Choosing the right brand photographer for your business is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the success of your business. Here are five things to consider when hiring a brand photographer for your business.
1. DOES THE PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZE IN BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY?
This one seems pretty obvious but you’d be surprised how many times I am hired to create brand imagery a month or two after someone has paid a portrait photographer to create brand photos for their business. Pretty Portraits of you don’t tell your story or set you apart from the competition. You hire a brand photographer to help you stand out online, attract your ideal clients and grow your business. Brand photographers have experience in capturing images that communicate the values, personality and unique qualities of a brand and understand how to create photographs that support a business’ branding and marketing efforts. Additionally, a brand photographer will also provide you with commercial licensing for your photographs which will permit you to use them in the marketing and promotion of your business.
2. PHOTOGRAPHY AND EDITING STYLE
Be sure to research your brand photographer’s photography style before you book. It is important that their style of photography aligns with your brand’s visions and goals. Review the photographer’s portfolio and social media to get a feel for the types of photos they have created for other clients. Don’t be afrait to ask to see several complete client galleries to view the range of images that can be created in a session.
In order to create consistency in your marketing, you want to be sure you like the photographer’s editing style. If you prefer light and bright editing with a modern feel then you’ll want to work with a photographer that consistently edits their photos in this style. Most photographer contracts do not allow for the addition of any filters or presets to your final photographs.
Another thing to ask your photographer is what types of edits are included with their packages. Simple edits are often included at no extra charge, however, there may be a charge for more extensive edits. I do very true to life, natural skin edits. I aim for a natural editing style that reflects my clients authentic appearance.
3. SHOOT PLANNING
In order to create photos that help your business stand out online and showcase your services, every brand session should have a plan. Let’s face it, there is a lot of competition out there for what you do. What makes you different is YOU – the services you offer and the special way you do it. This is what needs to be showcased in your photographs and the way to do it is with a plan. Ask if your brand photographer will help you create a plan for your photoshoot. The plan should include input on location, wardrobe and props. It should also include ideas on photo concepts that will help you tell your unique story, showcase your services and attract your ideal clients through photos that demonstrate your understanding of their pain points and desires.
4. POSING AND DIRECTION
Will the photographer direct and pose you during your session? To me, this is essential to capturing photos that you love. Posing guidance will help you feel confident and look your best in your photos and can truly make or break your session.
In addition to posing, direction makes a big difference in your brand photos. Great direction from your photographer will help you evoke emotions in your photos that your audience can relate to. Let’s be honest, a library of pretty pictures of you smiling at the camera while typing on your laptop or holding a coffee cup doesn’t connect you with your audience. Demonstrating that you understand your clients’ pain points and concerns is the fastest way to connect with your ideal clients.
5. AVAILABILITY and TURNAROUND TIME
Do you need your photos by a specific deadline or launch date? Be sure to ask the photographer about the turnaround time for you to get your final gallery of photos. You will also want to ask your photographer if you get to choose the final photos or if the photographer picks their favorites.
My brand photography packages include a set number of photos in each package, with the option to purchase additional photos. I allow my clients to choose the photos they’d like from a preview gallery and those are the ones that I edit and include in their final gallery.
It’s important to let your photographer know before you book if you have any specific deadlines so that you can be certain that you will receive your final images in time.
Choosing a brand photographer requires careful consideration and research. By defining your brand’s vision and goals, researching and comparing photographers, checking reviews and references, you can find a photographer who can help you bring your brand to life through stunning and intentional photography.
