I think its safe to say we have all been there… you know the drill, I’ts been a couple days since you’ve posted on your social media. You’ve written a great post, but you desperately need a relevant image to grab your audiences attention. So you grab your phone and begin the scroll on the hunt… and you scroll…next minute your two years back enjoying a trip down memory lane.. then it hits you, its time to organise a content/branding shoot ASAP!

visual content is king…

I’ts no secret, content photography is one of THE hottest commodities for anyone in business regardless of the size or scale. Anyone running a successful business knows that High quality visual content is key for attracting ideal clientele! Between your website and social platforms you are already all too familiar with the need to feed the machine. When businesses are in their early stages there’s typically a pretty tight marketing budget to work within. Yet skimping on content creation can ultimately jeopardise the success of the business. With ecommerce booming and nearly 85% of Australia’s population shopping online… visual content is king!

As a local Sydney, Cronulla photographer, content and branding photography make up 90% of my current workload. During Covid I did enormous amounts of product photography for small businesses. I’ve shot a wide variety of products ranging from incredibly crafted timber doors for high end homes. To toilet footstools that assist in proper umm…. elimination. I’ve shot stand alone products for websites and I’ve used models to create emotionally charged visuals that tell a story.

I speak to business owners nearly every day. The key concern is the constant need for new, engaging, unique and diverse content. A happy client is a loyal client. My goal for all of my sessions is to deliver as much usable, varied, quality images as possible within the timeframe given. If you’ve booked your shoot, but your stressing about how to get as much value as possible… read on to hear my tips on achieving a successful result!

3 tips for success..

1. Write a Brief!!! Ok, so this might seem really obvious to some, but its surprising how few clients actually write up a brief. A brief can be a really simple outline of the day. How you hope it will go and what some of the expectations are. Or it can be super detailed with times, locations, poses complete with corresponding times. The brief isn’t just for your photographer, its for YOU! How often do you write a grocery list only to leave it on the kitchen counter. Yet you seem to remember everything once its written down! Thats the great thing about briefs. You may not even glance at it on the day, but its super valuable in the planning process! Its also a way to keep everyone on the same page. Send that thing to your models, your photographer, your assistants… heck, send it to your whole family. A brief is a document that ensures every individual involved is literally on the same page! This is THE most critical step in preparing for shoot day! I LOVE it when my clients email me a brief beforehand. It really helps me get a handle on how the day will go. It also helps me start planning a successful gathering of content!
2. Location, location, location..( This step is HUGE!!! Unless your shooting a product in a studio or indoors with controlled lighting.. location is critical! If you’re shooting outdoors, the location will also determine the time of day your shoot will occur. Its good to get this nailed down in the early stages of planning. I highly recommend including your photographer in the organisation process especially when it comes to location. Location can largely determine the style and feel of the content that’s created. It can also maintain, improve or detract from your brands established content direction. So my advice is to start having that conversation as soon as you’ve decided on your photographer!
3. Choose the right photographer!! In my humble opinion this is the single most critical step in the whole process! When it comes to shopping photographers you are spoiled for choice! There is an abundance of incredibly talented, inspired and downright gifted artists out there! Finding a style match is the first step. I’ts important to choose someone whose work not only catches your eye, but also suits your product and will attract your target audience. The second and equally important step is finding a photographer you want to work with! When I take on a client, I’m not just showing up and shooting their product. I become personally and emotionally invested with my clients. I get to know them, learn their stories, understand their goals and appreciate their brands vision. As a business owner myself, I know the blood, sweat and tears that go into building something meaningful! The joy and excitement that comes with each success is one of the reasons I love working with small business owners! If your not comfortable sending your photographer a last minute text about a small detail that’s TOTALLY stressing you out… you might want to reevaluate your choice. I expect my clients to feel comfortable enough to lean on my experience not just in imagery. But also with marketing and social media strategies. I love the connection and friendship that I enjoy with most of my clients! lets be honest, business is just better when we work together as a community to achieve overall success for all!

in closing..

If you’re planning a content or branding shoot and you’re just starting the process, I hope that these tips have provided a bit of direction! I know it can be a daunting affair, but if you’ve got the right people on your team and a solid plan of action, you should be all set to gain a bucket load of incredible content! If you’re in Sydney, Australia and looking for a photographer, or even if you are just looking to connect with likeminded creatives, please reach out to me, I’d love to hear from you! You can also check out some of my commercial work at https://ajenksimagery.com/portfolio-item/commercial-photography/ Or alternatively follow along below!

/https://www.instagram.com/ajenks_imagery/

On a side note, this particular shoot was for Greens footwear in Cronulla! If you are in the area and in the market for amazing shoes and equally great service… run, don’t walk to Greens Footwear!!!

https://www.greensfootwear.com.au

or check them out on Instagram!!!

https://www.instagram.com/greensfootwear/