“Working with a wide range of companies over the years, it has become apparent that there are a number of photographs every company should be investing in.”
This isn’t a definitive list set in stone, but more from experience and observations through the eyes of website designers & marketing departments.
They are not in order of importance, just as they come.
Here’s my…10 Essential photographs that every company should have in their portfolio.
1. Headshots: Social media: Linked in / Website / Press release/ Industry magazines
A range of headshots is always useful to have on hand. We all like to know who we are talking to and it quickly enables relationships to connect.
These can either be in a controlled studio environment, in and around offices giving it more of an environmental shot and definitely reducing chances of bad weather… or outside with blue skies and clouds creating some really interesting backgrounds.
The use of unusual places such as carpark tops to barley fields, give that uninterrupted view, but you need to pick your day.
As you can see from the image below…it was pouring down!
Changing your look…
Working with actors and professional models, one thing they do very well is to make the most of an actor/professional headshot session.
So they will always arrive with a range of clothes to make it look like more than one photo session.
Tell a story…
Out of the three images below, you can see by adding a prop that the personalities are revealed.
This type of photograph is often used by creative companies.
If you’re not up to an Oscar-winning performance, maybe a few alternative jackets or dresses will be more aligned with your comfort zone.
Speaking of props…
Adding textures can look great, so adding tweed jackets, jumpers or even massive ice cream cones can make a big difference and provides a completely different look!
2. Exterior shots…
I often get asked to produce this type of shot, and for it to achieve the best results it needs to be in the sunshine.
If the sun is behind the building for most of the day it will look very odd or in a silhouette.
As an alternative – can it be taken at night? You can get amazing results, particularly with passing light trails from the traffic.
The photograph above was taken on a very busy industrial estate.
Shooting upwards and photographing the logo against a blue sky with a wide-angle lens can be really effective and a great way to separate you from neighbouring offices!
3. Interior shots…
For clients or customers, interior photography shots can be a great insight for them to see your work surroundings
You do have to have bright clean surroundings for this to work or is the building steeped in history and tells a story.
If you have an old office, that looks tired and out of date, it may be best to avoid these types of shots, perhaps create the feel you need using a studio or hire a location.
4. Product shots…
A good range of product shots from various angles allows the viewer to become immersed in the product.
Think outside the box…
It doesn’t always have to be on a clean white (or black) background, though for selling on the web these backgrounds make the products much easier to see.
Have a look at the example below…
These are small gold bee earrings, taken individually and arranged into a circle.
By adding them to a slate background they instantly become more desirable
Does your product lend itself to being on an alternative background?
Close-ups…
Even the most boring widget can look great, shot “up-close and personal”.
By combining limited focus and a dynamic angle creates an element of artistic appeal.
Macro close-ups really display textures and finish often unseen by the human eye.
Many clients have taken it a step further and have the images printed. They look amazing in receptions and so much more interesting than a health and safety certificate!
5. Systems and processes…
Showing how a product is made, the hands-on meticulous attention to detail can evoke quality like no other.
As humans, we are fascinated by seeing other people create something, and factory shots showing this can show the value of a product.
Shoe on the other foot…
Yes, we buy shoes to wear on our feet, but having photography of a handmade product and a craftsperson involved in the process, is far more evocative than just a single product shot.
With careful lighting, you can create shots that allow the viewer to explore the factory surroundings and get a sense of place and the product in its environment.
6. Staff shots…
These are essential if your company works in the service sector, where relationships are essential.
Working with various financial services clients, wealth planners and solicitors, often the first point of contact will be through a website.
With important matters, people want to feel reassured and like to know who they are dealing with.
They often look online at who they are talking to way before they pick up the phone to make an enquiry.
What feeling do you want your images to say?
Always make it appropriate for your target audience…
The style of the shoot can also have an impact and it needs to be appropriate for your business.
Clean and corporate can be considered plain, but it’s never offensive and what people expect. You also don’t need a degree in art to appreciate it.
From a photographer’s point of view, it is always more important to capture the individual’s personality.
We are used to seeing colour photography, so the use of black and white imagery can make a strong statement.
What, no posing?…
Depending on what the staff do, the additional dynamics having people standing/sitting/working near their work areas can look more engaging, because you are entering their world.
7. Team shots…
Depending on the size of the team they can look amazing. However, it starts to get a bit unwieldy the bigger the team gets.
It’s getting everyone together, happy and engaged, looking the right way, no grimacing…and the space to photograph it.
Financial directors love this…
Sometimes if a client wants a white background, everyone can be shot independently and grouped together “digitally” in a team shot.
This works really well if someone leaves so they can be removed/replaced in Photoshop.
8. On-site…
This could be literally on a building site or for the installation of a piece of equipment on a client’s premises.
Often there will be a technician on hand to say what’s important, to show a product’s use and benefits to their customers /clients.
These shots can really make an impact, particularly for the end-user. As it speaks in their language and level of technical understanding.
If a model is required, you must choose staff that feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Make sure they have the appropriate PPE clothing and that it’s clean.
Also…remember to get a model release form signed!
9. Customer point of view…
This can be really interesting as you can photograph clients using your product or services and so much more attractive than you shouting “we are the best”.
See how subtle the logo appears on the ‘Lely’ boiler suite in the photograph below.
It effectively tells a story and how your customers or clients use the product, providing a great third party recommendation.
Shot in the client’s offices or home can make a powerful statement.
10 Atmosphere shots…
If you have a product that’s to be used in all weathers, for example, an umbrella, outer clothing, jacket or wellies it can be shown at sunset, near a beach or forest.
Have a look at the tent design below. It’s designed for children and has a space theme.
So a night sky with a few added stars and Jodrell Bank in the background makes sense.
Evoking an atmosphere is always really attractive to the end-user!
So if your looking to add some extra standout shots, to an existing library or you want to revamp your business’ photographs, please contact me or call me direct on 07740076765.
