Are you a small business owner looking to enhance your online presence, and marketing materials, or capture memorable moments to boost your brand? Photography is the key to making a lasting impact.
Find the perfect photographer for your small business with Sam’s expert tips. Elevate your brand and capture business assets professionally.
On this page, Sam explains small business ideas in the field of photography and provides you with five top tips for capturing professional photos to take your business to the next level.
Small business photography ideas:
Stock Photography:
Capture high-quality images regularly of your premises, those behind the scenes, and images of work if you can, and then keep them for use in various media, from websites to brochures.
Don’t forget some short-form video as well. This is a brilliant option for small business owners who want to use their own image collections and showcase their businesses and stories through visuals.
Photography Courses:
If you are a small business owner, consider attending in-person or online photography courses with your digital camera or iPhone (there are courses online; get searching).
It’s a great way to get inspired.
Speaking of getting inspired….
“Follow businesses who have great photography online – get inspired by others”
How to Take Professional Photos for Your Small Business: 5 Top Tips:
Invest in quality equipment.
In the world of photography, equipment is paramount. While professional cameras and lenses are excellent choices, like mirrorless cameras of Nikon, canon, and others… and don’t forget the traditional SLRs that may be getting dusty in your cupboard.
Today’s smartphones, like the latest iPhone, also offer powerful photography capabilities. They boast advanced camera technology, convenience, and an array of high-quality apps. Plus, they are cost-effective, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Master lighting techniques:
Understand and control lighting. Whether you’re using natural light, studio setups, or flash, mastering lighting techniques is crucial for achieving stunning photos. Try different set ups at work and at home…
Get online and see what lighting set-ups are around. LED, ring lights, and portable battery-operated set-ups are very popular. Natural light is best; fully shaded light outside is also fabulous.
Composition matters:
Make your photos visually appealing by paying attention to composition, framing, and adhering to the rule of thirds. These principles can transform ordinary shots into extraordinary visuals.
Use your device’s settings to ensure you can get the composition perfect…
Edit and enhance:
Post-processing is a critical step in modern photography. Learn to use photo editing software apps to enhance your images, fix imperfections, and achieve the desired look. All social media platforms have their own set of filters and edits as well. Or go ala natural…
Tell a story:
Every photo should tell a story or convey a message. Consider the message you want to convey and use your photography skills to do so effectively. Get down low go in from another angle..take a few shots from different angles, and see what the best result is.
A further resource is The 5 Minute Business Boost Podcast – Eps 6, 33
“A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away.” -Eudora Welty.
Professional photography – hiring and working with a professional
Ok but I want a series of high resolution images ( hero shots or campaign shots ) from a professional to showcase my business or the region for the walls of my business.
So if you are looking for a photographer in the following fields
- Event Photography
- Food Photography
- Commercial/Product Photography
- Travel Photography
- Fine Art Photography
- Nature and Wildlife Photography
- Drone Photography and Videography
There are several places to seek a person who can help.
- Explore Shootzu .
- Seek out local photography clubs.
- Ask locally.
5 top tips – working with a professional photographer
Define your goals and vision:
Before hiring a professional photographer, clearly define your goals and vision for the photography project. Are you looking for product shots, branding images, or event coverage? Having a well-defined purpose will help you communicate your needs effectively to potential photographers.
Review their portfolio:
Take the time to review the photographer’s portfolio. Look for work that aligns with your vision and style. A diverse portfolio showcasing various photography styles and subjects is a good sign of versatility and expertise.
Check references and reviews, and ask if they are insured.
Ask for references from the photographer and reach out to past clients if possible. Additionally, read online reviews and testimonials to gain insight into the photographer’s professionalism, reliability, and the quality of their work. Insurance is also a key question to ask.
Discuss budget, hours on site, post-processing turnaround times, and licensing.
Be upfront about your budget and discuss pricing with the photographer. Have an agreed-upon time on site; dont extend the time or expect an extra few hours for nothing…
Ensure that you have a clear understanding of what’s included in the package and any additional costs. Also, discuss the licensing of the photos. Understand whether you’ll have the right to use the images for your specific business purposes. Ask about turn-around times. Photographers these days should be able to have short turnaround times.
I try to provide a 24- 48 hours turnaround; some photographers and videographers do 12 hours.
Communication and Collaboration:
Effective communication is key to a successful photography project. Ensure that the photographer is open to your ideas and can provide valuable input. Collaboration is vital for achieving the desired results. Discuss the timeline for the project and any specific requirements, such as the location, number of shots, and retouching options.
Many photographers have online booking forms or terms and agreements. Make sure you ask or seek these out before engaging.
Elevate your small business with the power of photography and watch it shine.
Need a photographer? – well I can help – check out samhicksphoto.com.au
Looking for a photographic course or a referral?
Reach out to Sam Sam@samhicks.com.au