In today's digital climate, product photography is more important than ever before. With so many businesses competing for the same customers, you need to have high-quality product images that stand out and stop the scroll. To achieve this, it's important to find a great product stylist and photographer who can help you showcase your products in a way that reinforces your brand lets your products shine!
But with so many product photographers out there, it can be a daunting task trying to find the right one. In this blog post, we will explore the essential factors to consider when hiring a product photographer. From their style and communication to their testimonials, processes, equipment and software, we'll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision to ensure you find a photographer that is a great fit for your brand.
Photography Style
Every product stylist and photographer has their own unique style and approach to their work. When selecting a photographer, it's important to review their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your brand's vision and identity.
I would recommend looking at their Instagram and website portfolio to get a feel for their vibe. If you're after a style that you don’t see on their Instagram, absolutely reach out and see if what you're requiring is something they can achieve. Most product photographers only share a snippet of their work on social media and their portfolio as they might be trying to attract a certain client or are showcasing only images that work with their own branding.
For example my instagram is bright and bold, but I also work with brands who are more natural and earthy.
Testimonials
Testimonials are a great way to assess a product stylist and photographer's reputation and track record. Look for professionals who have positive feedback from previous clients and can provide references. Online reviews and ratings can also provide valuable insights into their work ethic, communication skills, and quality of work.
I pepper my testimonials throughout my website and I have a saved highlights section on Instagram called client love. I also have some lovely Google reviews too.
You can see my testimonials here:
Clearly Communicates Processes & Expectations
A product photoshoot involves several stages, from pre-production to post-production. A well-organised professional should have a clear process and workflow for each stage and be able to articulate their approach to the photo shoot.
I have ensured my website outlines the process and expectations my client would go through in order to work with me which looks like the following:
My client fills out my creative brief which helps me get to know their brand and requirements for the photoshoot – this is really important to me to determine if we’re a good fit and to provide an accurate quote.
Client signs the contract and the invoice for 50% deposit is sent. Client sends product to me.
I create the shoot plan, source props and backgrounds, plan is then sent to the client for any feedback and final approval.
I have a 7-10 working day turnaround time for final deliverables.
The final invoice is sent before images/videos delivered.
Images/videos are delivered via personal online gallery.
All of my clients also receive a copy of my services guide which reinforces my process and expectations. Below is a snippet from my services guide outlining part of my process.
Photography Contract
A professional product stylist and photographer should have a clear and detailed contract outlining the terms of the project. The contract should cover aspects such as timelines, deliverables, payment terms, and usage rights. A good contract should not only protect the work of the photographer, but also the agreement between you (the client) and the photographer.
Communication
Effective communication is vital in any business relationship. When hiring a product stylist and photographer, look for individuals who are approachable, responsive, and can communicate their ideas clearly. A good sign is a photographer who is prompt with responses and willing to chat on the phone or over zoom.
I have an online system setup to book in discovery calls over zoom to chat about your shoot and what's required and sometimes it’s also super helpful to jump onto the phone and chat through anything that needs clarification or to answer any questions you or the photographer may have.
You want to invest in someone who is reliable and easily contactable.
Photography Equipment & Software
A product stylist and photographer should have access to high-quality equipment and software to create stunning visuals. They should have a good quality full-frame camera, lenses, lighting and backdrops and should NOT be using a smartphone or point and shoot camera.
Additionally, they should be proficient in editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, to enhance the images' quality and clarity. A professional should ALWAYS be shooting RAW. A RAW file is lossless, meaning it captures uncompressed data from your camera sensor and captures the highest level of detail.
I always send my clients a gallery of high-resolution images with the option to download them at a web-ready file size which is best for use on websites.
I’ve invested heavily into my photography and studio equipment which equates to a few thousand dollars worth of gear. I then use Lightroom and Photoshop to edit my client’s photos to ensure best results. For stop motion video I use Dragonframe (professional stop motion software), Lightroom and Adobe Premiere Pro.
Your Takeaway....
Hiring the right product stylist and photographer is an investment in your business's success. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can ensure that the professional you hire has the style, communication skills, testimonials, processes, equipment, and software necessary to create compelling visuals that showcase your products in the best possible light. Remember to take your time in selecting the right professional for your needs and don't be afraid to ask questions and communicate your vision to ensure a successful collaboration.
