If you are considering using photography in your editorial campaigns, it is always a good idea to look to get a professional photographer to photograph them for you. It can seem like a lucky break if someone you know can take the photos for you cheaply. After all, with camera equipment as straightforward as they are these days, it seems that taking photographs is mainly a process of point and shoot.
However, a professional photographer is much more than just their gear. They will have carried out a wide variety of assignments and bring that expertise to your table. Many of them will have had years of experience and will be experts at the skill of lighting and composition. They will know the obvious errors and be able to advise you on your photographic needs. They will also have a portfolio or a website that you can check out to see that they are suitable.
Whilst your friend might be able to take splendid pictures in his field of interest, it is unlikely that he has the expanse of experience to handle all the variables of a demanding shoot. You will need to have images that portray you and your company off in the best possible light. If your attitude to the final edit is " These are OK, they'll do" then they are not likely to be very engrossing for your customers. And if the pictures look poor, what will they say about you?
Professionals are also able to prepare your photographs for your exact needs, whether they are digital or for print. File sizes and formats can be hard to get right and the free image management software doesn't always offer what is required - particularly the ability to caption.
Also, if you are aiming to get your pictures into the trade magazines, a professional photographer is likely to have direct access to the relevant editors and be familiar with their technical requirements. A journalist is more likely to look at photographs that are coming from someone they know to be a proper photographer, rather than from an amateur.
If you have a particular destinantion in mind, give them a call and ask if they can recommend a photographer. Of course, the cost is always an important factor when discussing these kind of ideas but, if you are going to invest money in self-promotion, it is always worth getting the best pictures you possibly can. And whilst your colleague might seem to be a good investment, if it all goes wrong you might have to get a professional in to retrieve the situation.
However, a professional photographer is much more than just their gear. They will have carried out a wide variety of assignments and bring that expertise to your table. Many of them will have had years of experience and will be experts at the skill of lighting and composition. They will know the obvious errors and be able to advise you on your photographic needs. They will also have a portfolio or a website that you can check out to see that they are suitable.
Whilst your friend might be able to take splendid pictures in his field of interest, it is unlikely that he has the expanse of experience to handle all the variables of a demanding shoot. You will need to have images that portray you and your company off in the best possible light. If your attitude to the final edit is " These are OK, they'll do" then they are not likely to be very engrossing for your customers. And if the pictures look poor, what will they say about you?
Professionals are also able to prepare your photographs for your exact needs, whether they are digital or for print. File sizes and formats can be hard to get right and the free image management software doesn't always offer what is required - particularly the ability to caption.
Also, if you are aiming to get your pictures into the trade magazines, a professional photographer is likely to have direct access to the relevant editors and be familiar with their technical requirements. A journalist is more likely to look at photographs that are coming from someone they know to be a proper photographer, rather than from an amateur.
If you have a particular destinantion in mind, give them a call and ask if they can recommend a photographer. Of course, the cost is always an important factor when discussing these kind of ideas but, if you are going to invest money in self-promotion, it is always worth getting the best pictures you possibly can. And whilst your colleague might seem to be a good investment, if it all goes wrong you might have to get a professional in to retrieve the situation.
About the Author:
David Slater has worked in the photographic industry for many years. He has a particular interest in digital cameras and photography. Learn more about the best digital SLRs from his website, Camerawize. David also runs a website about the forthcoming Nikon D5200, which you can browse here.
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