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When Kodak opened its doors in 1888, photography was a cumbersome chemical process best left to professionals, a reason George Eastman’s slogan caught on: “You press the Button, We do the Rest.” Now that we’ve switched out cameras for phones and outsourced “the Rest”—managing our stories, storing our memories—to Meta and Apple, we might forget to think about photography at all. We might forget to think not just about what it is but also what it can do, especially since photography is mostly mischaracterized as a means merely to document and underestimated for its ability to explore what oftentimes cannot be easily seen. “Pictures are luckier, they are looser than words,” writes Rebecca Bengal in her just-published collection of essays on photography, Strange Hours: Photography, Memory, and the Lives of Artists. “Words have to fight harder to arrange themselves, to express that which in a photograph might be the mingling of order and accident, a strange convergence, a kind of grace.”

In this collection of thoughtful and elegant essays, Bengal, a former editor at Vogue (where some of these essays first appeared), writes about pictures and picture makers but also about the history of the medium over the course of the last half a century. We meet well-known and not-known-enough photographers, as introduced by a writer whose experience in the world of editorial photography is rooted in time spent at the legendary and now defunct magazine DoubleTake. Published from 1995 to 2004, with fiction, essays, poetry, and reviews, the magazine was “a home where image and word have equal weight,” according to its founders, the doctor, psychiatrist, and author Robert Coles and photographer Alex Harris. Their inspiration was the famed partnership of James Agee and Walker Evans, as well as the collaboration of writers and photographers of the Works Progress Administration. It was a place where what was sometimes described as social realism was worked out with both typewriters and lenses, and Bengal describes her tenure there as (not unlike her book) “a brief but compelling meditation and record of the possibilities and problems and relationships that exist between words and pictures.”

Professional photos are an essential marketing tool for any thriving business. Photography can drive customer engagement, showcase products and elevate the brand image. Small business owners looking for the best professional photography services to meet their diverse needs and aspirations should keep reading for the full scoop.

The Significance of Professional Photography Services for Businesses

High-quality, professional photography has become integral in the modern business landscape. It plays a significant role in brand representation, helping to shape perceptions and convey the values for which your organization stands.

Well-executed photographs can showcase your products or services in the best light, capturing the finest details and underlining their benefits. The images not only contribute to a more sophisticated, professional look for your website, social media and marketing materials but also increase overall customer engagement.

When customers see quality images, they associate that level of quality with your brand. Effective visual communication through professional photography, therefore, can translate into better customer trust, increased brand recognition and, ultimately, greater business success.

The Role of Professional Photographers in Business

Professional photographers bring a wealth of skills and creativity that can significantly contribute to a small business’s success. With their expertise in lighting, composition and post-production editing technology, professional photographers create compelling, high-resolution images that capture the essence of a brand. Photographers’ technical prowess allows them to produce images that resonate with the target audience and evoke desired emotions.

Likewise, professional photographers are adept at telling visual stories, a key component in today’s content-driven marketing landscape. Creating compelling narratives around a brand’s offerings helps establish deeper connections with its target audience, encouraging brand loyalty.

Professional photographers also understand the demands of various platforms, whether they include a business website, social media or print marketing materials. Photography pros tailor their images to fit these formats, ensuring optimal display and user experience.

The role of professional photographers extends beyond the mere capturing of images. They advise on best practices for image usage, assist in developing visual marketing strategies and often collaborate with marketing teams, providing valuable input and ideas based on their unique perspective.

Ultimately, professional photographers don’t just take pictures; they contribute to shaping and communicating a business’s visual identity, playing an instrumental role in its overall marketing and branding strategy.

© Provided by Small Business Trends
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The Impact of High Quality Images on Business Success

High-quality images have a profound impact on the success of a small business. They enhance marketing efforts, drive customer engagement and fortify the brand’s image. High-resolution, professionally captured images are a potent tool in the arsenal of any small business striving for growth and success.

High-quality images contribute to a business’ success in a multitude of ways, including:

• Boost online presence – A strong online presence is key in the digital age. High-quality images optimize a website’s visual appeal, making it more attractive and user-friendly. They likewise enhance the visual content on social media platforms, increasing engagement and shares.
• Improve product understanding – Detailed, high-resolution images help customers better understand products and services. They can show the product from different angles, display its use or highlight its unique features, thereby reducing customer doubts and increasing conversion rates.
• Enhance brand image – Consistently using high-quality images across all platforms helps build a professional and reliable brand image. It shows that a company pays attention to detail and value quality, characteristics customers often associate with the product or service provided.
• Increase customer engagement – Quality images catch the eye and can evoke emotions. They help tell a brand’s story, connect with its audience, and encourage more interaction, which can translate into increased customer loyalty and higher sales.
• Support marketing and advertising efforts – Professional photos are versatile marketing tools. They can be used in various forms of advertising like print ads, brochures, billboards and digital ads. High-quality images can make these materials more effective, increasing visibility and customer reach.

