Are you wondering if you should take the DIY method or hire a photographer? With smartphones producing high-quality images, everyone is a photographer nowadays. However, there are still circumstances when you should call in a pro. Below are eight reasons you should consider hiring a professional photographer for your next project or campaign.
1. You Don’t Have the Equipment
A professional photographer has invested money and time in their equipment, from tripods to lighting setups, to editing software like Photoshop and Lightroom. Professional equipment sets a professional photographer apart from the amateur one.
2. Quality Over Quantity
A professional photographer will ensure high-quality photos you can use at any scale, whether that’s a poster or an email marketing campaign. Brands that don’t take product photography seriously risk losing sales — 75% of consumers report relying on visuals to make a buying decision.
3. Creativity Isn’t Your Thing
Anyone can learn to have an artistic eye, but it takes time to develop it and know what to look for when photographing a subject, whether it’s a product or a portrait. Metallic foil on a package, for example, may need a bounce card to fill it in so it doesn’t look dull. A professional photographer has honed their skills over the years and learned little tips and tricks to create the best image possible.
4. Branding Consistency
Find a photographer whose style and aesthetic you like. If you hire the same photographer every time, they can help you build a consistent brand image. Hiring a professional can help you create your brand’s story visually and demonstrate the quality of your product.
5. Standing Out in Crowd
A professional can help you stand out in a crowded space and compose the shot with purpose. Frequently I’ll sketch out my ideas, storyboarding them, before even picking up the camera. While I do this, I decide which angle or direction ahead of time to best compliment a brand’s aesthetic. Photographs can also answer your customer’s questions, like knowing how to use the product or follow application instructions. You also avoid using the same old tired stock photography your competition uses.
Sketches from a recent photoshoot for Denorex Shampoo
6. Photo Editing
Editing is essential even when you hire a professional photographer. From noise reduction and white balance to adjusting color imbalances and removing unwanted elements, a professional will yield better results than if you tried to do it all on your own.
7. The Devil is in the Details
The world is full of awful images — distracting backgrounds and poor quality can leave a wrong impression that can damage your brand image. Compelling images leave the viewer desiring more and encouraging them to engage with your website or ad longer.
8. Maximize Your ROI
Photography is a long-term investment in your brand. If you invest upfront in quality product or lifestyle images, you can maximize the mileage you get out of them, using them in your marketing materials for years. I’ve watched companies spin their wheels and waste time retaking photos that aren’t quite right when color correctness was imperative, or they didn’t notice that branch sticking out of someone’s head.
Need help finding a photographer?
If you’re looking for simple tabletop product photography, I’m your girl. On the other hand, if you’re scouting around for a portrait photographer or lifestyle photographer, I know a few folks I can recommend. Either way, I’m happy to help you and guide you along the way.