The Top 3 Things to Consider When Searching for a Brand Photographer
Guest Post: Alicia Leigh Photography
If a picture can say a thousand words, a good branding photo can make a thousand(+) bucks.
Over the years, I’ve had the joy of watching my brand photography clients' amazement at the changes that come from simply getting their picture taken. Sometimes their inquiries go up or they attract more ideal leads or they book out further than they’ve ever booked out before or…OR…The list could go on and on.
It’s amazing to them. But it’s not so surprising to me. As a brand photographer, I KNOW branding photos involve a whole heck of a lot more than “getting your picture taken.” It involves strategy, design, and loads of research.
And when your brand photos can mean the difference between booking the kind of clients you love to work with or not booking them, choosing the right brand photographer can make a world of difference.
So if you’re looking for what to consider when searching for a brand photographer who will help you accomplish your business goals, read on.
Photograph by Alicia Leigh Photography
1. How To Prepare For Your Brand Photo Shoot
Consider the big picture.
Think beyond your right now business, and consider the future. Brand photography is an investment in your business, so you want your pictures to last you long-term.
Try asking yourself:
Where is this business headed?
Who do I dream about serving?
How would I like my business to evolve?
Forget fitting in.
When you’re getting ready to purchase brand photos, it’s a good idea to put your business blinders on. Leave Instagram if you need to, but it’s time to forget about what everyone else is doing and hone in on what makes you different.
Your brand photos will be most impactful when they are fresh and different from everyone else. So open yourself up to new takes and think of this as a fresh chance to reframe your brand in its best, most creative light.
Hire an expert.
A family photographer (who also happens to do branding) isn’t going to give you the impactful images that you need. Find a photographer who specializes in branding that you can trust to take you beyond your comfort zone.
Trust is so, so important here. Hiring someone you don’t entirely trust will only stunt the creative process. You want someone you can trust to give you creative ideas, all while keeping your unique business goals top of mind.
Photograph by Alicia Leigh Photography
2. Working With A Brand Photographer: Know Your Roles
When you work with a brand photographer, there are important roles that each of you plays in the relationship. Understanding your individual roles will help you enhance the collaborative process.
Your brand photographer’s role should be:
asking about your business goals
finding solutions to your concerns
digging into your brand strategy
learning about your It Factor
strategizing for your session
equipping you with style resources and direction
Your role is to:
Go all-in.
The more information you give your photographer, the better equipped they will be to serve you effectively.
Stay open to suggestions.
Remember that your photographer is the expert and they should be someone you can trust to provide quality suggestions– or else why hire them??
Trust the process.
It may take some time, but good, strategic brand photography has SO much to offer you and your business.
Photograph by Alicia Leigh Photography
3. The 3 Most Important Things To Consider As You Choose The Best Photographer For Your Brand
Investing in brand photography is one of the very best ways to exponentially increase your “like, know, trust” and humanize your brand with your ideal clients and customers.
Their Portfolio
Remember: a photographer is unlikely to change their style to your own. Their body of work can tell you a lot about them. Here are some questions to guide you as you peruse their work:
Are they brand-photography focused or do they shoot everything?
Are you drawn to their particular style?
Do the photographer’s values seem to align with your own?
In the various shoots, are each brand's differences illuminated?
Does the client look comfortable and natural, or are their expressions forced?
Their Experience
You want to invest in a photographer who will help you get to the next stage of your goals/business– and not just provide a temporary band-aid. Use these questions to investigate experience.
How long have they been taking brand photos?
Does their pricing seem to match their experience and value?
Why should you choose them over the competition?
Your Expectations
Make sure the experience a photographer offers aligns with the experience you’re looking to receive. Because most importantly, you want to find the right-fit photographer for YOU.
Are you looking to have your hand held throughout the process?
Or do you just want a person to show up and tell them what to do?
Choose accordingly.
Photograph by Alicia Leigh Photography
The Bottom Line
Find a strategy-led brand photographer you can trust. As a photographer, their goal should always be to help you gain brand photos that are more than beautiful - they’re impactful.
Well-executed brand photography will always help drive your brand to the 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 with impact and results.