Top Tips for Working with a Brand as a Photographer
Working with a brand as a photographer is an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with significant responsibility. Brands often have high expectations, much like they do of their internal teams. As a photographer, you’re not just delivering images—you’re representing their vision and contributing to their success. Here are some top tips for ensuring a seamless collaboration that leaves your clients thrilled with the results.
1. Make a Great Impression
How you come across as a person is just as important as your technical skills. Be professional, approachable, and reliable. Brands want to work with photographers who are easy to communicate with and who reflect their own values.
Be personable and professional: A friendly yet professional demeanour will set the tone for a positive working relationship.
Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine excitement for their project and vision. Brands want to know you care about their success.
2. Prioritise Time-Keeping and Organisation
Brands expect their partners to meet deadlines and manage projects effectively.
Stick to timelines: Always deliver work on or ahead of schedule. Delays can disrupt their wider campaigns.
Stay organised: Use tools like project management apps or shared calendars to keep everyone on the same page.
Communicate clearly: Provide regular updates so they know exactly where you are in the process.
3. Understand the Brand’s Expectations
Taking the time to deeply understand what the brand wants is crucial. Misaligned expectations can lead to wasted effort and frustration for both parties.
Request detailed briefs: If the brand doesn’t already have a clear brief, help them craft one. Discuss their goals, target audience, and vision for the project.
Hold multiple meetings: Don’t rush the briefing process. Several conversations might be needed to clarify their needs.
Consult throughout: Share drafts, mock-ups, or test shots during the process to ensure you're on the right track.
4. Be Prepared to Make Edits
Edits and changes are part of the process. Embrace feedback as an opportunity to refine and perfect your work.
Anticipate revisions: Don’t take requests for changes personally—it’s about aligning the work with their vision.
Minimise surprises: Regularly check in with the client so they’re involved at every stage, reducing the likelihood of major reworks later.
5. Research the Brand Inside and Out
Understanding the brand is key to delivering work that feels authentic and aligned with their identity.
Study their previous campaigns: Analyse their style, tone, and visual preferences.
Consider development: Think about how your work can adapt or evolve their current aesthetic based on the brief.
Ask questions: Find out why they chose you. What about your style or portfolio appealed to them? This can help you highlight what makes your work unique.
6. Take Time to Reflect on the Brief
Don’t feel pressured to grasp every creative aspect immediately. Take time to process the brand’s goals and how you can deliver them.
Ask follow-up questions: If anything in the brief feels unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
Reflect on creative direction: Think critically about how your approach can best serve the brand’s objectives.
7. Go Above and Beyond
Exceeding expectations is the best way to ensure the brand wants to work with you again.
Be proactive: Suggest ideas they may not have considered. Show you’re invested in their success.
Deliver value: Provide more than just great photos. Offer insights, solutions, or suggestions to enhance their campaign.
Be adaptable: Show willingness to accommodate unexpected changes or challenges with professionalism.
8. Avoid Wasting Time and Resources
Miscommunication can lead to wasted effort, so staying aligned with the client is essential.
Involve them throughout: Regularly consult with the client at key stages to avoid working on concepts they won’t like.
Be transparent: If a certain request is impractical or could compromise quality, explain this diplomatically and suggest alternatives.
Conclusion
Working with a brand as a photographer is about more than just delivering images—it’s about being a collaborative partner who understands their needs and helps bring their vision to life. By focusing on professionalism, clear communication, and a deep understanding of the brand, you can build strong relationships and deliver exceptional results.
Take your time, do your research, and always strive to exceed expectations. The effort you put in will pay off in the form of happy clients, successful campaigns, and long-term partnerships.
