We all know the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. If a picture is going to replace a thousand words, it better be good.
Everybody likes to look at pictures, and they’re used on social media, websites, ads, brochures and on and on. Very often, a photo gives the first impression of a business, so it better be well thought out.
For example, a client owned a very unique hotel. They hired a professional photographer who took photos of everything in the hotel then displayed them on their website. They were great photos, but, there were no people in them. The photos made the hotel look haunted. There were no photographs that included…people! No people enjoying the hot tub or the pool, nobody enjoying the dining room, etc. In this case, the marketing goal was to create a place of relaxation and enjoyment. The photos had to be redone.
Consider what you want people to think/feel when they see your photos. This is important, so you will have to spend some money on it. Whether you hire a professional photographer or use stock photos, make sure they are good quality images. You want to elicit a positive response and sense of quality from the viewer. Sometimes a great photo can make up for poor design or copy writing.
I will warn you, if you do not have a photography background, don’t do the photography yourself. No offence, but most often they turn out be just okay and look amateurish. Take the time to do it right – the first time.