How to Choose a Photographer for Your Business Photo Shoot
Since first impressions are often made online, the way you share your story and the impact of your work is essential for attracting the clients you want to serve. New clients want to know who you are! They want to see your personality and get a sense of your style and approach.
That’s why it’s so important to invest in quality photos of your business. Giving new clients a sense of who you are and how you will work together is important for instilling trust. Photos that show you in action will give new clients an immediate sense of who you are and what they can expect when they engage with you.
The first step to getting great photos for your website is selecting the right photographer for your business. Here’s a common sense way to select a photographer for your business photoshoot.
Step 1: Create a List of Photographers
You’ll likely start your search for a photographer in the same way that you search for any other new partner — by asking friends and colleagues or doing a Google or Yelp search. Instagram is also a great way to find photographers because their feeds show who they are as photographers.
Ideally, you want a photographer who has some familiarity with taking portraits and action shots for businesses. That’s not to say a family or wedding photographer won’t also take beautiful photos. However, a brand or portrait photographer will often come in with great ideas of how to capture you and your business fully during the shoot.
BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER SEARCH TERMS FOR GOOGLE, YELP & INSTAGRAM
If you’re looking on Google or Yelp, make sure you look within your city or region and try using some of the following search terms:
Personal Branding Photographer
Brand Photography
Entrepreneur Portraits
Business Headshots
Small Business Photographer
Searching on Instagram? Here are some of my favorite hashtags for finding great local photographers on Instagram:
#citynameportraitphotographer
#citynameportraitphotography
#citynameportraits
#citynamebrandphotographer
#citynamebrandphotography
#citynamepersonalbrandphotography
#citynameheadshots
Step 2: Narrowing Down Your List
Once you’ve got a list of photographers, it’s time to narrow your list down to 3-5 photographers. Here’s how to do that:
Take a look at each photographer’s website and Instagram feed. Immediately cross off the list of any whose photography you just don’t like (for any reason!).
Write down the key personality words you use to describe your brand. Now take a look at the remaining photographers and see which most reflect your brand personality. For instance, if you describe your brand as down-to-earth, you might want to choose a photographer that has a more relaxed and organic vibe. If your brand is luxurious and sophisticated, you’re going to want to choose a more artistic or glamorous style.
Now look back at their websites and see if they have estimated pricing available. It’s becoming more common for photographers to include pricing on their websites. If any are clearly outside your range, remove them. You should send inquiries to the remaining photographers on your list.
Step 3: Interview the Photographers
Most photographers offer a free 15-minute consultation to learn about their services and determine whether you would be a good fit for working together.
QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING A PHOTOGRAPHER CONSULT CALL
Following are some questions you might want to ask during your consultation call:
What is your approach to business brand or portrait photoshoots?
Will we have a planning session before the shoot? What advice do you offer in terms of planning the shoot?
Do you have a photography studio or recommendations for locations for the photoshoot? [if you do not have an office or studio location you plan to use for the shoot]
Are you able to do an on-site photoshoot at my office or studio? If so, is there a travel fee or on-site photography fee added to the package? [if you have an office or studio location]
Would you be able to take photos of me teaching a class/workshop, coaching a client, giving a treatment, etc.?
Will you provide guidance on what to wear and how to style my hair and make-up?
Do you offer professional hair and make-up services as an add-on to your packages? (Note: Some photographers have good relationships with artists and recommend having your hair and make-up done professionally, while others take a more relaxed approach to this.)
How many photos will I receive following my photoshoot? (Note: Some photographers may appear to be priced similarly, but they will provide a wildly different number of photos for that price.)
How soon after the shoot can I expect my photographs?
Will you be doing any touch-ups on the photos I’ll receive?
Are there any limitations or requirements with regard to how I use these photographs for my business?
Step 4: Select A Photographer for Your Business Photoshoot
After meeting with all the photographers, you should be ready to make a final decision. Ensure the photographer you choose is comfortable with taking all the types of images you want, that you like their photography style and that you’re clear on the investment and deliverables.
After you’ve used your head to get the information you need, trust the final decision to your heart and intuition. Go with the photographer that you personally connected with the most. You need to feel comfortable during the shoot to bring out the real you. All else being equal (or equalish), go with the photographer who you believe will help you shine and share your story the best through photography.
Let the photographer you’ve selected know and get scheduled on your calendar. It can also be nice to send a follow-up email to the photographers you didn’t choose to thank them for their time and let them know that you went in a different direction.
Now you’re ready to start planning your photoshoot. Be sure to check out How to Plan a Photoshoot for Your New Website for 6 must-have shots plus all the technical specifications to share with your photographer.
