What is the need for professional photography?
It's good to ponder what the driving force is behind the decision to commission professional photography when everyone has a camera in their pockets these days and can take photos.
To appear professional
There comes a point where a mobile phone photo taken by a member of your family, staff or a friend just won't cut it.
I hear a lot from my clients that they had been using old or low quality images of their staff or their products, and that they felt it was time to up their game. There is a realisation that in this day and age photography is everywhere, but quality photography gives of the feeling of professionalism.
This is to do with the business brand, and the perception of potential clients or collaborators/partners. Perception goes a long way, even if subconsciously. No one wants to be associated with low quality services or products, or a business that appears unprofessional or 'cheap'.
So professional photography can elevate a brand. (blog on what has photography got to do with brand)
Using expertise and knowledge
You are an expert in your business, and your brief to the photographer will communicate what you do, who your clients are, and most importantly what you need the photos to do for your business.
On the flip side of the coin, the photographer has a wealth of experience interpreting what you say and developing the brief. Their knowledge will be essential in the planning of the photo shoot and they will be able to bring your ideas and messages to life through photographs. (blog on how to brief a photographer)
You use experts in different fields the whole time, tapping into their knowledge and expertise, and photography is no different. You do your job, they do theirs, delivering a service where the output is a set of images that will be fit for purpose.
For any photography session, there is naturally a collaboration between the client and the photographer, with the photographer bringing to the table creativity in the planning and the execution of a shoot.
Visual solutions
I find it really interesting that my clients express surprise and delight in the fact that I take time to probe and understand their business brand and marketing strategy. For me, this is an essential part of my job as I am seeking to create visual solutions to communicate their marketing messages.
Your photographer can ensure that any images created are in line with the brand and marketing strategy, seamlessly fitting into your marketing content plan with on message imagery.
I'm not talking about colours to go with the brand/logo colour palette. I'm talking about the 'feel' of the images and the message / values that photography can convey. Think about the difference between BHS and Fortnum & Mason.
This manifests itself in the form of ensuring the best location for the shoot, and in determining the props or models. After setting the scene it is the lighting and angles which create imagery with impact, and a professional photographer with experience will be able to deliver a set of images that are on brand and fit for their marketing use.
Want to make a difference?
My clients say that putting photography in the hands of a professional has taken the strain off them, enabled them to get on with their business, and delivered a set of photos that really makes a difference.
If you'd like to chat about how professional photography can elevate your business, give me a call.
About the author
Jo Scott is a Professional Corporate Photographer with a background in Fine Art Photography. Based near Windsor in Berkshire, she primarily works in London and the adjacent Home Counties including Surrey and Hampshire with businesses, creating photos for all their marketing needs.
More information about Jo Scott can be found on her website Jo Scott Images
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