Jumping in front of the camera solo is no easy task. But the show must go on for a motivated and ambitious entrepreneur, like yourself.
What makes all the difference is finding the right brand photographer to help you capture content for your small business. In the short term, they’re going to help bring your brand photo vision to life and guide you through the session, making you look good and feel relaxed. Long term, you’ll want a photographer who you can work with repeatedly to build a consistent library of brand images.
Logic, and a series of search results, will tell you to find the right photographer based on their photography style and price. Which, yes, are valid criteria to narrow down your photographer choice, but should not be the only two criteria.
So what’s most important?
Above all else, connection is key! How you relate to your brand photographer will largely shape your brand photography experience.
Follow along with these three tips and you’ll find a winning connection with a brand photographer you can work with time and time again.
Read their reviews on Google – not just the one’s they’re sharing on their website.
This will give you real insight into what their clients’ experienced when working with a photographer. Those google reviews will be filled with the details a client felt compelled to share rather than what qualities the photographer shared for social proof. (Hey, there’s nothing wrong with pulling out the important qualities you want potential clients to know about – that’s good personal branding! And something you should consider, if you’re not doing it already.)
As you’re reading through their reviews, you can use what you value the most to help you decide if that photographer is a good fit. For example, if you value a photographer who is going to make the session less awkward, then you’ll want to know the photographer made their clients feel comfortable.
Understanding a client’s vision, feeling educated, strong communication, etc. are qualities you may want to consider when reading through a brand photographers google reviews.
Engage with Brand Photographers on Instagram
Open up their Instagram feed and see what they’re posting about. You’ll see their work, what they’re sharing, how their followers are engaging with them, and, most importantly, how they’re engaging with their followers. You’ll get a sense of their personality. Are they posting funny content? Maybe educational content? Telling great stories about their work? All of these aspects will give you a better understanding as to what this particular brand photographer is like and how you may connect with them.
Schedule a Discovery Call With Your Favorite Brand Photographers
Once you’ve narrowed down your brand photographer selection to two to three photographers you’re really interested in, see if you can schedule a discovery call with your candidates.
Most brand photographers will be happy to have a short conversation over the phone to get to know you and your business a little bit better. After all, brand photographers are in the business of telling stories and creating intentional content about YOU and YOUR business!
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about their services and get a feel for how you two click.
Now, don’t go into the call stating ‘this call is only to see if we’re a good fit’ because I promise you that’s the perfect way to put someone on the spot and feel uncomfortable.
Personally, I love having a phone conversation with a potential brand client versus emailing back and forth. We can cover a lot of ground in the course of a fifteen minute phone call than we could ever cover in a series of emails. (So if I’m on your list as a potential brand photographer candidate – feel free to schedule a discovery call 😊)
Selecting the Right Brand Photographer for Your Small Business
Finding the right brand photographer is more than just photography style and price, it’s all about how you feel working with them. Taking the time to find the right brand photographer you connect with will help you achieve great brand photos and build a long-lasting relationship for your future content goals.
About the Brand Photos: Monica Manosalva, Realtor
Monica Manosalva is a Northern Virginia realtor helping buyers, sellers, and investors along their real estate journey. Monica's thoughtful approach to real estate means that her client's priorities are always taken care of before, during, and after a transaction.
About Northern Virginia Brand Photographer Emily Marcella
Emily of Emily Marcella Brand Photography is a Northern Virginia small business cheerleader and business girl's girl. For over six years, Emily has helped creative entrepreneurs feel confident to show up authentically in their businesses with intentional and strategic brand photography.
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