How to choose the right photographer for you!

Firstly, what is Brand Photography?

When you are selling a service, and you are the face of your business, you need to show up authentically to your audience. People don’t buy from you the first time they see you online. It takes several touchpoints of visibility before those clients you can’t wait to work with will consider your services. Brand photography, as part of your digital marketing, helps tell your brand story and does exactly that! People buy from people, so they like to know who they are buying from and see the friendly face behind the business.

Brand Photography is not just a headshot. It’s so much more than that. In practical terms, Brand Photography is a suite of professional images that represent your brand visually, and fit with your brand identity. These can include photographs of you, your team, your products and/or service, your processes (behind the scenes), your environment, your life (family), and details that uniquely tell the story of you and your brand. Are you a beach person? Or are your happier sat in a café working or reading a book? The images should reflect who you are. YOU are your brand. Certain images should be created so that can be used with text/graphics for use on your website or social media.

Photography should complement your brand design elements like your colour palette, font suite, graphics, personality, etc. What locations will you choose that keep in line with your brand? Brand photography should be your story told in images.

The point of Brand Photography is to enable the business owners to grow brand awareness, stand out from the competition, attract clients, and make more sales. Some photographers will be for you. Some won’t. It’s important to make sure that you pick the right one and to do that you need all the information you can before you invest. It’s a big step so it helps to know what you are getting yourself into but often this feels overwhelming. Write down questions ready to ask photographers when it comes to talking with them. So, here are some points to consider when you are ready to take the leap.

Brand Mission.

You have to work out what you are trying to achieve with your brand images.  Do you just want a few more images for a marketing campaign you are running?  Or do you want the full works for an entire refresh?  You want to rebrand so are you trying to get more visible? Do you want images for your website only or do you want lots of extra content for social media?  Once you have nailed down what you want to achieve with the images the next steps will be easier.

The Style.

What do you want your ideal client to see when they see the images on your website or splashed across social media? Professional? Fun? Approachable? Relaxed? We’re not just talking about headshots – it is behind the scenes, perhaps you and your family, images of you in your workspace, talking to people, etc.  Do you want fun, colourful, quirky images?  Or do you want professional ‘I mean business’ images?  Consider the style of shoot you want.  Do you want a studio look with a solid background or do you want an outdoor lifestyle look?  Each photographer will have their own style so make sure that sits with your own brand style. Every photographer should have a portfolio or gallery on their website so check this out to see their other work.

Brand Design.

It’s always good to have a Brand design already done so that the Photographer can consider colour palettes/themes in the range of images.  This will help tie in the images with your overall brand look.  It will also be helpful to the photographer and give them some direction when planning the shoot.

Planning.

How does their planning process work? (In my opinion, this is AS important as the shoot itself). How are they going to find out about your business and what images represent your brand? 

Connection.

Do you gel with them and will you feel comfortable with them?  Getting along with your photographer is key.  If you aren’t relaxed with them how are your images going to look?  Do they offer a meet-up (even if it’s virtually) before the shoot so you can get to know each other?

Location.

If you really like a particular photographer who doesn’t live close by, ask if they are willing to travel.  Most photographers will travel (travel costs will probably apply but if you think it’s worth it then it’s money well spent).

Pricing and Packages. 

Obviously, your budget will play a major factor in who you chose. You have to choose one within your budget but remember that this is an investment into the future of your business so ‘cheap’ won’t always help you out in the long run.  Have that ‘Discovery Call’ and just ask the question.

Delivery.

The images have been designed and created for online marketing use and print requirements so should be in digital format.  You should get a copy of each image in high resolution (for printing) and low resolution (for web use).  Your photographer should be able to advise you on how to use your images once they are delivered if you wish. 

Help.

It’s overwhelming when it comes to choosing your photographer and everything that is involved.  Do they advise you on how to use your brand images across social media after the shoot is over?  Do they explain about the image sizes and how that all works?  Everyone's level of knowledge is different on this subject so a bit of ‘photoshoot after care’ is really helpful.

Testimonials.

Social proof is a great way to find out what it’s like to work with a photographer. Get recommendations from other business owners. Images speak for themselves but it’s always good to ask people who have used a certain photographer what it’s like to work with them. You could even ask them some of questions above.

When it comes to choosing your brand photographer, look for a photographer who knows how to tell a story with the camera. For something as important as your brand, you can’t just look for someone who will get the job done for the lowest price - you need an experienced professional who can assist you in representing your unique brand. The investment into yourself and your brand is the most important investment ever.

I hope you found this useful and good luck in the search for your photographer.