Advantages of Utilizing Professional Photography Services

Choosing professional photography services over DIY or amateur options offers a small business numerous advantages. Professionals bring technical knowledge, high-quality equipment and years of experience to the table, ensuring exceptional results that surpass what most non-professionals can produce. Investing in professional photography can drive a significant return on investment, enhancing a business’s visual identity and boosting its marketing efforts.

The benefits professional photography can provide a small business owner are vast, but some key advantages include:

• High-quality results – Professional photographers use top-tier equipment and have the technical know-how to produce sharp, well-composed, high-resolution images that make products, services and teams look their best.
• Technical expertise – Lighting, angles, composition and post-production are just a few aspects of creating a great photograph. Professional photographers have the training and experience to handle these elements effectively, delivering images that convey the desired message and evoke the right emotions.
• Consistent branding – Professionals can help maintain consistency across your images, which is crucial for establishing a strong brand identity. They understand how to produce photos that align with your brand aesthetic and effectively communicate your business’s ethos and personality.
• Time efficiency – Professional photographers have the skills to work quickly and efficiently. This means less time is taken away from your work and faster turnaround times for projects, ensuring your business can respond to market trends and demands swiftly.
• Potential ROI – High-quality images can drive higher engagement and conversions, increasing sales. When considering potential revenue growth and improved brand image, the cost of professional photography services can be seen as a worthwhile investment.

Enhancing Your Brand with High Quality Images

Professional studio photography can significantly enhance a business’s branding and reputation, creating a visual narrative that communicates its mission, values and professionalism. Professional photographs help shape a small business’s reputation by contributing to developing a strong, consistent brand.

In each of the following scenarios, the quality of the imagery directly influences how customers perceive the business:

• Product photography – A professional photographer can capture the essence of a product, showcasing its features in a way that appeals to potential customers. For example, a local bakery might use high-quality images to display the texture and freshness of its pastries, or a craft store could highlight the intricacy of its handmade items. Detailed images not only boost product appeal but the best product photography can demonstrate the business’s commitment to quality and attention to detail.
• Company portraits – High-quality images of team members can convey professionalism and build trust. A professional photographer can create consistent, well-liked, engaging studio portraits that humanize a business, presenting the team as approachable and dedicated professionals. This presentation can especially benefit service-based businesses like consulting firms, legal practices or healthcare providers.
• Event photography – If companies host or attend events, professionally-taken photographs can showcase their engagement with the community as they celebrate the industry or its causes. Such images can be shared on social media, enhancing your reputation as an active and socially responsible entity.
• Interior and exterior shots – Businesses with physical locations like restaurants, boutiques or hotels can use professional images to illustrate their office’s or outdoor premises’ atmosphere and decor. Well-executed photographs of a clean, stylish and welcoming location can attract customers and reinforce a brand’s identity.

Professional Photography Services Versus DIY: A Comparative Look

When considering professional photography services versus DIY efforts, weighing the differences in quality, efficiency, and long-term impact is important.

Quality

A professional photographer brings knowledge and experience to the table, producing superior-quality images. They possess the necessary equipment, understand how to manipulate lighting and composition and are skilled in editing techniques to achieve the best results. Unless executed by someone with substantial photography experience and equipment, DIY efforts will likely yield lower-quality images, which may fail to represent a small business effectively.

Efficiency

Professionals can execute a photography project with speed and efficiency. They’re experienced in setting up a studio or external shoots, capturing the right shots quickly and delivering polished, edited images promptly. DIY attempts can be time-consuming, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the intricacies of photography and post-production processes, potentially distracting you from your primary business operations.

Impact

Professional photos can elevate your brand image, drive customer engagement and boost sales. The polished look of professionally taken photos conveys a sense of trustworthiness and commitment to quality that resonates with customers. On the other hand, poor-quality, DIY images may negatively impact your brand’s perceived value.

Consistency

Maintaining a consistent look and feel across all your images is crucial for effective branding. Professional photographers understand this factor, and they can deliver consistency across shoots. In contrast, achieving consistent quality and style with DIY photography can be challenging, especially over time or with multiple photographers.

Investment and ROI

While professional photography services require a monetary investment, the potential return in terms of enhanced brand image, customer engagement and increased sales can make it a worthwhile expenditure. Conversely, while DIY photography might seem cost-effective initially, the potential damage to your brand and loss of business due to inferior image quality could result in a negative ROI.

Where to Find Professional Photography Services

Locating reliable photography services might seem daunting, but today’s online resources and professional networks offer several avenues to find a professional who suits your business’s needs. Whether you leverage the power of online platforms, scour local directories or seek referrals from trusted sources, you’re sure to find a variety of suitable options.

