What to Look for When Hiring a Photographer for Your Pole Business

Hiring the right photographer for your pole business requires careful consideration.

You might want to hire a photographer for an event like a showcase or competition, to get great photos of your studio or yourself to use in marketing promotion, or for your products.

The perfect photographer doesn’t just take pictures; they capture moments unique to your art and business.

Here’s what you need to know before hiring a photographer.

Select a Photographer Who Understands Your Art and Business

Understand if you are looking for a photographer that specializes in events or in posed shoots. While some photographers can “do it all,” most have a specialty, and you will see that in their samples.

Review the portfolio or sample images of potential photographers.  

Look beyond technical skills to find a photographer whose style resonates with your vision.

For technical skills pay attention to lighting techniques, framing choices, and overall aesthetic. For pole dance events specifically, experience matters tremendously.

While having a pole-experienced photographer is not always necessary, there are some immediate benefits.

A photographer familiar with pole dancing understands:

• The most classic angles to capture impressive moves
• Timing to catch the peak moment of a trick
• How to work with challenging lighting conditions common in performance venues
• The importance of capturing both technical elements and emotional expression

During fast-paced events like showcases and competitions, there might not be time to explain what you want for every performer. A photographer who already appreciates the artistry of pole dancing will instinctively know when to shoot and what to capture.

For a posed, or in-studio (or on-location) shoot, you can always bring a friend with you. That friend can help the photographer understand what the pose is supposed to look like and be your hype person!

Have a Solid Contract

The cornerstone of any professional photography relationship is a well-crafted contract. IPIA Members can download a contract template here.

This document should clearly outline what both parties (the photographer and the client) are getting including timing, locations, number of images, delivery timeline, and the agreed to compensation.

Even for seemingly casual arrangements like trading photography services for pole lessons or other services, where no money changes hands, having written expectations is crucial.

Even an email as simple as: “I’m going to see you at your house, we’re spending two hours, you’ll get 10 photos, and it’ll take about three weeks for delivery” can be considered a contract.

This outlines the times and expectations for both parties and protects both parties from misunderstandings and disappointment.

Cost for photography services varies wildly and can depend on experience, style of photographer (event or posed), and what you negotiate. In some situations, you may hire the photographer directly and in other cases like when running an event, the photographer might sell photos of the performers/competitors directly.

Understand Copyright, Licensing, and Model Releases

Photographers automatically own the copyright to photos they take—even when you’ve hired them to photograph you.

Your contract should specify either:

• A license granting you permission to use the photos (typically for specific purposes like digital or print, if they can be used for marketing, if they can be posted on social media), etc.
• A transfer of copyright ownership (less common and usually more expensive)

Most professional photographers prefer to retain copyright while providing clients with a license for personal use. This arrangement allows photographers to use the images in their portfolio while giving you the rights you need.

If you are doing a spicier photo hoot, discuss with the photographer your comfort level with the photographer using the photos for their portfolio.

For events with multiple performers or participants, model releases are essential. IPIA Members can download a template here.

These documents specify what the photographer can do with images containing recognizable individuals.

The organizer of the photo shoot, such as a studio owner or polewear manufacturer, needs to ensure they have releases from all models, especially those who no longer work there.

For public events, have everyone sign a release or make arrangements to exclude non-consenting individuals from published photos. Many studios include a photo release clause in their standard liability waiver (IPIA Members can download a liability waiver template here), but if you are hosting a specific photo shoot, you may want a release for that specific event.

Coordinate and Communicate with Your Team

For larger events like stage shows and competitions, make sure to facilitate communication between your photographer and lighting technicians.

This collaboration ensures that lighting design enhances rather than hinders photography, resulting in stunning visual documentation of your event. Lighting done with only live performance in mind could result in less optimal photos and videos. Generally, brighter is better!

Make sure you clearly identify the photographer at your event such as with a badge or jacket, so people know this person is allowed to take photos.

If you are organizing a product shoot or a photo shoot of your instructors, make sure to communicate expectations, outfits, and timelines in advance so everyone knows what to expect.

 

By carefully considering these factors when hiring a photographer for your pole business, you’ll create a productive partnership that enhances your brand.