Quality commercial photography brings a new dimension to your website and marketing material. It defines you and your brand and sets you apart from your competition. If you think using stock photos is the answer, forget it; it cheapens your image and the same photos are all over the web. And don’t take the photos yourself, leave it to a professional.
Once you decide to use a commercial photographer, you must prepare a clear brief; a document that outlines what you want from a shoot, your goals, the type of imagery you require, who you are targeting and what you’ll be using the images for.
In this article, Cherry Beesley of Simply C Photography explains how a great brief allows her to understand your business and its goals, ensuring you’ll love the work she does for you.
State your goal
Write down what you’d like your photographic session to achieve – are you showcasing specific products, looking for corporate headshots or photos of your workplace?
Where will your images be used?
Perhaps you’re looking for lots of images to keep on file to be used in future blog posts, PR or social media posts. Maybe they will be used on your website, or for a particular marketing campaign. If your commercial photographer knows in advance, he or she will be able to plan ahead to ensure you get the best possible outcome.
One size doesn’t fit all
Don’t simply hand over a list of what you need. The better I understand your goals, the more I can select the correct equipment for the job. Cameras, lenses settings and styles can all be changed depending on the look, feel and format you require.
We can also talk through your requirements as this will help plan the perfect shoot together.
Your setting and location
Again, this will help your commercial photographer plan the shoot. If it’s at your business, it will help you define and prepare the area to be photographed or the backdrop you’d prefer. And if we’re to photograph your staff, it will remind you to make sure they’re available.
How many images do you need?
Your brief should define the number of images you require. This not only helps photographers to quote more accurately, but it helps us manage expectations about what can be done within your budget and at your location.
Future usage and image rights
Your photographer will need to know whether you want to use images for a set amount of time or indefinitely. The copyright remains with the photographer unless otherwise agreed and sold to the client. There are various image licence options your photographer can discuss with you.
Timescales
Try to be specific about when you need your photography to be ready. The shoot and editing time is one thing but if we’re outside we may be at the mercy of the elements and need a contingency or be prepared to postpone.
A brief should not be brief
As you can see, the more detailed your brief, the more insight into your business and goals it will give your photographer, allowing for better planning and results. Creating your brief might also be a useful exercise to help you clarify your goals.
If you’ve got an upcoming project you’d like to discuss, please do email me at cherry@simplycphotography.co.uk visit the Simply C Photography website (where you’ll see more examples of my work, or call me on 07775 851827.
