It's no secret that good photographs of your work can serve as an excellent marketing tool. Whether you use the photos for advertising, brochures, or a portfolio, quality photographs can do much of the selling for you.
“The way you show yourself to clients is the perception they are going to get,” says Maria Mallarino, who co-owns Mafle Photography in Jacksonville, Fla., with her sister Ana. “You may be the best in your own [industry], but that position may be ruined by poorly taken photographs.”
While many remodelers rely on their own digital cameras, hiring a professional typically leads to better results. Not only does a pro have better equipment, but he or she has the technical know-how.
“The pictures used to showcase the finished job may have an active media life of 5 to 10 years, so the investment is not too great if pictures win you prizes, get press, get published, create a positive image for the company, and sell future jobs in a portfolio,” says Greg Hadley, owner of Greg Hadley Photography in Fairfax, Va. “Plus, does the contractor have spare time to spend a half a day shooting [poor] pictures when a pro can deliver great lasting images in a day, which even the homeowner can be proud of sharing?”
When looking for a photographer, first check around in your area. “Locating top photographers is easier than you think,” Hadley says. He suggests looking for local and national associations, such as the American Society of Media Photographers, or even your local chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
Also, ask friends and family for recommendations, and look online. “A good photographer has a Web site,” Ana Mallarino says. “You can check their work, style, and specialties, even their prices.”
While hiring a pro will cost more than doing it yourself, the finished product will be worth it. “Great pictures bring more clients,” Ana says. “That's why this is an investment, and your company deserves it.”
