According to an Adobe study, 38% of consumers will stop interacting with a website if the content or images are not appealing. But did you know that restaurants that have opted for photographers with no specific experience in gastronomy have reported up to 30% loss in marketing campaign efficiency? The images did not convey the quality and appeal of the product. This led to having to redo the photo shoot with a professional and specialised gastronomic photographer.
I hope you already understand that when you want to take photos of your products and/or your dishes in order to convey the quality of your brand, choosing the right food photographer is essential. And therefore, you should not take this decision lightly.
Dissatisfaction with creative services is a real problem. If you don't choose your food photographer well, you may end up with images that do not reflect the quality of your product. This will result in a waste of your time and money, or, even worse, a bad impression on your potential customers.
In this article we will look at what are the 5 key tips so that you can make no mistake when choosing your food photographer.
Tip number 1 when choosing your food photographer: CHECK THEIR PORTFOLIO WELL.
What do you mean by «check it out»? Well, don't just look at the images superficially and without further ado, but try to be a bit critical. Analyse the lighting used in his photos, the colours, the composition...
A good food photographer stands out from the crowd because he or she knows how to make the food in your photos looks appetising, fresh and natural. It makes you want to try it, without even thinking about it.
On the other hand, a photographer who ignores details and does not master lighting and editing takes photos where the food looks «off» or unappetising. To show you the importance of editing, here are two examples of the same photo. One unedited and the other edited, so that the food stands out better.
Also keep in mind that quantity is not important, but quality is. Don't be misled by portfolios with lots of photos but inconsistent quality. Honestly, I think it's better to see fewer but well-kept photos.
Tip number 2: VERIFY YOUR EXPERIENCE IN GASTRONOMIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Food photography is very different from portrait, landscape or reportage photography... A food photographer faces his own challenges. He has to set up the whole scene from scratch and needs much more than just a well-trained eye.
A food photographer also knows how to handle delicate foods, how to avoid unwanted reflections and how to capture textures and colours of food in a way that awakens the appetite.
That's why, if you sell food, I don't recommend hiring a generic photographer. If you are looking for impeccable results that will attract more customers to your business, it is better to invest in a photographer who specialises in food. He or she will know best how to do each step to make your product photos stand out from the crowd.
As an example, a wedding photographer will not have the necessary skills to capture a dish well and appetizingly. Lack of experience in the food niche can result in boring and unattractive photos that do not reflect the essence of your product.
Tip number 3: READ GASTRONOMIC PHOTOGRAPHER OPINIONS AND REVIEWS
Although this seems like common sense, I have to mention it anyway: Research what other clients have said about the work of the food photographer whose work you find appealing. Other people's opinions and reviews will give you an idea of the photographer's professionalism, quality of service and ability to meet deadlines.
Skipping this step could lead you to hire a photographer who, although they may take good photos, is unprofessional, is very uncomfortable to work with, does not meet deadlines and does not communicate well.
Tip number 4: MAKE SURE YOU OFFER COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES
When you are looking for a food photographer, think about what you need them for. You will probably want them to take care of the whole process of taking the photos and not just pick up the camera and take the photos as such.
A good food photographer doesn't just take photos. But also offers additional services such as food and scene styling, professional editing, content creation for social networks, art direction consulting... Or, in times like today, along with a photography package he can offer you a professional video package as well.
Not all photographers offer the same level of service. For example, if the photographer just delivers images without any more thoughtful editing or without thinking about how the photos will look on different platforms, you could end up spending more of your time (and sometimes money) trying to fix it later.
It is important that you take all this into account and that you know what services each photographer can offer you and choose one that meets all your needs.
Tip number 5: CONSIDER VALUE FOR MONEY
In Slovakia (my home country) there is a saying that my father used to say a lot and that I love. This saying has a lot of logic, although you have to think a bit to understand it. It goes like this: «We are not rich enough to buy cheap things». In other words, in the end, cheap can be expensive.
The quality of the images you get from your food photographer will have a direct impact on how your customers perceive your brand and, consequently, sales. If I can give you one piece of advice it would be this: Invest in a photographer who offers good value for money, even if their rate is a bit higher.
Consequences of not choosing your food photographer wisely
If you don't select your food photographer well, the results can be disastrous. From unattractive images that don't reflect the quality of your products, to delays in photo delivery and marketing campaigns, to losing potential customers. And this is certainly not what you want. We all know that a good image should attract customers, not repel them.
Choosing the right food photographer is a crucial investment for your business. Follow the tips I mentioned above and you will avoid common problems that could damage your brand and reputation.
Remember, the images of your products (and/or dishes) are an extension of your business so make sure they reflect the best of you.
Did you like this article and would you like to see together what and how I can do for you as a professional food and product photographer and videographer?
Write me an email at veka@vekaphotostudio.com or send me a message by WhatsApp by clicking on the button below and we'll talk.
Pepelu
Very good advice, thank you for sharing this information