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How long they shoot, travel, the number of edited images or the length of the video, and extras like prints, a second shooter or drone footage.

It depends on the shoot and how much editing is involved. Agree a delivery date before you book.

In New Zealand the photographer usually owns the copyright unless you agree otherwise. If you need the photos for advertising or resale, agree that in writing first.

Some can. Drone flights must follow Civil Aviation Authority rules, and some places need permission. Ask your provider how they handle it.

A rough list of the shots you want, outfits planned, and a backup time or indoor option in case the weather turns.

You pay through Needsey once you and a provider have agreed the job. Nothing is charged before then. The money is held until the job is confirmed done: by you, or automatically if you haven't confirmed or pressed Not done yet within 5 days of the provider marking it finished. It is released to the provider 24 hours after that, unless a dispute is raised in that time.

Every provider completes an ID check before taking jobs. Some work needs more: a Ministry of Justice criminal record check for babysitting, companionship for older people and school tutoring, and a licence and insurance for electrical, plumbing, gas and building work. Listings show badges for the checks a provider has passed. For other work that needs a licence, ask the provider for theirs.

If the provider marks the job finished and it isn't, press Not done yet and say what's missing. Once a job is confirmed done, you can raise a dispute from the job's chat during the 24 hours before the payment is released, with photos or other evidence. A real person at Needsey reviews it and decides whether the payment goes to the provider or back to you. This doesn't take away your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act.