5 Questions to Ask Your Branding Photographer
I recently had three inquiries that were “repeat” inquiries. What I mean is - they had inquired within the last year, but ultimately chose a different branding photographer for their small business. So why were they in my inbox asking about a session?
Usually, they chose the other branding photographer because of cost. I’m definitely not the cheapest photographer but I do bring a lot of value (hence - the repeat inquiries). Branding photography is SO MUCH MORE than getting pretty photos of yourself.
Let me repeat that. It’s not that these inquiries came from people who hated their photos. They weren’t popping into my inbox because they got a refund from their past photographer who missed the mark. But ultimately, they left with “just” photos and didn’t get what they NEEDED from the session. Here are 5 questions you can ask your branding photographer before you book - so you can be confident that you will get what you need out of your session.
What is the photographer's process?
Do they just show up on the day and snap photos? Consult with you about locations? Send you a questionnaire? I always get on a call with my branding photography clients to help them map out their brand stories. This is an INCREDIBLY important step to make sure that their images will work for them. You can read more about my process (and get in touch!) here.
How are the images selected?
I like to go through the photos first - eliminate any image you may be blinking or if I caught you in the middle of talking. Then, I send you over the photos so you can choose your favorites before I do the final editing. I WANT you to use all of your images, so in the final delivery, I don’t include 100s of photos. We go through the photos that will BEST communicate what you have to offer before we even start shooting to make this as stress free as possible. Receiving your gallery back should never be overwhelming!
How can you use your branding images?
You’ll probably find these in your contract (at least - I would hope so!) but it’s worth asking anyway. Never assume you have complete rights over the photos - that is almost never the case. By law, copyright belongs to the photographer as a default. For my branding photography clients, I include commercial use licensing. Without getting too much into details, this means you can use the photos we take to market your business BUT you can’t sell the images to market other products / in collaboration with other businesses.
How will they be edited and/or can I apply my own edits?
If you don’t like the way the photographer edits- you’ll likely want to rethink who you’re hiring or ask questions about applying your own edits!
When working with me, sything that isn’t there on a usual day will be edited out. However, I don’t edit the photos in a way that changes the way you look. I don’t remove things like freckles or change any part of your body. But for things like a pimple or under eye circles, I got your back! Because I give you commercial use licensing, you can make your own edits if you really want to! I do ask that if you do edit your own, you don’t credit me on the photos (I stand by my work!).
What are included in the packages and the pricing?
SO important to know what you’ll receive at the end! When working with me I have a few different packages (which you can read about here) but I also create custom photography packages for businesses with different needs (like additional licensing, more locations, etc). For businesses that need updated content on the regular (in my opinion - all of them), I also offer bi-monthly or quarterly branding photography packages!
BONUS: Always Look For and/or Ask to See Testimonials.
Look at the QUALITY of testimonials too. Are they long paragraphs raving? Are they a bunch of nice words but not really saying much? Does any part of it feel forced? Don’t be afraid to ask to see the galleries that match the testimonials as well (especially if the branding photographer doesn’t have a portfolio section on their website - mine is weaved throughout my blog!). A red flag I commonly see is contracts with testimonial/non disparagement clause where they actually forbid clients from saying anything negative and in some cases it’s required to leave a positive review. Do your homework!
Are you looking for a Calgary Branding Photographer?
I would be happy to answer all these questions (and more) so don’t be afraid to contact me to talk about your own branding session. I am so passionate about helping small businesses spread their message and grow their businesses. Want to connect further (and meet Jinx - who is basically internet famous?), you can find me on Instagram on the regular. DM me to be part of my secret stories!