Tips for Hiring a Commercial Photographer

When you’re a business searching for a commercial photographer, choosing the right person to complete your project is crucial to your success. Commercial photography is about telling the story of your company, product, or service in a way that resonates with your target audience. If your photographer doesn’t understand your story, or know how to tell it effectively, then they won’t be able to produce the photos you’re looking for.

So, how can you make sure you choose the right commercial photographer to capture your business or product in a way that entices your audience? Here are a few tips to help you make the best decision!

Look for someone with experience in your industry.

Different commercial photographers have different specialties. Some may focus on product photography for example, while others focus on corporate headshots or real estate. Many photographers specialize in several types of commercial photography. The key is to choose one with a background and knowledge in what you’re looking to have photographed.

Always view their portfolio.

The best way to judge if a photographer is a good fit for your business is to spend some time looking at their past work. Most photographers have a portfolio on their website or somewhere online you can view, but if they don’t you can always ask for one. Focus your attention on past projects that are similar to yours. Look for variety in style, consistency in quality, and photos that tell a story.

Talk to a potential photographer about your project before you hire them.

Before you settle on a commercial photographer, you should talk through some of the aspects of your project. Discussing the details of your vision with a potential photographer will help you ensure they understand your needs and are on the same page about your goals.

As a commercial photographer with a diverse range of specialties, decades of experience, and a passion for every project, Neil Boyd is sure to provide your company with professional, eye-catching images. He will tailor every photoshoot to your needs and vision, while bringing his own talent and experience to create perfectly refined photos for your business, advertising materials, website, and more.

Contact Neil Boyd Photography at 919-737-5609 to discuss your commercial photography needs in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding NC areas today!  

Neil Boyd Photographs Prime Barbecue’s Pitmaster Chris Prieto for BBQ Brawl Debut

As acclaimed photography experts, we’ve had the opportunity to participate in a lot of fun and interesting projects here at Neil Boyd Photography. One of our recent highlights has been photographing Chris Prieto, owner and head pitmaster at Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, NC. The occasion? Chris is participating in Food Network’s new season of BBQ Brawl, airing now!

North Carolina’s own champion pitmaster, Chris Prieto, is competing for the title of “Master of ‘Cue” on Food Network’s second season of BBQ Brawl.

In BBQ Brawl, renown chefs Bobby Flay, Michael Symon and, this season, Eddie Jackson, each choose a group of contestants to coach and compete as a team. The three teams—12 total contenders—will compete to impress a panel of judges for the “Master of ‘Cue” title and the chance to be Food Network’s official “BBQ expert” of the year and star in their own series.

Each episode, the teams are ranked from best to worst, with the team coming in third facing the elimination of one of their contestants.

Prieto is the owner and head pitmaster of Prime Barbecue in Knightdale, NC.

If you haven’t yet indulged in a mouthwatering meal from Prime Barbecue, then you’re missing out on the food experience of a lifetime. Chris sees barbecuing as both a science and an art, putting extensive research into developing and perfecting his dishes, technique, and signature style.

His impressive resume includes professional pitmaster, author, BBQ judge, and nationwide BBQ teacher. This also isn’t his first appearance on Food Network, as he was featured as a contestant on the 2018 season of Chopped: Grill Masters.

Neil Boyd Photography had the pleasure of capturing Chris Prieto in all his glory, for photos used to represent him on the show.

We had a great time shooting Chris in his element and are honored to have our work featured on Food Network!

Neil Boyd Photography offers premier commercial photography services for businesses and individuals all throughout Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond in North Carolina. If you’re interested in having Neil capture you working your magic or your products and services in action, call us today at 919-737-5609 to discuss your project!

Corporate Studio vs. Corporate Environmental Photography: What Are the Differences?

Corporate photography is an essential component to any successful business. Whether you’re running a restaurant, law firm, warehouse, or landscaping company, professional photos of your team are important for connecting with clients and customers, making a good impression, and establishing your brand. But did you know that there is more than one type of corporate photography?

Corporate studio and corporate environmental are two different approaches to corporate photography, each with its own advantages. Let’s take a look at what they are and how they differ.

What is corporate studio photography?

Corporate studio photography consists of formalized portraits or headshots taken in a studio or in front of a plain wall or backdrop. The simple background is meant to eliminate distractions and make the person the only subject or focus.

What is corporate environmental photography?

Corporate environmental photography consists of portraits taken outside or in the workplace setting. The intention is to put the subject (person being photographed) into context, incorporating environmental elements to tell a story.

What are the advantages of corporate studio photography?

