Why Professional Photography Is Needed For Your Business

Of course, I think your business needs professional photography, but these tips come from another business expert. Today's guest blogger is Kate Elfatah, owner of HOM consulting, where she helps businesses expand through digital marketing. She assists businesses in planning a custom digital marketing strategy which puts them on the path to increase market and customer awareness for revenue growth and visibility. I have worked with Kate before and she is great so I hope you enjoy her tips!

Kate Working with one of her clients

We have all stumbled upon that website or marketing campaign on social media with some pretty awful photography. I’m here to talk you about the importance of professional photography for your business and why it’s so important to make sure you have some good shots to represent your business.  I’m all about the selfie and the right now when it comes to social media, but there is a place and need for a professional photographer when it comes to your business. I don’t care what size business you are.

The biggest reason you should consider professional shots for your business is exactly that, you want a professional look and feel to your business, service or product. If you’re selling products, you want to highlight and create a look and feel that mirrors your brand. Having one-of-a-kind photographs that are unique to your business, meaning no stock photos, will assist you in establishing a cohesive brand identity.  It makes it more personal for your potential customers. With stock photography you have the risk of having those images being used by your competitors or someone else. Be unique.

Tips when considering professional photography:

• Determine the use. Yep, what do you need the photos for? Social Media, Website, Marketing Campaigns, Print etc?
• You want to pick a professional photographer that understands your vision and needs as a business. Someone that can capture the essence of your business or product with a polished finish.  Look at the work that the photographer has done and pre-qualify them for your needs.  
  
• Ask them creative questions to be sure they are the right fit for you. Ask them for ideas for your business even if you have it in your head what you want it to be, if they are good, they are going to have ideas. 
• You will want to consult with your business marketing professional and web designer to have a full understanding of their needs. They will be the ones most likely needing the use and reuse of those photos so getting their input would be a good idea. 
  
• Try to think for future use, just not the now. Is there something big for the holidays you are doing, bang it out if you can. Get all the images that you will need for a period of time. 
• Get creative. If you are creative now is the time get more creative. Think about how you can work with a photographer to create some creative and trendy photos that will make you and your brand stand out. Don’t be a bore. 
• Show your product or services in the world. Create shots that show the products in use, not just on a background. If you provide a service, show that service in action. 
• Understand the photographers policies. Some photographers will require certain releases for the different uses of their photographs. Understand that photography is more than clicking a button. Be respectful of the photographer, this is their livelihood more than likely. They too are business owners. Don’t expect it for FREE. 
• When booking your shoot be sure you are ready and have all the puzzle pieces ready to go for the photographer.  Don’t make people wait around because you’re not prepared or unorganized.
• Have FUN! This should be fun and an exciting part of developing your business. Have a cocktail and enjoy the day. 

We are in the world where visual is everything. We all like pretty pictures and things that look appealing and inviting. It’s no different for your business.

Visit http://www.homconsulting.com/ for more information on HOM Consulting.