The wide distribution of smartphones means that nowadays everyone can take photos, but that doesn’t mean everyone is a photographer. If you’re hosting an event, launching a product or selling properties and you want good quality images, you’ll need a professional. Here’s how to go about getting one.

Why

Photography is a deceptively scientific art form. Whilst a smartphone can certainly capture an image, they will often fail to capture an atmosphere. You may also find that the results lack a certain note of quality from a technical standpoint, this can mean blurriness, bad lighting, under/overexposure, low resolution, or poor framing. Gaining mastery over these techniques can take years of training and may require specific  equipment  to achieve an acceptable result.

Photography is not only about the act of taking photos but also  post-production. If you hire a professional photographer, you can be certain that they will handle any required editing after the shoot is over. This means adjusting hues, tonality, and any minute details (such as ‘red eye’). This process is not only exhaustive but also technically difficult and, if you want great-looking, high-resolution photos, you’re better off bringing in an expert.

When

There are plenty of occasions where it makes sense to spend money on a professional photographer. In real estate, for example, online photos are crucial for providing a strong first impression of a property, as research has shown that homes with  professional listing photos  sell for more than their list price. To take good property photos, you would require an understanding of diffusion, inside/outside temperature adjustments, and correct lens specifications. In industries where imagery has a profound effect on profit, you’re always better off spending.

If your event is more personal (e.g. a wedding), a photographer brings  value  because they can capture you and your guests at their best. Crucially, wedding photographers know all about timing and can be relied upon not to miss any of the significant moments throughout the day. All of the details that you might have spent hours arranging (such as flowers or table decorations) can be shot in all their glory for you to enjoy for a lifetime. It’s also worth noting that amateur photographers, at any event, are more prone to  mistakes  - if they don’t understand light diffusion, for example, you might find all your indoor photos are washed out or discoloured.

How

 Finding the right photographer isn’t always easy considering how heavily saturated the market is. Ultimately, you want to find someone who strikes a good balance between  cost , quality and availability. This individual will charge reasonable prices per hour, or a flat rate per event. They will take photographs that you, as their customer, like - don’t worry as much about what constitutes a ‘good photo’, just focus on the kinds of moments they like to capture. Finally, you need someone who you can rely on to show up and commit. Take time to read  reviews  and testimonials and don’t settle for anyone you’re unsure about.

 The act of hiring is often as easy as reaching out with an email or phone call. Good photographers will consult with you ahead of time, checking in on your requirements before agreeing to the job. You should also be presented with a  contract , to be signed by both parties - this will ensure that everyone is on the same page (literally) and understands the terms of conditions of your arrangement. Be sure to clearly explain your expectations within this document.

In an image-focused world, photography has taken on new importance. And, whilst the phones in our pockets are often capable of taking good photos, the people holding them are rarely able to. If you want results that impress, it’s always worth doing your research and bringing in an expert.

Tony Hale is a UK-based photographer specialising in Brand Photography for small businesses. If you want to create a more successful brand and a profitable business with stylish, stress-free images, visit:  www.tonyhalephotography.com

Photography: Photo, Black & White, Digital and C-type on Paper.

How can you resist the stunning staircase at the Queen's House in Greenwich, London. This amazing spiral staircase just has to be photographed! 
The pattern reminds me of the ammonite shells you find on the beach. Hence the name 'Ammonite Stairs'. 

Limited edition print signed and numbered by the artist. 

Printed on Giclee fine art 308gsm museum grade paper, using archival pigmented inks. 

Printed with a white border. Includes the certificate of authenticity.

Keywords:  Queens House ,  Shell ,  Snail ,  Spiral ,  Staircase ,  Stairs ,  Window ,  London ,  Circular ,  Curves ,  Ammonite ,  Looking Up

Subjects:   Architecture

Styles:   Illustration ,     Fine Art

Mediums:   Photo ,     Black & White ,     Digital ,     C-type

Materials:   Paper

Prints:   Architecture Art Prints ,     Illustration Art Prints ,     Fine Art Art Prints ,     Photo Art Prints ,     Black & White Art Prints ,     Digital Art Prints ,     C-type Art Prints ,     Paper Art Prints

Photography: Color, Digital, C-type and Photo on Paper.

Sharp pointy triangles create an eye-catching abstract pattern.

Limited edition digitally edited photographic image printed and signed and numbered by the artist. 

Printed on Giclee 'fine art' 308 gsm museum grade paper, using archival pigmented inks. 

Other sizes available on request, printed with a white border. (optional)

Includes certificate of authenticity.

Keywords:   Pattern ,   Points ,   Sculpture ,   Shapes ,   Blue ,   Symmetry ,   Yellow ,   Abstract

Subjects:   Abstract

Styles:   Abstract ,     Fine Art ,     Modern

Mediums:   Color ,     Digital ,     C-type ,     Photo

Materials:   Paper

Prints:   Abstract Art Prints ,     Abstract Art Prints ,     Fine Art Art Prints ,     Modern Art Prints ,     Color Art Prints ,     Digital Art Prints ,     C-type Art Prints ,     Photo Art Prints ,     Paper Art Prints