Corporate Executive Presenting at a Conference
It’s tough choosing any kind of contracted service vendor. You have to do a lot of research and comparison, listen to your gut a little, talk with some other decision makers at work, and then finally make a selection. Hopefully, it all goes well because several people know and will give you praise or criticism, based on the outcome of your decision.
When you’re in business, it can also be highly stressful because many decisions involve high dollar amounts. Making a mistake can cost your company a lot of time and money.
Choosing a photographer is a little less stressful than that. Yes, the image you get will greatly affect how prospects and your customers see you for some time. But at least it’s not a huge dollar investment that could cause your company to sink or swim.
How do you choose the right photographer for your next corporate headshot or event?
Here are some pointers:
- Test Their Knowledge
Don’t worry so much about experience. Professionals can go about for years while still lacking the understanding that they should have to be the best at what they do.
Instead, test the knowledge of the individual you’re considering. Throw some problems and concerns you have at them and see how they respond. If they sound uncertain or baffled, keep that in mind. Good photographers know how to work their way through any problem that comes before them.
- What’s Their Previous Experience?
Not all photographers have been in their profession for their entire life. Some have relevant professional experience that helps them understand what execs want from their headshot or event photographs. Some of this knowledge will only be known by photographers with such experience. It can’t be known by a career photographer.
It’s a huge difference maker when you can find it.
- Do They Ask Questions or Sell?
A good salesman asks lots of questions so he can understand the prospect’s situation and offer the perfect solution. The same applies with a photographer. Ones that jump right into their sales pitch are new or don’t really care about your specific problems or concerns.
How can they? They don’t know what they are.
- Do They Put You At Ease?
Your real personality shines through in an image when you feel almost completely at ease. When you talk with the photographer on the phone, do you feel comfortable with them? It’s a key component to every photographer’s success.
So, that’s what you should look for in a corporate headshots and events photographer. If you’re considering contacting one soon, keep these 4 tips in mind.