Photographic commissions
Cultural-photography framework
A working framework for organisations commissioning cultural photography outside my long-term personal projects.
Return to Work with mePhotographic commissions
Scope of this framework
This framework applies to assignments initiated by an organisation or collective that values my visual language and wants its people, activities or cultural practice photographed. It does not automatically place the resulting work within Caryatis or another personal body of research; that possibility follows a separate conversation.
Initial brief
The organisation begins with a short written brief. It does not need to be exhaustive, but it must explain what the project is and why it exists.
- The organisation or group
- What will be photographed and the approximate number of participants
- The nature of the activity and intended archival, institutional or publication use
Aesthetic and location compatibility
The subject and proposed locations must be compatible with my photographic language. Old or traditional places, including visible wear, patina and material history, are assessed positively; recent visual interventions can make a space unsuitable.
- Offer more candidate locations than strictly necessary
- Traditional restoration is considered case by case
- Modern aluminium frames, air-conditioning units, radiators, new floor tiles and visibly recent renovation can be incompatible
On-site scouting and light
Final location decisions are made on site. I work exclusively with natural or existing light, so direction, quality of light, the relationship between bodies and space, and compositional possibilities cannot be settled fully at a distance.
Timing and presence
This work requires time and immersion. I do not travel for same-day assignments: arrival and scouting normally precede the photographic sessions, and at least one overnight stay is required regardless of distance.
- Day one: arrival and scouting
- Day two: photographic sessions begin
Participant preparation
Participants are approached naturally and without embellishment. Makeup is not used; hair and appearance remain unstyled and neutral. Traditional garments must be authentic or highly accurate reconstructions, with attention to material, structure and historical accuracy.
Financial framework
These are professional commissions. Once artistic compatibility and practical feasibility are established, the organisation covers travel calculated by distance, accommodation and a professional daily fee.
Copyright, usage and releases
All photographs and videos remain my intellectual property; this is not work for hire or a full rights transfer. I retain authorship and the rights to exhibit, publish, submit, make fine-art prints and use the work in my portfolio and archive. The organisation may use selected images on its official website. Printed or extended use requires prior approval, my curation and supervision, and proper credit. Every participant must sign the appropriate model release.
Agreement and confirmation
Before work begins, the collaboration is formalised in a written agreement prepared for the specific commission. It defines scope, rights and responsibilities and protects both parties.
After reading
Send a concise project context
Include the organisation, subject, approximate scale, candidate locations and intended use. No prices, image counts, turnaround or broader licence are assumed before the project is reviewed.
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