The brand photography industry can be a tricky one to navigate if you have never hired a professional brand photographer before. Maybe you just discovered that there are photographers out there dedicated to businesses and they are not simply a portrait photographers. I always explain it this way, Brand Photography is photography with a marketing approach. All the images created have intention behind them and that intention is to grow your business. There is an entire strategy planning process that happens before a photo shoot even occurs. If you are thinking about updating your website and need more content for social media, here are 3 pitfalls to avoid when it comes to your brand photography.
#1- Don’t hire a “friend” with a camera
This one might be obvious but I still hear stories from business owners that tell me they had pictures taken by a friend who had a really nice camera. They also follow up with saying they didn’t really like any of the images and hang on to this one session as a benchmark for how they look in pictures. Professional photographers have the experience in working with hundreds of people from all walks of life, in different environments and lighting scenarios. Yes, they too have a “nice” and in most cases, nicer camera, but it’s their eye and how they compose that sets them apart. That is what you are hiring.
#2- Don’t wait for the perfect time
Does the “perfect time” even exist? The time to build your business awareness, generate sales and grow your brand is now, not next fall, next year or when you hit a certain milestone. Many times this “perfect time” hurdle can be a mask for avoidance. What are you trying to avoid? Do you dread being in front of the camera, are you avoiding paying a photographer’s rate or are you so overwhelmed by balancing all the hats in your business that you don’t know how to manage another project? My advice is just to reach out to a professional brand photographer and start the conversation. Many times a photo shoot wouldn’t happen the following week or even the same month, so getting on a photographers radar early can help ease your mind into the whole process. The photographer should also make the experience fun and not daunting. Check out these two other posts: 3 Recommended Times To Have A Brand Photo Shoot For Your Business. and The 4 Things To Look For When Hiring A Brand Photographer
#3- Don’t wait until you feel confident in front of the camera
Don’t know how to pose, where to put your hands, what’s your “good side”? That’s why you hire a professional photographer. (also go back to don’t #1). Photographers are creating the best images of you by taking in how the light hits you, the environment, how your clothes move and more. Trust your photographer and make sure you vibe with them. If you are comfortable, a great image will be the result.
Your business needs you to step through the fear and capture images of you and what your brand is all about. As a photographer I don’t even like being in front of a camera, but I do it anyways because I now reap the benefits of doing so and you will too. Believe me when I say that it gets easier every photo session you experience.
You Can Do it!
All you need to do it one step. Finally, email, DM, PM or text that brand photographer you have been eyeing. That momentum will start the process and you will have a fresh batch of brand images before you know it. Not sure how to find a brand photographer? Start by asking other business owners who they hired for their brand photography. If you liked the work, then start by looking at their website and instagram. Send them a quick hello message and let them know who recommended them. Best of luck in your brand photography project!
Have a questions about brand photography? Leave a comment below and I’d be happy to answer them. or DM me over on instagram @nbedardphotog
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