Cannabis through a creative lens

The usual lead time on an appointment can be weeks rather than days, but those on a short schedule should still ask about it. 

Expedited service can be an option as cancellations occur.

Thank you for asking! An updated rate card is available upon request, explaining the various services and packages as well as their respective prices. Prices have been included on our services page as a general guide.

Our photography services fit into three main types: Lifestyle shots, product shots, and macro shots.

What are lifestyle shots?

Lifestyle photography is a style that aims to capture and document real-life events, situations, or milestones in an artistic manner and everyday art. In the case of cannabis photography, an example of a lifestyle shot would be the flower in front of a forest background or concentrate on a table with other paraphernalia. These shots are appropriate for hanging dispensary artwork and other cannabis art marketing.

What are product shots?

Product photography is a type of commercial photography that involves taking pictures of products from a flattering, spotlighted, and singular angle. The products are often shot in front of a black background to give the illusion of the flower floating in a void. These pictures are appropriate for menu listings, promotional social media posts, or similar usage.

What are macro shots?

Macro shots are extremely up-close shots using delicate optics. The final product that results will be a spin video or animation. The macro process takes thousands of pictures. Then the photographer assembles all the angles into one cohesive result using high-end digital processing. Of all our products, macro or spin shots are the most complex, time-consuming, and expensive to create. They are also the most impressive.

While the in-house studio offers greater control and lower prices, we have a mobile studio and can travel to the location for on-site shoots.

Clients can drop off product samples at the Portland (West End) studio, or the photographer can pick up the models for a fee. Clients should isolate samples from coming in contact with anything to ensure the ability to take high quality macro photos. The easiest way to transport them is to cut them with a very long stem and put them in a plastic bottle full of water. The water will act like a weight, and the long stem helps counterbalance, preventing the flower from falling over in transport. Video samples should be as symmetrical as possible. Symmetry improves the quality of the result. Models should measure approximately 6-8" of flower (from the bottom to the top of the cola) and ideally have a long stem at the bottom for transport. Samples should be completely clean of contaminants such as mildew, particulate mold, and pests. Minor imperfections (for example, a stray thrip) are straightforward to work around.

The tasks are similar, but shooting on location is more expensive because the client is paying for the time required to travel to and from the site and additional time for transport, setup, and tear down of the mobile studio. The increased cost also reflects uncertainty which may arise from shooting and lighting in a new location and space

Different shots have different needs. The mobile staging area would be at least 15' x 15' x 8' with minimal vibration to disturb the shot. The mobile shooting area should be relatively isolated from the rest of the grow, as there should be as few employees walking by the shoot as possible.

There are various packages, but typically, Gonzo Photo owns the copyright to all shots taken, and the client licenses the use of the picture for a fee. Business licenses cover marketing and promotional services in perpetuity. Usually, the photographer maintains the copyright so that the client is precluded from selling the rights of the image to a third party. Please see the rate card for further information.

GonzosPhotos digitally delivers images in the clients' preferred resolution. Examples of formats include Instagram-ready, website, and 300 dpi for print (or any combination of the above). Hard-copy print services are also available.

The photographer will capture images on a background of the client's choice: black, white, or color. But the client must communicate the background preference before the session. It requires a considerable processing time for the photographer to change backgrounds in post-production.

Studio Animations

We typically format videos vertically (1920 x 1080) for Instagram reels. The photographer can capture motion suitable for display horizontally (TVs), but clients should communicate this preference up front since different formats require different shooting setups.

On Site Video

On-Site Video recording is available. However, significant planning and coordination between the client and videographer is critical to ensure the client vision is realized.

Yes, we do. Click here for our current prints, wall art, and other merchandise.