reproduction or distribution. Description of media Scope of
usage Length of time for use of images
* Who is permitted to use the material? Single commissioning client?
Multiple clients participating in cost of assignment?
* Architects, interior designers, associate architects Landscape
architects Consultants, contractors, subcontractors Product
manufacturers or suppliers Location owners Others (must be specified)
Subsidiary rights Delivery of images: Indicate the form to be supplied
Clearly state whether the photographer will hold all original film and
digital media or whether such material is to be delivered to the client
* Note: Holding film, prints or images in digital form does not imply
copyright ownership nor the right to license or reproduce images
beyond the scope of original contract.