Request for Proposals (RFP) – Professional Photography Services

Issued By: Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc.
RFP Release Date: July 16, 2026
Proposal Due Date: August 2, 2026|
Project Completion Date: September 30, 2026

Introduction

The Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. (DEP) is soliciting proposals from qualified professional photographers to create a comprehensive library of high-quality destination and business photography showcasing Downtown Excelsior Springs.

This project is intended to create DEP’s official destination photography library, providing professional imagery that highlights the community’s businesses, attractions, architecture, public spaces, and visitor experiences. These photographs will support tourism promotion, economic development, business recruitment, advertising, publications, grant applications, websites, social media, public relations, and community storytelling for years to come.

DEP seeks a photographer who can capture authentic, vibrant, and engaging images that reflect the unique character and energy of Downtown Excelsior Springs.

Project Overview

The selected photographer will create a professional image library consisting of two primary components:

Phase One – Destination Photography

Capture high-quality imagery that showcases Downtown Excelsior Springs as a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, tourism, and community life.

Phase Two – Business Photography

Provide professional photography for participating Downtown Excelsior Partnership Investors, creating a collection of images that each business can utilize in its own marketing while simultaneously contributing to DEP’s destination photography library.

The project must be completed and all final images delivered no later than September 30, 2026.

Scope of Work

Phase One – Destination Photography

Capture a diverse collection of images representing Downtown Excelsior Springs, including but not limited to:

• Historic architecture
• Streetscapes
• Hall of Waters
• Public art and murals
• Downtown gathering spaces
• Parks and green spaces
• Shopping experiences
• Dining experiences
• Entertainment
• Visitor experiences
• Community activity
• Lifestyle photography
• Seasonal imagery
• Evening and nighttime photography
• Architectural details
• Streetscape details

DEP anticipates receiving a minimum of 150 professionally edited destination images.

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Phase Two – Business Photography

Professional photography services shall be provided for the following participating DEP Investors:

Each participating business should receive approximately 10–15 professionally edited images highlighting its unique offerings.

Images may include:

• Exterior storefront
• Building details and signage
• Interior spaces
• Merchandise displays
• Products
• Food and beverage
• Staff at work
• Customer interactions (when available)
• Service delivery
• Lifestyle imagery
• Architectural details
• Close-up detail shots
• Seasonal displays (when applicable)

The photographer should tailor the image collection to best represent each business while maintaining consistency throughout the project.

DEP anticipates receiving approximately 500–600 professionally edited business images. Please know this list is subject to change.

Image Specifications

The selected photographer shall provide:

• High-resolution, print-quality JPEG files (minimum 300 dpi)
• Full-resolution images suitable for large-format printing
• Horizontal (landscape) images
• Vertical (portrait) images
• Detail and close-up imagery where appropriate
• Professionally color corrected
• Professionally edited and retouched as needed
• Consistent editing style throughout the project
• Images delivered electronically via downloadable gallery or cloud storage

Photographers are encouraged to capture a wide variety of compositions that provide flexibility across print publications, advertising, websites, social media, editorial uses, and promotional materials.

Desired Photography Style

DEP is seeking imagery that is:

• Bright and welcoming
• Authentic and candid
• Storytelling focused
• Lifestyle oriented
• Rich in color
• People-centered where appropriate
• Professionally composed
• Representative of the unique character of Downtown Excelsior Springs

Images should feel timeless and avoid editing styles or trends that may quickly become dated.

The goal is to create an evergreen photography library that remains valuable for many years.

Project Timeline

Milestone	Date

RFP Released

July 10, 2026

Proposal Submission Deadline

August 1, 2026

Award Notification

August 12, 2026

Photography Begins

August 16, 2026

Final Images Delivered

September 30, 2026

Photographer Responsibilities

The selected photographer shall:

• Coordinate photography schedules with DEP.
• Provide all professional photography equipment.
• Photograph all required locations and participating businesses.
• Professionally edit all images.
• Maintain backup copies until project completion.
• Deliver all final files electronically.
• Complete all work by the stated deadline.

DEP Responsibilities

DEP will:

• Coordinate scheduling with participating businesses.
• Provide introductions and points of contact.
• Assist with access to participating locations when necessary.
• Provide project direction and priorities.
• Serve as the primary project contact throughout the project.

Ownership and Usage Rights

Upon final payment, all photographs produced under this project shall become the property of the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc.

DEP shall retain perpetual, unrestricted rights to reproduce, publish, distribute, edit, and use the images for marketing, tourism promotion, economic development, advertising, grant applications, publications, websites, social media, media relations, educational materials, and any other organizational purposes.

Copies of photographs featuring participating businesses will also be provided to those businesses for their own marketing and promotional use without additional licensing fees.

The selected photographer retains the right to use the photographs within their professional portfolio, website, social media platforms, competitions, and other self-promotional materials.

Photographer credit will be provided by DEP whenever practical; however, credit cannot be guaranteed in every application.

Proposal Requirements

Interested photographers should submit:

• Company or Individual Background
• Relevant Experience
• Portfolio showcasing comparable work
• Three professional references
• Proposed project timeline
• Estimated number of photography days
• Editing workflow and turnaround time
• Number of revision rounds included
• Estimated final image count
• Detailed pricing proposal, including:
  • Photography services
  • Editing
  • Travel (or confirmation travel is included)
  • Any optional services or additional costs

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Criteria	Weight
Quality of Portfolio	35%
Relevant Experience	25%
Understanding of Project	15%
Cost	15%
Ability to Meet Timeline	10%

DEP reserves the right to request interviews, seek clarification, negotiate with proposers, or reject any or all proposals.

Proposal Submission

Proposals must be received no later than August 1, 2026.

Electronic submissions in PDF format are preferred.

Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to:

Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc.
201 E. Broadway
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024

Contact: Lyndsey Baxter, Executive Director
Phone: (816) 637-2811
Email: [email protected]

About the Downtown Excelsior Partnership

The Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. is an Accredited Main Street America™ organization dedicated to strengthening Downtown Excelsior Springs through economic development, historic preservation, tourism promotion, business support, placemaking, and community engagement.

This photography initiative represents an investment in the long-term visual storytelling of Downtown Excelsior Springs. The resulting image library will support not only DEP’s marketing efforts but also provide valuable promotional assets to participating businesses while showcasing the authentic experiences that make Downtown Excelsior Springs a unique destination.