Professional commercial photographer … good for your business!

Photographers are all different. Basically the only common feature is they all have a camera. I’ll write about this from my perspective and experience of 17+ years in the business of commercial photography while doing my best to keep it unbiased and minimise technical jargon.

While there have been vast changes in terms of equipment and post production workflows, the key elements and desired outcomes remain the same.

I’m creating collateral for local and national campaigns that end up in printed magazines and on billboards while using cameras with architecture created ten years ago. Why don’t I have the latest gear with all the bells and whistles you may ask? That’s the point really. Having the latest gear doesn’t make a better photographer any more than having a fancy calculator would make me a legend accountant. I can assure you that would never happen! I invested in Canon crop sensors at the beginning of my career and now have the fabled 5DSRs … redundant in the mirrorless world, although they are the closest bodies to medium format while still producing stunning images.

So if it’s not about the camera then is it about the software, the process of post production? That’s a valid question and there are a few parts to answer my own question. Digital stills photography utilising the best software gives faster results with the ability to cover a wider dynamic range and produce outstanding images for clients.

I fundamentally changed and committed my process fairly early in my career in 2010. From the populist Adobe suite to the Phase One software “Capture One”. It serves my clients well and gives me an edge given its authentic nature and their commitment to working with the best photographers in the world to continue to refine workflows.

So that’s hardware and software. Not always the latest, but like any prudent business … like your business … I choose what does the very best job for the best ROI.

So what is the secret to choosing a photographer that suits a campaign, a portfolio refresh, or a complete brand overhaul?

I would look at their portfolio, reviews, the projects or assignments they have covered.

It may not be your specific niche or the style you envisage, but a talented photographer can create whatever you need … It’s not difficult when you know how.

In Tasmania trying to niche into a specific genre like you would in New York or London is not practical if the goal is to be a full time commercial photographer. The market is too small. Over the years I’ve continued “my style” as a creative problem solver and for me that has been the secret to longevity in the business of commercial photography. Diversity across the genres which comes easy given my varied work history has been a bonus, as has my love of supporting businesses. I’ve seen many photographers come and many go over the years as commitment and dedication wane. At the end of the day, commercial photography is a business like any other and it needs to be viable.

A leading commercial photographer has an understanding of the long haul of the business owner and what that takes is a key element in the value and commitment that a professional photographer embraces.

I’m always up for a chat, so if you have a visual problem that needs solving, then reach out for an obligation free conversation!