Basil Fairbanks Studio

1.) Meeting with a prospective client in advance to listen to and identify their specific needs and requirements. 
2.) Explain the necessary steps and actions that should be taken prior to the actual work toi be completed begins.  
3.) Detail and explain the amount of time we believe will be required to complete the assignment or production.
4.) Provide an accurate estimate of the amount of turn around time will be necessary to properly and professionally select and edit the final images to be delivered to the prospective client in a timely manner. 
5.) Provide and detail the toal cost to the client, (direct and indirect related expenses, creative fees, materials and supplies), incurred prior to, during, and after the production has concluded. Also list and explain any additional products, (printed images, digital files for online use, actual photographic printed images, and other related products: framing, matting, presentation materials, and installation costs). 

Noel Grigalunus, Photographer and Senior Partner.
BFA in Photography/Photojournalism, the Art Institute of Boston, (now part of Lesley Universty). 26 years of industry experience as a photographer and Creative Produccer.
Nicole Tooze, First Make-up Artist and Senior Partner: 15 years industry related training and experience in the industry as a Proferssional Make-up Artist.
Geraldine Joz: Partner, Hair Stylist/Creative Designer: 15 years training, related salon experience, and industry related experience as a Professional, Certified Hair Stylist/Designer, and Creative Producer of Visual Content. 

Creative Fees and Expenses, (directly or indirectly), are based upon the client's needs and requirements. A preliminary quote based upon those needs are always provided during the Pre-production meeting). 

5 Years understudy in an academic environment.
5 years apprenticsehip with other more experienced and veterans photographers and producers.
6 years employed as a Pre-Production Coordinator to other phiotographers, videographers, and content producers in Chicago and throughout the U.S. 
10 years as a Professional Photographer and Producer. 

Clients have ranged from individuals simply needing documentation of an event, (Wedding company gathering, or anniversary), to larger, more professional clients and assignments, (photographs for numerous publications, coporate trade shows, client sponsored events. Clients have included: The Chicago Tribume, The Chicago Sun Times, The Chicago Reader, The Boston Phoenix, Living Blues Magazine, Extra-Extra Magazine, Alligator Records, Earwig Records, et. al)

Assistant Producer and Senior Photographer working alongside Shari Cornes of the Boutique Photo Loft in Chicago, for a "Milk-Bath" themed photography session. Nine models photographed in elegant evening gowns and formal dresses, during the first half of the session, and then assisting Shari with the other nine photographers invited to photograph the models during the second half of the session, the actual Milk Bath photos. 

With the ever expanding use of the Internet snd social mefia, professional, semi-professional, and amateurs photographers can claim to be whatever they desire, and whatever they wish clients to believe. What the deciding factor is in selecting the appropriate photographer for your specific project or event is not simply the quality of their work, but also the amount of time they devote to listening to and understanding the individual client's needs and wants, and providing proof that their respective skills and experiences match those of their clients. 

1.) Consider all the specific requirements and needs associated with your event (the individual photographs that you need, the number of people who may or may not ask for copies of the photos to be created, and any other details related to your event, no matter how insignificant or minor you might consider it to be in comparriosn to other more important needs. 
2.) Consider the actual amount you have available to spend on hiring a professional photographer to properly document your event.
3.) Telephone multiple photographers, and request an initial quote based on your needs. Also seek out refernces and suggestions from those same photographers, who they believe to be qualified in their specific area of expertise for the services you requiire. A true professional photographer will not feel threatened or intimidated by clients who ask for the names of their peers in his/her similar area of photography, and should be able to provide those names  upon request.