How do photos for trade press features differ from the ordinary branding and marketing photos that I shoot for clients?
Well, in all honesty, there isn’t a great deal of difference. Really, it boils down to the level of detail that the client wants to go into, or the particular angle of the article that they’re writing.
In this example, for instance, I was asked by local Altrincham business Atlantic Timber to shoot some general marketing photos, but especially some images to accompany a piece going into a trade journal. The business stocks especially high grades of timber, quite a rarity in their business, so I needed to capture shots of the different grades to illustrate the point; this was alongside general shots of the business to show its size, the range of wood products it stocks, and the array of cutting machinery they have. In other words, a set of photos that illustrate all the different aspects of the business that sets them apart from their competitors!
Of course, the photos will have a shelf life far beyond the article. They’re great for social media use, perhaps might get used in a website refresh, or will be part of a future marketing campaign. The extent of their usefulness really is only limited by the imagination of the client’s marketing team.
On a personal note, it is always lovely to see photos pop up on social media or other platforms. Even after all these years, I get a thrill to see my work published.
Over the years I’ve created libraries of images like this for many companies across all different sectors. Because I’m not enmeshed in your industry, I’m able to bring an independent eye to what you do; what might appear everyday and humdrum to you – because you live and breathe it – is often of great interest to others, both in your own sector and sometimes outside it. So if you’re looking at new ways to promote your business, consider getting in touch to see how I could help you with image creation.
