Commercial photography planning can make an advertising shoot easier before the camera ever comes out. In 2017, Julie Hanes contacted me when Otis Termite & Pest Control Service needed photography for a website update. The project also supported a broader marketing campaign. She knew the company needed commercial photos, but the team still had questions about which images would be most helpful. My job included helping them answer those questions and guiding them through the process from planning to the shoot.
“When we needed a professional commercial photographer for our website update, we were referred to Colby McLemore. We can’t say enough about what a professional and personable person Colby is! He guided us expertly through the entire process. He helped with everything, including pricing and helping us determine exactly what images we needed. Also, he advised us on where we needed to photograph them. Because he gave us such detailed guidance upfront, the advertising photo shoot went smoothly. Also, he was excellent at relaxing all the people involved – even the furry, four-legged one. Colby is always punctual and pleasant, and it is truly a pleasure to work with him.” –- Julie Hanes
Good commercial photo shoot planning starts with understanding how the images will be used. Otis needed an array of photographs for its website and printed marketing materials. However, the team did not yet know exactly which photographs would provide the most value. We discussed the company’s needs before the shoot so the photography could support the larger campaign. That approach kept the assignment focused on useful marketing images rather than simply producing attractive photographs.
Planning commercial photography also means involving the right people early. I spoke with the company’s marketing people about where the advertising images would appear. We also considered the company’s bread-and-butter work, its more profitable work, and the qualities that helped distinguish Otis from competitors. As a result, the photography had a clearer purpose, and the team could make important decisions before shoot day.
Location planning was another important part of the process. We discussed where the photographs needed to be created and what the team would need for the assignment. Considering the questions to ask before hiring a photographer reduced uncertainty before the shoot. It also helped everyone arrive with a clearer understanding of what we wanted to accomplish.
The experience with Otis is a useful reminder that commercial photography planning is about more than scheduling a photographer. Strong preparation connects the images to marketing goals and coordinates the people involved. It also removes avoidable questions before shoot day. For businesses in Knoxville and East Tennessee, that preparation can make the photography easier. More importantly, it helps create images with a clear job to do.