Lori has done a webinar in the past for AWAI, but I'd have no idea if there was something more intended for this last one like you mentioned.
Templates are ok as long as the person providing them is really clear on what is required software-wise. As you say, there is potential for trouble if things aren't made clear.
Most of my clients use stock photography. The price can range from just a couple of dollars (which is perfect for small photos that might be dropped in throughout a promotion) to hundreds of dollars for a more specialized stock photo that is key to the promotion... perhaps a cover shot for a magalog, or a rights-managed photo that can't be used by just anyone.
For clients who are selling a physical product, they will usually hire a professional photographer to get a great product shot. Although I've been trying to convince some clients to hire an illustrator to do a 3D version of the product shell, then we can use Photoshop to place a new image on the 3D shell as necessary. That's both quicker and cheaper in the long run.
For example, I had one client who sells sprays in a bottle. They've got lots of different sprays, but they all come in the same size bottle. Instead of taking a new photo each time a new spray comes out, it would be easier to take the digital label (which has to be designed anyway) and put it on the 3D bottle model.
That would make for a clearer picture in certain promotions.
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