Choosing Your Commercial Photographer
by Craig Ellyard

Whether the images are to be used for your website, brochure, press releases, advertising, display stands, or fliers, the inclusion of high quality photographs could ultimately make all the difference between the success or failure for your project. That is why choosing your commercial photographer is a very important business decision.

One vitally important thing to know is that just because someone runs a successful photographic agency, that will not automatically make them a competent commercial photographer. The skill of photography comprises of many different disciplines and styles. Someone may be an excellent wedding, landscape or sports photographer, but commercial photography may not be their specialism. So as far as you business is concerned it is crucial that you hire only a competent commercial photographer.

Choosing the photographer you chose to work with will require some preparation on your part. First you need to draw up a list of competent commercial photographers. This can be done by receiving referrals from colleagues, friends and associates in the business world. You can also locate them through directories or by checking on the internet. Whatever way you choose, potential photographers need to be checked out. Perhaps the easiest way of doing this is by surfing through their websites.

Any agency that does not have its own website is not even worth considering. The website is not only the photographers mode of advertisement, it also gives the customer the chance to view and assess the quality of their work. By visiting the websites it will give you the opportunity to assess the commercial photography portfolios and choose likely candidates for hire. Having made your choice you should then ask the photographer for a list of previous customers and follow them up for references.

It is important to ask any commercial photographer you choose to hire for written quotes on the cost of his work. It is also advisable to agree in advance the cost of individual photos. You should also clearly brief the photographer on the type of photos you want taken and how you intend to use them, such as for advertising, for brochures, press releases, or on your website. It is also very important to ascertain beforehand who will own the rights to the photographs, yourself or the photographer.

By carefully putting the time and effort into choosing your commercial photographer, you will be taking crucial steps in enhancing the prospects for your business.

Craig Ellyard writes extensively for Powerplus Ltd the leading UK PAT Testing company and is also a freelance http://www.powerplustesting.co.uk or craigellyard@yahoo.co.uk