When we consider purchasing a product or service, we will naturally get drawn towards price, reviews and example images, particularly in the digital world we live in. Choosing a product photographer is no different, but there are some other key considerations to be aware of, to ensure you make the right choice for your project or business.

Style and brand alignment

Each professional will have their own style, whether it is during the photoshoot or at the editing phase and it vital that the product photographer you choose, has a style that works for you. If you’re a clothing retailer or designer, then a natural choice would be to look for clothing photography services but ultimately any professional worth their salt, should be able to adapt to your requirements.

If you want to assess their style of work, then there are a few tricks you can try. Firstly, do some research on social media and their website and check their portfolio. Secondly, engage with the person and talk to them about your vision. If they show an understanding of what you want and a willingness to create it, then you know you’re onto a winner!

Do they have the equipment you need?

Take the time to do a bit of research about photography and the type of equipment professionals use. Being armed with a basic understanding will allow you to discuss each photographers equipment setup and whether it’s of a professional standard. Some may suggest they can take photographs with a smartphone on location or a type of software that’s unknown to you. If they haven’t invested in quality tools, then the product they create won’t be quality either.

Furthermore, learn about the photographer and their delivery methods – do they provide you with images in multiple formats? Or just a standard image for each? You want to have the flexibility to use images for your website, printed materials and social media and all have different requirements. You want to maintain a quality image throughout.

Customer Service

You’re investing time and money into this process and any quality product photographer will understand this, engaging with you in an efficient manner and offering a high level of customer service. The best services out there will respond within 24-48 hours of your initial contact and maintain this throughout the project lifecycle.

Emails and social media messages are a popular way for businesses to operate but there is no substitute for picking up the telephone and talking to the photographer. It can be difficult to gauge someone’s interest or explain your vision and brand clearly in writing. Take the time to talk and it will stand you in good stead.

Summary

Each person will have their own list of requirements and the purpose of this article is to emphasise that point. Please don’t simply look for the cheapest or the one with the most reviews. Understand who they are, how they operate and most importantly, whether they can live and breath your brand vision.