How to choose the right photographer for your brand shoot…
For those among us who
1. Own our own small business and
2. Aren’t models…
…The thought of creating a great brand shoot and being in front of the camera can be a little daunting. First things first, you need to find someone to capture this content for you. Because #selfies just aren’t going to cut it and quality visuals are what’s needed to really elevate your brand – both personal and professional.
No matter what you sell – product or services - people buy from people, so you my friend, need to get amongst it at some stage and get your beautiful self in front of that camera.
So how do you choose the right photographer (or videographer) for you?
Here’s 5 tips to get you started…
1. Choose someone who specialises in the type of content that’s right for your brand.
Photographers usually specialise in a particular niche. They will focus their training on a specific genre of work, with specific equipment, to be used in specific conditions for that genre. Research examples of their work and see if what they do is what you need. For example, a wedding or family photographer doesn’t always specialise in commercial content. Some photographers specialise in outdoor location shoots, others in studio. Some photographers do a huge amount of editing on their images (using presets/filters etc) and others don’t. Like all creatives, photographers have a style, look for someone whose work reflects the look and feel of your brand too.
2. Ensure they have the ability and experience, in the format you need.
If you are creating content for a high quality print catalogue vs website visuals vs advertising signage you need different specs and resolution for each. Check your photographer has the equipment and skill to adapt your imagery for all the formats you need.
3. Check referrals.
Most photographers will include testimonials of their work on their own marketing platforms but finding ‘real life humans’ who’ve worked with them before will help even more. Reach out to their clients and ask them about their experience and if they were happy with the result. Real life feedback speaks volumes and will help narrow down your search.
4. Have a meeting.
Meet with them if you can or at least have a phone conversation with your top 2. Do you like them? Do you get a good feeling from them? For many of us, being in front of the camera is daunting, it brings out aaallll the insecurities and also a hefty dose of vulnerability. A good photographer knows this and will do their best to make you feel comfortable (and cheer you on!) They know that when their clients feel comfortable and at ease, they will be able to deliver their best work. A great photographer knows how to bring out the sparkle.
5. Check prices – thoroughly.
What does your package include and does it include EVERYTHING you need? Does it include editing? How long is your allocated shoot time, is this enough for what you need to capture? Cheapest is not always best, so check all inclusions carefully.
And on that note, it pays to be as prepared as possible. You don’t want to waste your precious shoot time being indecisive on things like shot lists and styling. You want every possible moment capturing that content so you are getting the most cost effective outcome.
So if you’re planning a brand shoot for your small business – download our Brand Shoot Preparation Guide, a helpful guide for briefing you photographer and getting your shot list sorted.
Enjoy the process, you’ve worked so hard bringing your product and services to life, a brand shoot is going to help you step into the spotlight and tell the world all about it, have fun with it!
Behind the scenes on location at the very first brand shoot for The Brand Dance with super talented photographer Valeria Ramirez