Maybe it’s time for an investment in your business. Or an update! Search your area for a photographer using the hashtag or Google search “(your location) Brand Photographer”. This should ensure your top choices have a place in the niche that understands your needs. Check out a few, find one that best aligns with your business goals, style and values (notice I didn’t list price, because I started this by saying it is an investment in your business).

Now consider these 5 questions before hiring a new photographer:

1. Where will you use your brand photos?
   
   Websites and social media have different requirements than print material. Does the photographer you are considering offer options for both?
   
2. Do you have permissions?
   
   While a photographer maintains copyright, a Commercial User License should be clearly available. That allows you to use the photos to promote and build your business. Since that directly relates to the growth or your own income, expect to pay more for brand photos than say, a family session. (Did I mention investment)
   
3. Do you have limitations?
   
   Some photographer’s will require you give them credit whenever you share a photo. That may be an Instagram tag or website back link. It is important to understand if that is required.
   
   I can only speak for myself when I say a tag on the first post or 2 is always appreciated, but not required. It says you value my work enough to share it with your audience. I reciprocate by sharing your post in my Stories to spread your reach to my followers. Tit for tat!
   
   Additionally, make sure you can edit photos to fit your brand. If adding a filter or text overlay is in your strategy, be sure there are no limitations against. These should be mentioned somewhere in the FAQ section of the website. Or be sure to ask if you have a discovery call of any kind.
   
   
   
4. What is your budget?
   
   If you are still in the launch stage and looking for a budget friendly branding photo session, consider a mini session. This gives you a shorter session time, fewer files, and can start at just a couple hundred dollars.
   
   Multi session days may be even friendlier as the photographer is able to fill the day with back to back shoots, being mutually efficient.
   
   Personal brand photo shoots can range from half a day to a full day and provide a large gallery of images that range from a boss profile shot, to product flay-lays and lifestyle behind the scenes.
   
   Every photographer’s price will vary based on their location, experience and expertise in the niche, secondary fees like location rentals, make-up artists, mileage. I don’t want to give you a price because I have seen ranges from $500 to $5000.
   
5. What is your timeline?
   
   For me, this would be your first consideration. Photographers’ schedules are usually booked well in advance, so please plan ahead. Avoid the disappointment of thinking you can make a call for a next day (or even next week) shoot.
   
   Apart from calendar availability, be aware of a photographer’s process. Do they list set shoot days you can join a waitlist for, or do they book per client? Maybe both like me.
   
   I will share my current process as an example of what to expect, from the time a potential client fills out the contact form on my website:
   
   1. My automated system sends back an immediate response with a link to my calendar to book a 30 minute Discovery call. This is free, with no obligations. It’s basically a meet n greet to understand your needs and make sure we are mutually looking forward to working together.
   2. If we agree to next steps, I take the details we discussed about your needs and send a proposal for the shoot that best suits your requirements.
   3. After you review, sign and submit the agreement, a new calendar link is sent to select a photo date. Or you are added to the group date.
   4. Once your date is confirmed my custom What to Expect Guide is auto sent.
   5. A final calendar link goes out for our pre shoot planning call. Here we talk about your shot list, wardrobe, props, all the things.

So consider the timeline:

• You take a few days, maybe weeks to research a photographer
• Make first contact and book a call
• Go through the onboarding stages of a discovery call, proposal, deposit, planning sessions
• If everything has gone smoothly you may be in front of the camera in as little as 3 weeks.

Think about what’s coming in the next quarter or season of your business. Should you be planning your brand photography now?

If you are in Nova Scotia and want to know more about working with me,