How to Hire a Product Photographer: 11 Questions You Need to Ask

As we know, in e-commerce the quality of the product photo determines the success. Suppose, you are reading a catalog to buy something online, would you be more interested in a product that has low quality images, blurry and shot in low light, or the product that has a high quality, well composed picture? 

If you are going for the latter, then it is necessary to find the right product photographer. But how is one to be sure that he or she is selecting the right one for the job? Here are 11 questions that will help you direct your search in order to end up with the right photographer for your products. For product retouching service, reach out to Global Photo Edit.   

1. What is your experience with product photography? 

Photography requires skill, and therefore not all persons who hold a camera are professional photographers. Inquire on the duration of time that the photographer has been practicing product photography and the kind of products they have dealt with. An experienced photographer will know how to shoot your product in a manner that makes it look attractive to buyers.  

2. Can you show me your portfolio? 

Portfolio speaks volume of the photographer or in other words portfolio is a resume of the photographer. It is thus possible to gain insights on their previous style, quality and the range of services that they offer. 

It is important to check whether or not there are similarities in lighting conditions, composition, and quality of details. Where possible, it would be advisable to ask to be shown samples of products similar to yours as a way of determining their viability in handling the kind of queries that you have.  

3. What is your photography style? 

Every photographer has a certain way that they shoot; some are even more basic and others are more editorial. Check on their kind of approach and determine whether it will provoke the right brand image. Therefore, it is important that consistency should be observed in the use of illustrations so as to have a strong brand image.  

4. Do you provide styling and props? 

Most of the photographers offer styling services such as the incorporation of props in the shooting of the products. Inquire on whether it is inclusive of their services or if it would be arranged by an additional cost. Skillfully selected accessories can enrich the overall image of the product, making it familiar to the target audience. 

5. What Does Your Pricing Include? 

The costs may also differ so much that one must be informed as to what is served in the price. Find out whether the cost per shoot also includes post production and touch up as well as other charges such as traveling or hiring equipment. It is only reasonable to know where all the additional costs lie so that they are not discovered later on. 

6. How Do You Handle Revisions? 

It is very possible if the initial round of photos is not the best or even if they are not good. Inquire about their policy concerning how many times they cover a specific task – are the revisions free, and what is the procedure? It is essential to know this in advance because you must be aware that there is a possibility of attaining the end product you want.  Even after revision, if there is any changes required, reach out to Global Photo Edit, and avail our product retouching service. 

7. What type of equipment do you employ? 

Having good quality equipment is not going to make a good photographer out of one but it definitely counts. Community moderations, and the production equipment such as the cameras, lens, and lighting are of particular interest. The raw material of professional equipment is expected to offer quality images that can be deemed professional.  

8. How long will the project take? 

This is especially so since deadlines are usually tight, particularly when planning for a product launch or a marketing campaign, for instance. Establish the date for the shooting spree and the time taken in delivery of the final shots. It also helps to avoid confusion with deadlines so that your project does not get dragged out.  

9. Do You Have References or Can You Give Testimonials? 

Customer references can be of great help when trying to determine whether the photographer is dependable, reputable and competent. You do not gain confidence with the services you receive, you should not wait to request for references or even read testimonies.  

10. Have you used E-commerce platforms in the past? 

If your photos will be used for such online platforms as Amazon or Etsy, choose a photographer who understands the guidelines of these sites. They should be aware about things such as the usage of white background, size of images and conforming to the rules of the platform.  

11. What Is Your Retouching Flow? 

Many often underestimate the importance of post-production as much as they care about the shoot. Inquire about their techniques on retouching and what may be offered in the package and what is charged. Your work can be significantly improved if you consult a professional to do the retouching for you. 

Conclusion 

Finding the right person to take your product photos may sound like an extra expenditure but it is an investment in your brand. By answering these 11 questions, you are guaranteed to hire a photographer who not only has your vision but also has the ability to capture your vision effectively. 

As was said before, great product photos do not simply display what you have to offer, they communicate, captivate and sell. Hence, spend time, ask the right questions, and select a photographer who will be able to capture the character of your business. For image editing, or any help regarding product images, reach out to Global Photo Edit. We provide product image retouching services, image cut out service, and much more at an affordable price.