Becoming a Fashion Blogger: 2 HUGE Mistakes Influencers Make with Trade Photoshoots
When I first googled, “Become a fashion blogger,” one of the big questions I had was around figuring out how to make content, specifically, take photos.
I went through a brief period where I tried to use my iPhone and a tripod, specifically through a Bluetooth remote (affiliate). You set up the shot and take a photo by clicking a bluetooth remote. Buuuut limited the number of poses I could do. (A great ANTM challenge would be to make models #ServeLooks while also holding and pressing a remote, lol.)
Self-timers also work, but the quality of the photos just weren’t that great on my iPhone 6.
“Playing Photographer”
Over the last few years, I’ve done photoshoots where someone “plays photographer,” both with my blogger friends and with my family members.
And while DIY content makes sense when you’re getting started (I learned a lot), at a certain point in your blogging career you will have to hire and work with photographers.
I talk more about partnering with photographers in my course, “Get the K,” all about reaching 10,000 followers on Instagram. But in this post, I’d like to highlight specific issues around trade photoshoots for your blog.
What is a Trade Photoshoot?
A trade shoot is where a photographer and you agree to trade — ie, no one is getting paid. The photographer can use the images in their portfolio or for their social media accounts, and you get free content!
It’s great, right?
Well, hold on. Let’s discuss the fine print.
Read the Model Release
If you’re doing a trade with a photographer, they’ll likely have you sign a model release. This legal agreement is a CONTRACT, and often gives the photographer ownership over the images.
Selling Images to Stock Photo Website
Many fashion bloggers think that signing a model release only gives the photographer license to use images of the blogger on the photographer’s website and in ads.
This isn’t always the case.
The photographer can sell or lease photos of you to stock photography websites, and earn an income from your image being used.
Why is this a problem?
As your blog and brand grows in popularity, you will charge brands to use your images. Let’s say you get 1 million followers on Instagram, and you’re charging $10,000 for an Instagram post.
What if the brand could go to a stock photo site and pay a tenth of that? Or 1%?
That’s no fun!
Takeaway: When working with photographers on a trade basis, stipulate IN WRITING where the photographer can use images. Make it a requirement that if the photographer wants to lease or sell images they have to get written permission from you.
You Can’t Grant Brands Permission to Use Photos without Photographer’s Permission
A great way to grow your following as a blogger is to have brands repost your content.
But careful!
You don’t wholly own the images from a trade photoshoot. If a brand asks to repost them to social, or asks to put them on their website or in an email to their customers — you MUST get permission (in writing) from your photographer.
Additionally, I don’t ever give brands permission to use images of me for anything other than organic social posts without $$$$. Using your images in paid campaigns (social, email, direct mail, etc) falls under “usage rights.” I discuss charging brands to use blogger images or content (usage rights) in my “Art of Negotiation for Influencers” course, all about getting paid brand deals.
Overall: Get It in Writing
Trade photoshoots can be a huge benefit to bloggers, especially if you’re trying to build up your Instagram presence. Be sure to get everything in writing and communicate expectations to have a mutually beneficial partnership.
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