The Benefits of Taking Time to Choose the Right Corporate Photographer
Did you know house buyers often spend less than an hour viewing a property before putting in an offer? Surprising, isn’t it, for such a major investment and potentially life-changing decision? In that short time, most people are unlikely to have tested the water pressure in the shower upstairs or checked how quickly the radiators warm up, let alone found out whether the neighbours are noisy at night. Yet a decision has been made.
The same applies when choosing a corporate photographer. Too often, businesses choose a photographer on the strength of price alone. At best, a few might also pay a fleeting visit to the photographer’s website to check out their portfolios. This ‘snap’ decision (forgive the pun) may or may not work out well but it’s leaving far too much to chance.
Website photography in London
So, to reduce risk, here’s a checklist of things to ask or look out for.
Decent Variety of Images
A professional photographer’s website should showcase a variety of different types of work.
But ask yourself:
- Do the images reflect the style that actually suits your organisation or its brands?
- Are there enough example images to judge consistency and quality?
- Does the portfolio include a full range of photographic formats—from portraits, location shots, conferences and presentations, to candid reportage at parties and social events?
If the work simply doesn’t appeal, or if the portfolio feels too thin, it may be wise to keep on looking.
Equipment and Technical Competency
The best images depend not only on the skill of the photographer but also on their equipment. Useful questions to ask include:
- What lighting equipment will be brought to the shoot and will it deliver consistent quality throughout a long session?
- Will a tripod be used for portraits to ensure uniformity and precision?
- Is the camera kit state-of-the-art, offering top-level colour accuracy?
Older or lower-grade equipment simply won’t achieve the results expected from a professional setup. It’s for this reason we only use top of the range cameras and lenses on our shoots providing dependable technical excellence.
Website photography in London.
Post-Production and Workflow
Image quality doesn’t end with the shoot. Ask about:
- The software used for post-production
- Will consistency be guaranteed across the full set of final images
- Typical turnaround time—can images be supplied within 24 hours if needed?
Professionalism in Practice
References can reveal how a photographer works with people. The human factor is just as important as the technical side. Ask:
- Are subjects quickly put at ease and made to feel comfortable?
- Will there be advice on hair and make-up, if needed?
- Can the photographer manage time effectively during a portrait session? Can they shoot each person in a maximum of 15 minutes, if required?
- Will the photographer maintain energy levels across a full day so everyone gets the same quality of attention?
- Finally, ask about backup processes. Are files stored securely in multiple locations to prevent loss? Will the images be secure from tampering or interference from hackers?
Costs and Licensing
- Beware of hidden costs. Some photographers charge a flat half or full-day rate, while others bill per person. Per-portrait pricing can add up quickly and often costs more than a flat rate. Piranha charges fixed flat rates.
- Check image rights. Again, some photographers license images for corporate use only for a set period, while others grant indefinite image rights, so clarify intended use upfront.
The Payoff
It’s a small time investment but it’s worth the effort comparing three or four professional photographers properly. By doing your due diligence, you’ll choose one with confidence, knowing the professional photographer you’ve chosen is the right one for your organisation or business.
- About the Author
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Professional corporate photographer, providing company headshot photography and video for businesses in London, the rest of the UK and Europe. Piranha are commissioned by FTSE100 companies and start-ups alike, for numerous projects, covering a wide range of work and styles. Portraits and office photography for use on websites, events coverage and PR shots for press and publications, as well as Board and location photography for annual reports. Using top of the range Leica cameras and lenses. We process the images promptly and to an extremely high standard.