• Online freelance platforms – Online site options like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer host numerous professional photographers who offer their services remotely. You can view their portfolios, read reviews from previous clients and directly communicate with them to discuss your specific needs.
• Photography directories and professional networks – Websites for the American Society of Media Photographers, Professional Photographers of America and Workbook provide directories of their members, who are professional photographers across various specializations.
• Social media platforms – Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn are platforms where photographers often showcase their work. You can search by location and specialty, view their work and contact them directly for photography services.
• Local business directories – Traditional directories like Yellow Pages, Yelp or other online local business directories often list local professional photography services. Many directories include ratings and reviews, helping you make an informed choice.
• Referrals – Other businesses, particularly those in your industry or local area, can be an excellent source of referrals. If you see professional photos you admire from a similar business, don’t hesitate to ask them about the photography services they used.

Frequently Asked Questions about Professional Photography Services

What do professional photography services offer?

Professional photography services offer high-quality, professional-grade images that can enhance a business’s marketing efforts, brand image and overall visual representation. The services typically include product photography, corporate portraits, event photography, and interior and exterior photography.

Professional photographers use their technical expertise, creativity and high-end equipment to produce visually appealing images. They can also advise on best practices for image usage, assist in developing visual marketing strategies and collaborate with marketing teams.

Why should you hire professional photographers instead of DIY?

Hiring professional photographers instead of opting for DIY provides several key advantages. Professionals offer superior-quality images due to their technical expertise, experience, and access to high-end equipment. They understand the complexities of lighting, composition and post-production, essential for creating impactful images.

Likewise, cost-efficient professional photographers can deliver consistency across all images, which is crucial for effective branding. They work efficiently, ensuring that images are delivered in a timely manner without distracting the business owner from their core operations. While hiring a professional may require an upfront investment, the potential return for improved brand image, customer engagement and increased sales often makes it worthwhile.

How can high quality images improve your business?

High-quality images can significantly improve a business by enhancing its brand image, boosting marketing efforts and increasing customer engagement. They present your products or services visually appealingly, giving potential customers a better understanding of what you offer.

High-quality images also contribute to a professional and credible brand image, making customers more likely to trust and engage with a business. In the digital age, visually compelling content can improve SEO, increase social media shares and drive website traffic, leading to higher visibility and potential sales.

Where can I find reliable professional photography services?

Finding reliable, professional photography services can be accomplished through several avenues. Online freelance platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer host numerous professional photographers offering their services. Professional networks and photography directories like the American Society of Media Photographers provide listings of professional photographers across various specialties.

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn are also useful resources since many photographers showcase their work on these platforms. Local online and traditional business directories like the Yellow Pages often list professional photographers in a local area. Of course, referrals from other businesses can be an excellent source of reliable services. Always review portfolios, read reviews and discuss your project in detail before choosing.

How do I choose the right photography service for my business?

Choosing the right photography service for your business requires considering several factors. It’s important to clearly define your needs and expectations: What type of photography do you need, and what’s the intended use of the images? Next, be sure to review portfolios of potential photographers to see if their style aligns with your brand. Look for diversity and quality in their previous work.

Don’t forget to check reviews or ask for references to gauge a photographer’s reliability and professionalism. Discussing your project with them is important to ensure they understand your vision and can deliver your requirements. Before hiring a photographer, consider the cost and ensure it fits within your budget. Remember that while professional services might require an upfront investment, the potential return on your money can be substantial in brand enhancement and customer engagement.

Image: Envato Elements

© Provided by The Boston Globe
Saundra B. Lane at the Museum of Fine Arts in 2003.

Decades ago, when Saundra B. Lane and her husband, Bill, were pioneering collectors of photography, she spent a morning in the darkroom with their friend Ansel Adams, from whom they would purchase hundreds of works.

Though bulky and bearded, Adams moved gracefully about his workspace. To see him printing photos was “like watching ballet,” Mrs. Lane told the Globe in 2012, when she announced she was donating her photography collection to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. “He was a big man, but he was so light on his feet.”

A former elementary school teacher who cultivated a discerning eye, Mrs. Lane befriended Adams and other historic artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe while amassing, with her husband, a significant collection of photos and early American modernist painting.

Mrs. Lane, who made history herself when her 2012 donation solidified the MFA’s place in the nation’s top ranks of photography collections, died of complications from dementia last Monday in the North Hill retirement community in Needham.

She was 84 and previously had lived in Lunenburg and the Back Bay.

The collection that, in 2012, she committed to giving to the MFA included some 6,000 photographs, 100 works on paper, and 25 paintings. Some of those works are now headed to the museum.

The MFA, which does not disclose the precise value of donations, would only say in 2012 that her gift was most likely in the nine figures, the Globe reported.

