I know what you’re thinking. Why on Earth would I hire a professional photographer when I have an iphone and can take my own photos?
I get it. As a business owner, one of your primary objectives should be to keep overhead low. After all, low overhead is one of the most clear paths to an increase in profit. However, I’d suggest that there are some things that you don’t want to DIY, and photography for your website and marketing materials is one of them.
I’ll be honest with you. I don’t do my own car repairs anymore, but I used to. There was a time when I first started driving that I thought it was “manly” to try and repair my vehicle on my own. Not to mention the fact that it seemed like a great way to save some money. However, when I look back on the repairs I did on my own car, what I remember most is the hours of watching YouTube videos, the cuts on my hands, the frustration and stress during the process, and the fact that after all of it was over, my “fix” didn’t seem to fix the problem anyways. I’m not a mechanic and don’t have the years of experience that a mechanic has related to cars.
If you aren’t a photographer, but you’ve been trying to take your own photos for your graphic design, website, or marketing materials, it’s likely that you’ve experienced the following issues:
- You’re discouraged by how expensive professional gear is
- Your photos look good on your phone but get pixelated when they show up on your website
- Your photos look blurry
- You spend too much time trying to take your own photos
The reality is, taking your own photos is likely free, thus seeming like a good option for your brand. However, when you really start to add up the pros and cons, you’re going to realize that hiring a professional photographer is not only worth it – it’s essential.
Studies have shown that photos are one of the most important elements on your website design. Why is this true? People don’t care as much about your company’s history or what school you went to to learn your craft. What they care about is how you can make their lives better, and one of the most clear and effective ways to tell that story is through photo. A photo of a happy, smiling person using your product or service will make your website visitors and anyone holding your trifold brochure see themselves in that photo, thus nudging them closer to making a purchase.
Remember, there are many things in life that you can DIY. But just as I’ll always hire a professional mechanic to fix my car, I’d suggest thinking twice the next time you decide to DIY your next photoshoot.
