Everywhere we go we are surrounded by product photography, both online and in print. Good quality images are one of the best ways to sell your products and get your brand in front of your target audience in all the right ways. That’s why more and more companies – and fashion brands in particular – are hiring professional photographers to take their shots and show off the products they have made in their best light. So, how can you choose the perfect photographer for your fashion brand? Simply use our checklist below to work it out.

Budget Accordingly

First, you must consider your unique specifications. Your budget is perhaps the most important factor. It’s usually advisable to avoid photographers at the lower end of the scale because you get the quality that you pay for, but you also need to be comfortable with the costs involved.

Plan how many of your products will need images and then ask for a cost per product – you should also ask how many shots this includes as you may need to take shots from multiple angles for certain products. Ask for a detailed quote so that you understand exactly what it includes and don’t get any nasty surprises on top, for example – extra costs for retouching.

Back up your Findings

Once you have narrowed your search down and received a few quotes, do your research. Be very wary of those providers without any online reviews or proven track record and don’t be tempted by a cheap price – cost usually reflects experience. As one of your most important pieces of brand collateral, your product shots are not worth compromising on and it’s not worth putting yourself at risk of acquiring sub-standard shots. Ask for references if need be and browse their portfolio.

It’s best to find a photographer that has completed projects similar to your own, e.g. if you have a clothing brand with lots of different products you want to find someone with a successful track record of diverse ecommerce photography who is capable of handling larger projects and sticking to a timeframe. You should also ensure they have skills that cover the full suite of product photography from start to finish including retouching and image formatting according to your industry and brand specifications.

Professional Product Photography Management

One of the best parts about outsourcing is knowing that things will go smoothly when placed in the hands of an expert. That’s why we would advise choosing a product photographer that offers professional project management as this is the best indicator of a smooth, reliable process that stays on time and budget with the highest quality results. Such a process will typically involve studios and top-of-the-range photography equipment as well as stringent project monitoring and quality assurance.

The best product photographers will also give you a chance to review your images before delivery. This is important especially for fashion photography where consistency is key – this stage allows you to highlight any final edits that need doing and make sure each image fits with your original brief. Contact FreshPack Photo today to learn more about the packages that we offer.