The photos — including roughly 2,500 each from Charles Sheeler and Edward Weston, along with works by Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and Brett Weston, Edward’s son — increased by two-thirds the MFA’s holdings of 9,000 photos.

“We have overnight transformed the photography collection from good to great,” Karen Haas, the Lane senior curator of photographs at the MFA, told the Globe at the time.

About 20 years earlier, Mrs. Lane and William H. Lane Jr., who died in 1995, gave the museum 90 American modernist paintings, including works by O’Keeffe, Marsden Hartley, and Jacob Lawrence. Some of those works are in galleries named for the couple.

Haas worked closely over the years with Mrs. Lane as they became collaborators and friends.

“One of the interesting things about Saundra was that she was born and raised here. So many of our collectors are from elsewhere,” Haas said in an interview Friday. “She was a local person and it was a point of pride to her that she grew up in Chelsea.”

Mrs. Lane, Haas added, “would say, ‘I’m just a girl from Chelsea.’ “

“She was a charming, kind, good person,” said Peter R.V. Brown, a longtime friend who, as part of the Boston firm Nutter McClennen & Fish,was her lawyer for many years.

Indeed, he said, “She was such a lovely human being that people might lose sight of the fact that she was very bright and had a terrific eye. The fact that she collected some extraordinary things after Bill died is Exhibit A about that.”

William Lane was already an established art collector when they met.

She often told the story of her early years, when a benevolent friend of the school where she taught gave teachers free tickets to the opera in Boston.

One evening when she arrived for a performance of Verdi’s “La forza del destino,” or “the force of destiny,” the school’s benefactor was called away at the last moment and wasn’t able to leave her a ticket.

Left stranded at the box office, “I was just starting to go when a gentleman came up and offered me a spare ticket,” she told the Globe in 2012.

The gentleman was Bill Lane, who owned a Leominster plastics company. Sitting next to each other, they listened to the Verdi opera and soon attended other concerts together, sharing their interest in classical music.

“He was handsome and so knowledgeable,” she told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette in 2005.

They married about a year later, in 1963, after he proposed in Silverton, Colo., a subject of memorable Ansel Adams photographs.

“We kicked a can down that street then he asked me to marry him,” she told the Telegram & Gazette, gesturing to an Adams photo of Silverton at the MFA.

At that point, Bill Lane already knew Adams, who welcomed the couple’s visits to see him in California — encounters that led the Lanes to acquire about 500 Adams photographs.

When writing to Bill to encourage their return, Adams indulged his fondness for capital letters, exclamation points, and inventive punctuation.

“We miss you here!!!! Of course, we miss Saundy even more than we miss you,” Adams wrote in 1967, “because she is not only intelligent (as you are), but she is BEAUTIFUL which neither you nor I (or either you or I) (or is it ME?) would claim for ourselves! You will hear from me very soon. And, very soon, some vintage prints will come your way.”

Born in Boston Lying-In Hospital on Sept. 3, 1938, Saundra Baker was the only child of Jeraldine Clarke Baker and Franklin Baker, who parted ways while Saundra was growing up in Chelsea.

Her mother at one point worked for the state Registry of Motor Vehicles. Her father was a merchant mariner who was away for so long so often that eventually the couple remained apart.

“Growing up there was always something special about Saundra,” said her cousin Cliff Clarke of Boston. “She was very personable, she was very well-liked in school, and she did very, very well. She was an excellent student.”

After graduating from Chelsea High School, she graduated from what was then Simmons College with a teaching degree, and later received a master’s in education from the University of Massachusetts Boston.

While at Simmons, she developed her love of visiting museums, often walking from school to the MFA and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Along with her substantial gifts to the MFA, Mrs. Lane was a benefactor of institutions including Simmons, the Gardner, the Worcester Art Museum, and the Boston Public Library.

The MFA and the library “were the places she escaped to and found peace,” Haas said.

After marrying Bill, Mrs. Lane encouraged him to expand his art collecting beyond modernist paintings and significantly into photography, which they explored together.

Her eye and tastes helped shape the couple’s holdings, and ultimately it was her decision to make the enormous 2012 donation to the MFA, where she was a visionary benefactor — a title that recognizes contributions beyond those of most donors.

By the time of that gift, she had long been a familiar face at galleries and museums, particularly at the MFA, where she was elected a trustee in 1987 and became an honorary trustee in 2008.

“She used to joke that she knew the loading docks of many museums better than she knew the front doors,” Haas said. “She greeted security guards and cleaning people by name.”

A private graveside service will be held for Mrs. Lane, who had no immediate survivors.

Always the young woman from Chelsea who had the good luck to become a collector of significant art, Mrs. Lane saw the donations she made with her husband, and later by herself, as part of her original schoolteacher calling.

“I felt like we were educators,” she told the Globe in 2012. “That helped me feel right at home.”