How to find the best product photographer for you
It has never been easier, thanks to Google, to find photographers near you. But how to you know who is the right person for you, or for this particular project?
But before we continue, let me be clear about something.
This blog post is not about convincing you that you should pick me! It’s about offering you a few objective pointers to consider that will help you make a decision. There is nothing worse than regretting hiring somebody.
PORTFOLIO
The first thing I’d do is to research the photographer’s work and have a look at their portfolio. Both their website and social media. This will give you a good sense of their style and the quality of their work. Will that be the standard and style that you are looking for? Do you see examples of similar photos they have taken for others? This is really important, because as much as photographers can be versatile and skilled, if their style doesn't match what you are looking for, chances are, you will not receive what you want.
COMMUNICATION
This is a big one for me personally and something I hear from my clients a lot. If you don’t feel comfortable with the person you are working with, I’d suggest you stop there and continue working through that list of photographers.
Preparing a successful photoshoot requires that you are able to express your ideas to your photographer, ask questions, make suggestions and listen to their feedback. The photographer must also feel free to make suggestions to you if they feel it would improve the shot.
BUDGET
There is a very competitive market out there and you will find photographers for all budgets. Please bear in mind that choosing an experienced and skilled photographer is not the same as hiring somebody to do ‘ just a few shots’.
Let me explain.
Each product requires a different approach and that is reflected in the creative fees (what colours are we using, what’s the mood, do we need any specific props or look, what’s the message, etc). Once that is clear, we build lighting sets for each product, take our time with every element, style, try different things and we finalise it with post-production. Editing, file preparation and revisions/ resubmissions if needed. It is a process as you see, and many skills are needed to take a job from start to finish.
I’d like to emphasize that ultimately, product photography is an investment, and not a cost, that will help you sell more products, establish or position your brand and it is likely that you will use some of your images for years.
WORKING REMOTELY
For product photography it is really important that your photographer can work with you remotely. 2020 was the clear example of it. In my case, I do most of my work from the studio. I have found a system that is easy and pain free for my clients. They post or drop their products to me and I’m able to work remotely from there. I am always available through virtual meetings, emails and phone if/when needed, but I know you are busy managing every other aspect of your business, so this is my way of helping you delegate this task.
REVIEWS
Nothing is more powerful when making a decision that a good recommendation (from somebody you trust!). Do you know anybody who has already worked with this photographer? How was their experience? Were they happy working with them and with the work?
I hope this was good food for thought if you are in the process of getting your work online, or improving what’s already there. Taking a little time before selecting a professional product photographer can make all the difference.
One of things that stay with me, always, is not only the results (which are really important, of course) but how I found the process and how they made me feel. Was it easy and pleasant working them, was the work up to my standard in terms of quality and style? Can I see myself building a relationship with the company so we can work again in the future?
Before I wrap up on this topic, let me tell you that for me, it is really exciting photographing your work and seeing your brand growing and making an impact, so thank you, to all of you who have chosen me as your photographer over the years. It is always my privilege.
THANK YOU for reading.
PS. If you have any questions or you’d like to get in touch to discuss your project, I am only a click away. You can expect an honest conversation and feedback.
