Picking your Perfect Personal Photographer

Your brand images are a critical marketing tool for your business, silently selling you and what you do, attracting your ideal clients and growing your venture. It's essential they reflect your brand identity to work effectively. Choosing the right brand photographer for you is incredibly important as they will represent your image and stories. Here's the Top 10 Ps to help you find your perfect match.

Most photographers will offer a complimentary call where you can see how compatible you are to working together. Within these tips you will see ideas for questions you may want to ask and considerations to make when you discuss your requirements.

PASSION

You want your photographer to be as excited as you are for your experience. Look for some good chemistry and energy between you in your initial introductions. Does it feel like they get you? Are they jumping for joy and generating ideas for your shoot?

PERSONALITY

You could be spending a lot of time in your photographer's company so it's essential that you get on. Could you imagine going to a coffee shop or to the bar with them? Would you envisage them becoming a friend?

The more you enjoy the experience, the more you will be able to relax and feel good in front of the camera. In the lead up to the shoot, it's also key that you feel comfortable discussing your brand values and stories which will be the foundation to your brand images. When you feel like you know each other, it's so much easier for the photographer to capture the real you in positive energy.

PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE

Every photographer will has their own unique style so it's key to match this with your brand values. Do you want a lifestyle look that's natural, out and about on location, or a more glossy approach through a studio shoot? Do you want an urban shoot or one in the countryside or at the beach?

There's no right or wrong, just different styles that would suit your brand essence better.

PORTFOLIO

Check out photographers previous work through their social media, website or galleries. You can often do this on a call if you want to see examples of similar business owners they have worked with. Can you see images that inspire you? Does their style fit your brand? Does their portfolio show people of a similar niche to you?

PROFESSION

Always choose a photographer who specialises in brand. There are millions of incredible photographers but creating an image that sells you and your brand is very different from just creating an amazing picture of you. Asking a photographer of another genre to take your brand images is like asking a roofer to tile your bathroom. They'll do a fab job but are not the experts so may miss some of the finer details.

The photographer must understand how to tell your unique brand story. How to shoot the different formats and range of styles you need to create for social media, websites and other marketing avenues. There's also having an understanding of the science behind a marketing image that works for you. We always say there is so much more to brand images than the photograph. So much more than getting shot!

PROOF

Look for recommendations, reviews and testimonials from previous clients. There's nothing more powerful than the words of people that have experienced what you're about to

PLANNING

Establish how much support you have for your brand shoot. Does the service include a brand workbook, design consultation and planning session? Is there additional advice if you're camera shy? Do they provide a plan of your experience including what to wear, props and shots to include? Do they scout locations for you? All important aspects that ensure you create the right images for you. Having a plan in place also means you can relax so much more on the day - knowing what to expect whilst having the space to go with the flow and seize the moments that happen too.

POINTERS

After your brand shoot, does the photographer offer any guidance and direction for getting the most of your images? Your bank of brand images are a brilliant foundation to a visual tool kit that can entertain and engage your audience. Knowing how to get the best of yours can make all the difference

PLACE

Is the photographer able to travel to your location or can you get to them if you're looking for a studio based shoot? There are more options now virtual photography is readily available so it may not be a deciding factor but one to consider. There also may be some additional costs to take into account with travel

PACKAGES

What is included in the services the photographer offers: how much shoot time, how many images, how many stories, number of outfit changes? for example. Does it include planning and post shoot support as mentioned above? Always ensure there is a contract in place too so you have a license to use the images in the way you want to as well as a clear understanding of the service and terms and conditions

Most photographers have a range of packages with the higher the price point, the more you will have included. There may be an opportunity to create a more bespoke offer so it's important to be clear on what you need and the budget you have to spend.

You'll have noticed that price is the tenth point and the last considerations! It's obviously a factor but important that you choose the right photographer based on the other considerations too to create what's right for your brand. It's key to see your brand shoot as an investment to grow your business, not shop for your photographer on price.

If you'd like to see if we're the perfect match for you and your brand, would love to chat through all your Ps!

Book a complimentary, no obligation Connection Call HERE

Thanks for reading!

Kier

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