The power of having professional photos

There is a wealth of options these days when it comes to stock photography, from free sites like Unsplash to paid or subscription-based sites like iStock. But, just because photos are quick and easy to access — just download and go — doesn’t mean they are the best choice for your organization.

Stock photography doesn’t always tell your story.

“It really behooves an [organization or small business] to show themselves as they really are. Your customers know stock photography when they see it,” says Stephen Caissie, owner of Stephen Caissie Photo and Luminate’s trusted photography partner. “They know if a picture on your website is not your smiling team sitting around your boardroom table because they’ve been to your office, sat at your table and met the team.”

Stephen suggests solving this problem by having a photographer shoot ‘around the office’ type photos when coming in to do headshots (something that should never be shot by a friend on a smartphone or, shudder, as a selfie).

“I had one client mention that they’d love to show off the architecture of the office, so rather than just shooting standard headshots in front of a white background, we used the office as our backdrop to elevate the whole look,” says Stephen.

Another reason to invest in professional photography is to give potential customers a better idea of what sets you apart from your competitors. For example, Stephen says, an interior designer should be showcasing spaces they have actually worked on, rather than generic imagery that could be used to advertise any of a thousand interior designers. “Generic stock imagery gives potential customers no real idea what it is that sets you apart from the other nine hundred and ninety-nine out there,” says Stephen. “In essence, you’re promoting all of your competition.”

© 2022 Stephen Caissie Photo. Meet the Fox Team and read about our work with this fabulous real estate team here.

As well, if you’re selling products, professional product photography is a must — otherwise the customer is going to be annoyed when the product they receive looks different than the product image on the website.

This isn’t only a case of stock photography bait-and-switch, Stephen says, it can also happen when a business uses lesser quality photos. Do-it-yourself photography on a smartphone — whether it be for office shots, to showcase your work, or to reveal a product — may be cost-effective, but it can leave you with less-than attractive images.

“Getting good photos is more than about just snapping a few pictures. A professional photographer knows how to light it, compose it, surround it, set dress it, and crop it,” says Stephen. “I have lighting gear that can create any kind of look you want — early morning sunlight, dreamy vistas, you name it. You just can’t get that from a smartphone.”

One final thought, all photos — whether they’re professionally done or are stock ones — have a shelf life. Styles and trends change and most people age out of their headshot in about five years or so. And sometimes, the reason for change is more dramatic.

“In the last two decades, the Toronto skyline has changed quite drastically. Photos from the early 2000s now have a ‘remember when’ feel. So, there is always a need for fresh imagery.”

Stephen Caissie is the owner and primary photographer of Stephen Caissie Photo. Follow him on Instagram to see his latest work.

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