Why Professional Photography is a Must for Your Brand
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In the era of powerful iPhone cameras and a seemingly endless supply of stock photography, it may feel unnecessary to shell out for professional photos for your brand. After all, isn’t it what’s inside that counts?
The fact is, how your brand looks has a huge impact on how successful it will be.
It only takes 7 seconds (maybe less!) for people to form a first impression of your brand. And visuals are a major part of that.
Photography can help craft that ideal impression across your website, social feeds, marketing materials, product pages, and even in-store if you’re a brick-and-mortar brand. It also has a big impact on online engagement and reach (especially for social). And if you ask us, that’s a lot to leave up to chance with stock images and iPhone pics.
Professional photography gives you more control over your brand’s visual identity, and helps showcase your products and services in the best light (both figuratively and literally).
But that’s not all. Here are 5 reasons professional photography is a must for your brand:
5 Reasons It Pays To Invest In Professional Photography
Photos Tell Your Brand’s Story
Photography plays a huge role in telling your brand’s story. If you want to tell a good story that resonates with customers, you need high-quality images.
Lifestyle photos help people visualize how your brand fits into their lives. Detailed product shots showcase the quality and features of your products. (And these often aren’t just place holders – people will interact with them online, zooming in, getting a closer look.)
They Make Your Brand Look More Credible
They say Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. And we think the same applies to brands.
Even if you’re a scrappy start-up just getting going, think about how you want people to perceive your brand down the road.
If you're using poor-quality photos, people won’t take your brand as seriously.
Professional photos bring a level of credibility and, well, professionalism. And this helps build trust, especially with new customers.
Your Images are Unique and Only You Can Use Them
Okay, you say. So I won’t take my own photos – but there are so many great stock images out there! Why should I pay for pictures – especially lifestyle images?
Stock images have their benefits – they’re great for developing mood boards, and even in certain types of collateral. But they have some serious drawbacks, too. For starters? You’re not the only one who has access to them.
So if you’re using a high-quality image from Getty, your competitors could feasibly be using the exact same image. Not ideal, when you’re trying to build a unique and compelling brand.
Hiring a pro ensures your visuals will be as unique and nuanced as your brand itself. And, that you own the rights to use them wherever and however you choose.
It’s More Complicated Than It Looks
There’s a reason people pay big bucks for photographers to capture major life events – it’s a skill. And a lot more goes into it than you might expect. Especially when it comes to brand photography.
Photographers are the ones directing models and making them feel comfortable on-camera. They style the products, set the lighting, and provide professional equipment to ensure each shot is – pardon the pun – picture perfect.
They use backdrops to ensure each product shot is consistent across the board. And after the shoot, they edit the images and deliver high-quality, ready-to-use photos that tell your unique story.
They can make sure there is just enough condensation on a soda can to make it impeccably enticing. They can set the focus perfectly to draw your eye to the product every time. In short, they have the skills to make your photos more dynamic, consistent, and compelling.
Everyone Else Is Doing It…
We know, we know—but we’re not asking you to jump off a bridge here. And while we are absolute champions of individuality, the fact is your competitors are using professional, high-quality photography. And if you’re not, you risk getting lost in the shuffle.
You want the images that will stop people mid-scroll in the Instagram feeds, just to learn more about your products.
You want images that stand out from the crowd, not blend into the background.
And for that, you need a professional.
How to Choose a Studio Partner
When it comes to choosing a studio partner for your brand, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, look for a studio with experience shooting brands similar to yours. This will ensure that they understand your specific needs and can create photos that accurately reflect your brand identity.
You can ask other businesses for references and recommendations, or utilize one of the many online platforms such as Clutch for a detailed overview of capabilities, reviews, and more on potential partners.
Ask to see samples of their previous work to get an idea of their style and see if it matches your vision for your brand.
And of course, communicate your budget and expectations up front so the studio can provide you with a realistic proposal.
Lights, Camera, Branding
We know that new and small businesses have a lot on their plates as it is. It may feel like you can't afford the time and expense of a professional photoshoot. But the truth is, you can’t afford not to.
High-quality photos can make your products and services look more appealing, and they can help you connect with your target audience on a deeper level. They tell your brand story without you ever writing a word. And they help attract new clients and customers.
So if you want your brand to be in it for the long-haul, professional photography is a must.
Interested in learning more or setting up a shoot? Drop us a message to find out how we can help put your brand in the spotlight.
