How to choose the right product photographer?
By what criteria should we choose a product photographer - the price of the services, their popularity, style of work or simply whether they are available at the moment? If you look at the product photographer as just another expense, you run the risk of basing your selection solely on the prices they offer, as if you were buying a mass product. You compare the offers and that's it - you choose the cheapest photographer to save money or the most expensive because they should be the best. Although both choices are based on valid arguments and limitations, price should not be the primary criterion for choosing a photographer (whether product or not) for the following reasons:
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In photography, in addition to shooting techniques and equipment, creativity is of great importance - this means that you pay not only to use the photographer's equipment and his knowledge of how to use it, but above all for his creative vision. It is what distinguishes them from the rest and what helps to create unique and memorable images.
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In addition, each photographer has their own style of shooting and processing images - something that makes their photos stand out and be recognizable. This doesn't matter as much when it comes to pack shots on a white background, but when it comes to advertising photos, it's essential. A photographer may be very good, but their shooting style may not be suitable for presenting your products. For example, if their pictures are fun, playful, bright and colorful, they will be suitable for products aimed at a younger audience, but unlikely to be suitable for high-end products aimed at men over 50 years old. Although a professional photographer can create different styles of images according to your brief, they are often at their best in a certain style - take advantage of that, rather than forcing them to do something they are not so strong at.
How do we know who is the right product photographer for us?
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Browse individual photographers' portfolios. The most important thing here is not whether you like the photos - they will probably be good and you will like them for what they are, but the question is whether you can imagine your products in their images? Does their style match your vision for your products? Also, pay attention to the genre of photography and type of products that the photographer has the most experience with - they may be very good at wedding photography but have little experience shooting bottles of wine.
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Choose the photographer whose shooting style you think is best suited to the products you offer and who has the most experience shooting such products.
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Applying the above criteria, it is possible to arrive at a photographer whose standard prices are above your budget. This doesn't mean you should just move to the next one. The prices of photography services are often very relative and depend on the complexity of the shoot, the features of the products, the quantity and the deadlines. Therefore, discuss with your chosen photographer what your needs and budget are, and they will most likely be able to offer you an option that does not compromise on quality.