Working with a professional, experienced business photographer can help companies to enhance their brand image, connect and build positive relationships with customers and create a good first impression. If you are looking for a photographer for your firm, it’s wise to look out for key signs to help you make the right decision. In this guide, we’ll discuss what makes a brilliant business photographer.
Elston Financial
7 signs of a good business photographer
What makes a good business photographer? We strongly believe that hiring the best in the business can make all the difference to your company. Here are 7 signs to search for:
1. A website that showcases a variety of work and an impressive portfolio
Every company owner wants the best for their business. When searching for a photographer, it’s hugely beneficial to visit websites, browse galleries and look through portfolios to get an idea of the services available and the quality plus diversity of images. Look for experience in branding and business photography across different industries and examples of work undertaken for companies and firms that are linked or related to your business.
Branding plays a crucial role in helping businesses to provide information about the culture and ethos of the brand, building connections with customers, and creating a brilliant first impression. If you choose a photographer whose body of work you admire, this will maximise the chances of achieving your objectives. Research suggests that it takes the average web user just 0.05 seconds to form an impression of a website. A professional who has a fantastic portfolio can help to ensure your website and any other visual content or materials you produce are memorable and impactful.
2. An excellent reputation and high review scores
Did you know that over 90% of consumers now check online reviews before they contact a business or spend money on products or services? If you are looking to hire a business photographer, it is incredibly useful to read reviews, check scores and ratings on Google and browse client testimonials. It can be reassuring to choose a photographer that comes highly recommended, particularly if you have friends or colleagues who have used their services in the past. Positive reviews suggest high-quality products, as well as impressive standards of customer service.
When you search online for reviews, always ensure that you look for verified reviews and use reputable sites, such as Google. You may also find it useful to check social media for user reviews and content shared by the photographer.
3. Asking questions and taking an active interest in your business and your objectives
An experienced business photographer should take an active interest in your business and want to gather as much information about your key objectives and targets as possible. You should be encouraged to discuss the following in detail:
- Your brand identity and the logos and imagery you currently use
- The way you want to use images and visual media to connect with customers and convey messages
- Your target buyer or client
- Your company culture and values
- The services or products you provide
- Your goals and targets
An educated photographer will use the information you provide to influence the way they work and to gain an insight into the types of images you want, how you plan to use them, and the best ways to create and compose those images, for example, the design of banners. If the photographer has a strong background knowledge in marketing and design principals then you are on the best path. Every business is unique and a photographer should recognise and understand this, utilizing honed creative and technical skills and also implementing a tailored approach and strategy, rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
i4Style and Design
4. Experience and expertise in business photography and branding
There are many specialities and areas of interest within the field of professional photography. If you are looking for a business photographer, it is advisable to look for individuals or firms that specialise in corporate and commercial photography and have in-depth knowledge of branding, media and marketing. Business photography is very different from capturing weddings, family photography or photographing fashion shows, for example.
Branding is far more than a logo, a company name, or a packaging design or website theme. A knowledgeable photographer can help you use imagery to give your brand a distinctive identity, establish connections with customers and provide more information about what makes your business tick.
5. Clear instructions and guidance
Business photography more often then not, does not use professional models who have experience in posing and are ‘naturals in front of the camera’. Photographers who specialise in this area should be able to provide clear instructions, advice in styling and wardrobe, and guidance for your real-life employees or real-life customers who are featuring in campaigns on your website. This will involve everything from trying different poses to making people who may not be used to the spotlight feel confident and comfortable. It is YOUR company culture and it’s people you want your customers to recognize, not people that they can’t relate to.
6. Professional equipment
As a business owner looking to capitalise on the benefits of hiring a professional photographer, it’s natural to want the best results. A first-class business photographer should turn up to a job with all the professional equipment they need to create high-quality images. From lighting to proping the scene, your photographer should be able to light people in a flattering way and spaces correctly, covering all bases to achieve the desired results.
And one more bonus tip…
7. Understanding of the importance of deadlines
Businesses often work to tight deadlines and they want results fast. Your photographer should be aware of your requirements and open about expected turnaround times so that you know when to expect the images ready to get your website up and running. If you are working within a strict time frame, it’s essential to communicate with your photographer from the outset so that you are both working to the same targets.
In summary…
Hiring a professional business photographer can provide a raft of benefits for companies, but it’s not always easy to find the right photographer for your firm. And in some cases, it can be an expensive exercise if you haven’t done your research. How does the saying go? A poor man pays twice? If you are looking for an experienced, reliable, professional business photographer, it’s wise to look out for positive signs and to take your time to get to know the photographer, and indeed have consultation first, explore their work in more detail, read reviews and testimonials and learn more about the services they offer and the areas of interest they cover.
Get in touch to learn more about our professional photography services.
