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Episode Overview:
In this month’s podcast episode “Making Your Website Look Good: Professional Website Photography” we sit down with acclaimed professional photographer Chris Sawicki of Sawicki Studios and discuss the importance of exceptional imagery and the role it can play online, from attracting visitors to selling products and everything in between.
Almost everyone these days is aware of the importance of the need for fantastic content on their website. Most website owners spend hours, days and often weeks crafting their website’s copy. Surprisingly, most website designers and small business owners spend very little time on another very important aspect, imagery.
Imagery often plays second fiddle to body copy, something used as an afterthought to beef things up or in an attempt to further SEO results for image searches. After the initial design phase, where typically imagery is at the forefront, great imagery is somehow left behind when it comes time to populate the website with content. How many times have you seen a website with a fantastic design but the images in the header or the slider look atrocious? Stretched, pixilated and mauled, these images not only detract from the design that was labored over, but reduce the impact of the websites copy as well.
Even stock photography has its limits, as it can be difficult to find a stock photo that truly represents your websites message or find a stock photo that matches up with your websites color scheme without hours of searching. Even then unless you break out Photoshop and really go to work on the image, it’s generally a compromise.
This is where a professional photographer can really make or break a website.
A professional photographer will not only work with you to understand your websites message, he or she can specifically shoot with that message in mind. If you need your imagery to have a certain look and feel, working with a professional photographer can achieve that.
Taking the extra step and retaining an accomplished photographer allows you to offer new and exciting image content to your users and customers that is not only tailored specifically for your website but allows for the creation of a desired mood or look and feel that is unparalleled when compared to stock photos.
There are other benefits as well. Most photographers have a lot of volunteer models or extras on hand that they can reach out to in order to get that perfect shot your branding or demographics require. A simple Facebook post can, and usually does, turn up droves of volunteers for clothing product shots or to set up that perfect location shot.
Another big plus, besides the quality of imagery, is the ability to have your photography ideas fleshed out in a professional photography studio. A true professional can use studio elements like lighting and backdrops to ensure that the final look integrates flawlessly with your website and with some post editing with Photoshop, add some extra oomph digitally to ensure that everything is flawless.
Retaining a professional photographer does not have to be costly or troublesome either. We recommend doing a little research for the best rates and work/portfolio quality. Don’t be afraid to ask for references either, if he or she is a true professional they should have no qualms with you contacting previous clients. Another helpful decision maker is visiting their studio; do they have what they need to deliver what you are looking for digitally?
Once you narrow the list down, deepen the dialog with your chosen few and explain what you would like to see and let them create a proposal for you.
The effects of professional imagery online is far reaching but the bottom line is solid, planned professional photos usually enhances a websites profit margin and can raise the bar online in your industry and put your competition in the hurt locker.
And who doesn’t want to see that?
Links & Resources:
- How to Choose a Professional Photographer
- Wikipedia, Public Domain Image Resources
- Find a photographer through the American Society of Media Photographers
- Find a photographer through the Professional Photographers of America
- Sawicki Studios Professional Photography
