What to look for in a branding & head shot photographer

July 01, 2021 3 min read

Here's what to look for when selecting a head shots and/or brand photographer. I will use the industry of real estate help explain the differences when making a choice to hire the best photographer for the job.

✨ Rule #1: someone who understands branding!

➡️Here's what branding is NOT.🔴

Branding is NOT a logo, an advertisement, or a picture of you at work. It's so much more than that!

❤As someone who has a Bachelors of Marketing, I loved everything marketing and continue to love it and consume it in every way possible! I have worked for a men's hockey team, women's shelter, book publisher and now self employed. Although none of these careers have anything common, I have excelled in each of them - even when I had NEVER attended a hockey game in my prior life prior to starting with the hockey team! Yep! It's true!

What's the secret? Understanding that marketing principles are all the same, however, the difference is, you need to adapt your marketing strategies and photography to your audience. It's not enough to be a realtor and stand in front of a house or inside a kitchen; there's little subtle nuances that should be blended in, to subconsciously send the message that represents your messaging. When you have a photographer that can easily distinguish between the nuances of your industry, this helps take your photos into powerful marketing!

✨ Experience: you've heard the saying you get what you pay for.

Now we all know of excellent realtors that are fresh out of school, but any experienced realtor can relate, after X number of years in the industry, arguably there are circumstances and clients that you've come across during your tenure that is just impossible for someone new to have had experienced. Experienced agents can efficiently identify and even predict trends. They can tell you which neighborhoods are trending up or down and why. If you don't need to buy or sell immediately, they can advise you when you should act and when you should wait. This is the same idea for photography. Experienced business photographers have also been in the 'corporate' business for a long time and can tell you what and why certain shots make for more engaging photos and WHY! This makes for a better investment in your business photo portfolio.

✨ They ask the right questions. An experienced realtor knows the right questions to ask to determine your needs; as does an experienced photographer. This will make your photography investment one that makes you money, so you recoup your costs and make money! Just like the right house can!

This photo was taken for Lisa Post's political campaign. Years ago, I participated in a contest run by the Town of Orangeville using this background shown in this photo. There were several contest parameters but truthfully, I feel strongly that the reason I won first place wasn't because of the technicality of the photo, I won because I understood marketing and branding principles. Another reason why I chose this location for one of Lisa's photos.

There's so much more to a photo that meets the eye when you have a brand expert behind the lens. You have one chance to make a first impression with photos or to deliver a strong brand message; don't leave it to chance. I am here to help! With over 20 years of experience in marketing, I will help you tell your story!

What to look for in a branding & head shot photographer

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