Picture This: Getting the Most from Professional Photography

Photographers are often small business owners just like you

We’re here to help you and open for a discussion with no strings attached

A Photographer will soon know if you really need Professional images - talk to them about your brand and it’s story - what do you want to get across in the images.

What do you initially need the images for?

Ask them to give you ideas and then decide what works best for you, your brand, your story and your style.

They’ll probably even help you out with some phone photography tips if that’s all you need.

Remember - You’ve spent time and money on your logo.

You’ve fine-tuned the copy.

You’ve hired a designer to build a slick new site.

And then you upload... a photo from your iPhone.

Or worse, a generic stock image of people who don’t even work for you.

Your images are not the final touch.

They’re the first thing people see.

The images are your chance to let your product sing and shouldn’t be treated like an afterthought.

This is a rough break down of some of the images you may need

Product Photography

Good for: Online shops, PR, social media, print/editorial material
Location: Photographer’s studio or on-location (with suitable lighting)

What to ask for:

1. Cut-out shots (on white or transparent background) for websites and press
2. Styled lifestyle shots to show the product in use or in context (e.g. on a table, being held, part of a set)
3. Detail close-ups that highlight quality or craftsmanship
4. Flat lay groupings if selling collections, bundles, or hampers
5. Optional seasonal shots (e.g. giftable packaging or festive styling)

Time needed:

1. 📷 Half day (3–4 hours): Ideal for 1–4 products
2. 📷 Full day (6–7 hours): For a wider range of products or multiple styled setups

Location Photography

Good for: Shops, cafes, production spaces, venues, behind-the-scenes stories

What to ask for:

1. Exterior shots – clear signage, open-door welcome
2. Interior wide shots – full view of the space
3. Details & displays – key features, product shelves, branding touches
4. Candid shots – staff at work, customer interactions, natural moments
5. Lifestyle/mood shots – close-ups of the experience, atmosphere or products in use etc
6. Optional seasonal styling – decorations, weather, Christmas events, etc.

Time needed:

1. 📷 Full day (6–7 hours): For a large mix of wide shots and detail work

Want Both? Combine Product + Location in One Full-Day Shoot

If you need updated product photos and want to show off your premises or process, many photographers can plan a full day to cover both. For example:

1. Morning: Product and styled shots
2. Afternoon: Location, lifestyle, and candid shots

This saves time and often reduces overall cost compared to separate bookings.

Bonus Tips for Getting the Most Out of a Shoot

Work with the photographer on a brief

1. You don’t need to know exactly what you want – a good photographer will help you
2. Tidy and prep your space/products the day before
3. Use real team members if you can’t afford models – authenticity often works better anyway
4. Ask for a mix of orientations (landscape & portrait), different aspect ratios and web-ready versions
5. Have a search for stock images then save and share the ones you like for the photographer to get your ideas within the brief
6. Be clear about how you want to use the photos (website, socials, print, press) so the photographer can factor that into the brief and work out the usage costs.

Jason and Roger are always happy to chat through your ideas – no pressure, no strings attached. Whether you’re ready to book a shoot or just want a few phone photography tips, drop them a line and start the conversation. You’ll find them friendly, experienced, and full of helpful suggestions to make your brand shine.

For more see our website: www.stepstoneimaging.com
Contact: email - info@stepstoneimaging.com