Corporate photography is a specialised field that requires skill and artistry to capture the essence of a company.
Melbourne photographer Simon James has over three decades of experience in the field and ranks as one of the most popular Melbourne photographers.
In his time as a corporate photographer, Simon has developed a unique eye for detail and an incredible sense of empathy that allows him to completely understand his clients and create and curate the best possible imagery for their businesses.
In this article, Simon James will share more details around his process and what he believes separates the best corporate photography from the rest.
Understanding the corporate photography brief
Perhaps the most important part of a corporate photoshoot is what happens before I even pick up my camera.
For me, the brief – and its formulation – is everything.
It’s the time for me to meet my client and understand them as well as their business.
As a corporate photographer, a good brief will help me understand what the client is looking for, and will help to ensure that the finished product meets their expectations.
A good brief includes as much information as possible about what the client is looking for. It outlines the specific requirements of the shoot and also gives the photographer an idea of the company’s branding and style.
Aside from what is eventually written down as part of the formal brief, these discussions give me an insight into the unspoken things that matter.
What sort of people work for the business?
How do they feel about being on camera?
Are the people who will be involved in the shoot time-poor?
How will the day need to be managed to get all the shots we need?
Whilst the pursuit of brilliant commercial photography undoubtedly involves a great deal of technical expertise, it is the emotional connection that separates the best from the rest.
People’s Person: Why empathy is so crucial to successful commercial photography
A great corporate photographer is somebody that has amazing people skills, because, otherwise, corporate photography can be awful.
Without great people skills, corporate photography can be awkward and even an inconvenience.
The last thing a busy person wants to do is have a fake, clearly, set-up conversation with a co-worker whilst a photographer snaps away in the background.
This is why I place people skills at the top of my skillset.
Moreso than knowing how to use lighting or what shutter speed to use on the camera, my ability to break down the barriers of the people I’m working with and help them feel comfortable in their own skin is crucial to the quality of photos produced from any commercial photoshoot I am involved in.
For me, the best photos come from fun, free-flowing days where the interactions are genuine and the emotions are real.
Why?
Because they are the photos your ideal audience are going to connect with, whether you use the photos on your website or on your social media.
Simon James Photography: Your Melbourne Corporate Photographer of choice
If you’re looking for a corporate photographer that understands the importance of people skills, then get in touch with Simon James Photography today.
With over three decades of experience in the field, Simon James is your best bet for Corporate Photography Melbourne.
Contact us to book a time to discuss your specific needs and see how we can help capture the essence of your company or product.