Do I actually need to hire a commercial photographer?

Welcome to the world of business, where every penny counts and every decision can make or break your success. It’s a world where you juggle a million things at once, from marketing to sales to HR, and everything in between.

But there’s one thing many businesses overlook: the importance of great photography. Sure, you might think that a quick snap with your phone will do the trick, but let me tell you, it’s time to wake up and smell the artisanal Boston Bay coffee (shameless plug for one of my favourite local coffee producers). If you want to stand out in a crowded marketplace, you need professional photos that showcase your products or services in the best possible light.

Now, we know what you’re thinking. “I can just take a picture with my iPhone and call it a day, right?” Wrong. Hate to break it to you, but unless you’re running a vintage camera shop, blurry photos taken with your shaky hand won’t cut it.

So when should you hire a commercial photographer? Let’s start with the obvious: if you’re in the business of selling something as visual as food, then please, for the love of all that is delicious, hire a professional. We’re not saying you’re a bad cook, but we are saying that a poorly lit, unappetizing photo of your food is going to do you zero favours. And let’s be real, who doesn’t drool over a perfectly lit photo of a mouthwatering stack of pancakes with lashings of golden tinged maple syrup oozing down it? Are you thinking about pancakes now? There’s a reason big brands spend wads on food ads –  food advertising simply works.

But it’s not just food that needs the professional touch. If you’re selling anything visually oriented, like clothing or home furnishings then a commercial photographer is a must. You must sell the dream and showcase the best representation of the product. You don’t want your customers to look at your product online and think ‘meh’ Objects like glassware, bottles and jewellery look amazing when photographed by professionals. Don’t trust me? take a photo of a bottle of wine, watch or jewellery and compare that to an image from a big name catalog. I guarantee you the catalog image will sparkle 1000% more.

Next up, think about your marketing goals. Are you trying to build brand awareness or keep your regulars happy? If it’s the former, investing in some high-quality photos might be the thing to get people talking. If it’s the latter, well, your regulars will probably forgive you for the occasional blurry/wonky photo.

Now, we know that budget is always a concern for small business owners. But hear us out: investing in great photography is an investment in your business. It’s not just about making your website/social media look pretty, it’s about increasing sales and building your brand. We always say to our clients “you don’t hire us just to take pretty pictures, you hire us to help build your brand”.

It’s like paying for gym membership. It might not be cheap, but in the long run it’s an investment in your health and well-being. Just like photography is an investment in your brand identity, reputation and engagement. And like going to the gym, it’s much more effective when you have a professional guiding you along the way.

However if you’re living off Vegemite and toast, then hiring a commercial photographer might not be on the cards just yet.

And finally, think about your time constraints. If you need photos ASAP for a product launch or marketing campaign, a commercial photographer is the way to go. But if you’ve got some time to spare, then you can try your hand at photography yourself. Just be prepared for some trial and error. And by “trial and error,” we mean “lots of error.”

So there you have it. If your business is visually oriented, if you want to sell more stuff, if you have a bit of money to burn on brand growth and engagement, and if you’re short on time, then it’s time to hire a commercial photographer. If you’re specifically looking for an Adelaide Commercial photographer then drop me a line : )

If you would like to receive more tips on imagery and branding, follow @capturethepresent on Instagram or Facebook.

Till next time, stay present
Shaun
Capture the Present