Do you need professional business photos taken for your marketing materials? Here you’ll find tips on what to expect when working with a corporate photographer and how to get the most out of your investment.
Why invest in professional photos?
You want to make a good first impression on your customers or clients. Photos taken by a capable corporate photographer will do that and more. They will highlight your brand’s best qualities. Professional, high-quality photos will communicate to your customers that you are a trusted brand that values high-quality products and services.
If you’re having marketing materials made, incorporating professional images ensures that your business stands out and attracts customers. With proper licensing, you can apply your photos across many platforms, including email, social media, and your website. Engaging photos will encourage customers to interact with your brand. Online and off, professional photos are versatile assets that will contribute to your overall success.
Planning
Make an image list. Decide who and what you want to be photographed. Having a list of the photos you need will help the photographer give you an accurate estimate. It will also help you’re your photo shoot on track. Suggested photos may include images of your facility, team or individual head-shots, examples of previous work and best-selling products.
Plan to brand your photos. Brainstorm ideas with your team or photographer for your photo shoot ahead of time. Is your company more traditional and corporate, or funky and unique? Chose backgrounds, locations, and clothing that represents your authentic brand voice.
For example, Harley Davidson’s brand shines through in their staff photos. From one look you can tell there is something special about they’re brand. Their casual attire, dark colors and metal, grunge background stand out. They have personality, and they want their audience to know it.
Ask questions
To find the right photographer for you, you need to ask questions. Ask prospective photographers how many business photo shoots they’ve done. There’s a big difference between head shots and product photos, so inquire about the types of corporate photography they specialize in. The more experienced the photographer is, the better your chances for amazing photos. Hint: A clue to determine experience level is to ask for wardrobe, makeup, and hairstylist recommendations. More seasoned photographers will have these suggestions ready. Request to view a portfolio in person or online. Ask about fees.
Effectively communicating with your photographer is the key to having a successful photo shoot. You may need to schedule a consultation to get these questions answered. For marketing photos, it is especially important that marketing images have space around the subject for text or cropping. Ask your photographer to be mindful of this. The more room around your subject there is the more versatile that image can be in the future.
Pricing
Expect to pay between $350 to $1000 on a commercial photography shoot. You’re paying for the photographer’s skill, quality equipment, and time. Rates vary greatly depending on experience and the photographer’s overhead costs. Travel expenses, models if required, licensing fees, and post-production retouching fees can all contribute to your final cost. Plan for additional costs if you opt to have hair and makeup done or professional wardrobe styling.
Save money and get better results
Planning ahead to streamline the photo shoot process will save time and produce greater results. Prepare your team for the shoot. Make sure they have a clear idea of what is expected of them. Attention to hair and makeup may ultimately save you money on retouching fees. If your photographer charges by the hour, the more prepared you are, the more you will save. If you’re shooting on location, choosing a local photographer will limit travel fees. If you’re shooting in the photographer’s studio, you will avoid travel fees altogether.
Making this business expense a priority will ensure you are showing your best side to your audience. Once you’ve had a successful photo shoot, you can send those images off to your marketing team and put your focus back on what you do best, running your business.
