Why Small Businesses Should Invest in Photography (Part 1)

A few weeks ago I posted a few tips on what photos businesses should include on their websites. One of the challenges that businesses big and small have is standing out in the crowd: Competing for attention from clients that are overwhelmed with daily visual content coming in all directions. So, how does photography put the odds in your favour?

·         Professional photos communicate just that – professionalism. Posting professional photos of your shop, your products or yourself takes it up a level and can work to legitimize your business. Take a look at the Instagram accounts of your favourite shops. Consistency and quality are key. Are you likely to buy from someone who posts dark, blurry images of products they sell?

·         Professional photographers have the gear, know-how and experience to make you, your products or shop look their best. It can be far less expensive to invest in photography services versus trying to go out and buy all that gear and taking courses, trying to build your experience to shoot like a professional. Think instead about investing that time and energy into other aspects of your business. 

·         Hiring a professional can save you tons of time which you can then use to focus on doing what you do best. Doing a photoshoot with a professional can lead to a collection of images that will last you for months to post on social media, your website and promotional materials.

·         Photos can tell YOUR story to help connect you with your audience – to create an image that people remember and relate to. Spending money on ads and then skimping on the photos you are using to promote your business and yourself, you may not be leaving potential clients with the impression that you want.

Just as each business is unique, the photos that tell their story should be as well. 
Using locations that are meaningful, relevant and showing them at work helps to get a
sense of who they are. For example, I recently worked with Marianne from Heirloom
Events and Decor to create photos for her business. We met at the vintage inspired coffee
shop and I took photos of her while she worked on a sketch and enjoyed the largest latté.

Stay tuned for more information on business portraits and profiles of other businesses!!
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