When You Want the Best Photos, Hire a Pro

Point-and-shoot digital cameras have many viable business applications. But when quality is crucial, your best bet is to hire a pro.

Among the appropriate subjects for point-and-shoots are:

· Low-resolution employee mug shots for badges and websites

· General product shots in casual environments, such as construction shops

· Casual gatherings, such as staff birthday parties

There are times, though, when quality is the key. You do not want photos to be OK. You want them to be perfect in terms of focus, lighting and composition.

You have three choices in these situations:

1. You can use the office compact digital camera and hope it—and the person using it—can give you what you want.

2. You can buy an interchangeable lens digital camera and have someone learn how to use it.

3. You can meet with a professional photographer, explain your needs and your budget and see if they can handle it.

Using the company camera is quick and inexpensive, though extremely limited. Buying a new digital SLR, lenses and external flash will give you higher quality images, but cost several thousand dollars. It also takes years to develop the experience equal to that of a pro shooter.

The Cons of Using a Pro

Professional photographers offer advantages such as experience, having the right equipment and the ability to get the shots you need taken in a timely manner. They also some drawbacks.

Key disadvantages are:

1. Scheduling. Good shooters are in demand. Instead of adjusting their schedule to meet your needs, you may have to adjust your events or activities to fit their available time slots.

2. Varying skill sets. Some shooters like the precise lighting control obtained only in a studio. They hate the variations caused by natural outdoor lighting or the ugly color cast caused by artificial lights (correctable with filters and/or PhotoShop). Others prefer a more natural look, such as portraits taking in normal working surroundings.

3. Cost. Good photographers do not come cheap. You are paying for their time, their overhead and expenses, any assistants they require, transportation and lodging and possibly special equipment needed for your exclusive shoot.

4. They are mortal men and women. If your directions are vague, such as saying you want a “good” photo of the new CEO, they may come back with an image you do not like. Your directions must be specific and explicit. Showing them samples of what you are looking for, then working with them is the key to getting good results.

The Pros of Using a Pro Shooter

Good photographers know how to light subjects to their maximum benefit, highlighting certain areas and shading others. They know how to pose people to accentuate their beauty and hide any imperfections. They also know how to compose scenes to give viewers the right impressions.

These people have spent years learning and practicing their profession. As a result, they can provide you with quality work faster—and ultimately at a far lower cost—than trying to do it yourself.

Before Hiring a Pro…

Take a professional, thoughtful approach before hiring a photographer. Key tips are:

· Determine how the images will be used. Images for an annual report need to be far sharper and of higher quality than those for a website, for example. If possible, determine picture sizes in advance, since that determines the quality level they are shot at.

· Gather examples of similar photos then show prospective shooters what you are looking for. Explain what you like and dislike about the shots. Ask for ideas how they can help you achieve your goals.

· Set realistic goals, especially in terms of time. Thinking someone can shoot photos this morning for use this afternoon is not realistic. Shooters need time to adjust the photos.

· Get their feedback and ideas and see how they mesh with your own. If there is a personality clash, go with someone else. The more questions you ask, the better a decision you can make.

Email me with any specific questions and I’ll do my best to answer them.