If you’re working in an industry that values a more classic, professional impression, then corporate studio photography is your best option. This type of image is precise and focused, making it a more intimate photo experience in which you connect with the featured individual. Another benefit of corporate studio portraits is that they’re quick to complete and uniform. This is ideal for companies who have a lot of employees they need photographed and who prefer a consistent backdrop.

What are the advantages of corporate environmental photography?

Corporate environmental shots offer a more natural, contemporary look for your employees and business. The added context says more about who you are and what you do, which helps build a more personalized brand for consumers and clients to connect with. Environmental photography also gives you the freedom to have a little more fun and get creative and inspirational with posing and scenery.

Whether you decide that a studio or environmental approach is right for your corporate photography needs, Neil Boyd Photography has you covered. We offer both corporate studio and corporate environmental photography for businesses in Raleigh and surrounding areas. For many of our clients, we use a combination of both styles, so your company can reap the benefits of each.

Contact us today to schedule a corporate photoshoot for you and your company!

Why You Should Choose Professional Over DIY Product Photography for Your Business

Running your own business is no easy feat. It makes sense, therefore, that most business owners are constantly looking for ways to save on costs. Product photography is an area where many people think they can safely cut costs and do it in-house or even themselves. But the truth is, forgoing professional product photography can be detrimental to the success of your business.

Consider these reasons below why investing in a professional is always the better option!

Time and money spent doing your own product photography would be more wisely spent growing your business.

The time and equipment necessary to photograph your own products are more extensive than you think. You’ll need a physical space to shoot, studio lighting, backgrounds, tripods, cameras, editing software, and a team to execute the photoshoots if you won’t be doing them yourself. Your ROI will be higher if you simply hire a professional, who already has the equipment, to do the work. Then, you can put the energy, time, and money you save back into the rest of your business.

Taking a picture is not the same thing as creating an image.

A professional product photo should create an image experience for those who view it. That’s what grabs their attention and makes them want what they see. DIY photographers often overlook important details that make that distinction between standard image and full visual experience. Then, your product photos end up looking like Craigslist ads instead of professional merchandise, reflecting poorly on your business.

A professional product photographer will take high-quality images that are enticing, but still true to product.

The quality of your product images signals to customers the quality of your business. You should have multiple high-resolution photos of each of your products that are an accurate, but expertly presented, representation of the merchandise. Customers want the product they order to arrive looking like the photos that made them order it. Only a professional product photographer has the knowledge and tools it takes to create a consistent visual experience for each product, and across the board for your inventory.

With a background in not just photography, but marketing and advertising as well, Neil Boyd is uniquely well-versed in how to capture a product image that sells.

We’ve done professional product photography in Raleigh and beyond for a wide variety of products, including luxury jewelry, beauty supplies, electronics, clothes, perfume, medical equipment, and more. Whatever products you need photographed, we’ll capture their essence in the most effective and artistic way possible.

Contact Neil Boyd Photography today to learn more about our product photography services!

3 Things to Do Before Your Real Estate Photographer Arrives

If you want your property to sell for top dollar, it’s crucial that you make an unforgettable impression from the start. In the age of the internet, that means having a listing that catches the eye of potential buyers and stands out among the crowd. The key to doing that? Great photos to show off your property.

For the highest-quality, most attractive pictures of your home, your best bet is to hire a professional real estate photographer to capture its unique beauty. As the day of your photoshoot approaches, here are a few things you can do to ensure your property is ready for its close up.

1) Clean and declutter—thoroughly.

You want your house to put its best foot forward for your real estate photoshoot. That means you’ll have to go through room by room, deep cleaning and decluttering until everything is neat, tidy, and sparkling. Once it’s looking fresh and organized, remove your personal items to make it easier for buyers to picture your space as their home. This includes personal photos, magnets, children’s artwork, bathroom supplies, and all evidence of any pets.

2) Stage your space as best you can.

Truly effective real estate photos will sell not just your property to those who view them, but also the potential lifestyles that can be lived in it. Staging your house so that it has a universal appeal is the best way to highlight its potential to be someone’s home. You can do this by arranging your furniture in a functional layout, leaving out a few pieces of décor to create a homey look, and opening all curtains and blinds and turning on lights to make your space look bright and welcoming.

3) Brush up your curb appeal.

Exterior shots are often the first ones that potential buyers will see when browsing online listings. If you want to make a good first impression, your curb appeal needs to be up to par. Before your real estate photographer arrives, take the time to trim and tidy up your landscaping (a few colorful potted flowers couldn’t hurt either). Remove any outdoor clutter, such as landscaping tools, toys, garbage cans, yard decorations, and cars that could distract from the rest of the picture. Finally, if you have any porch or patio furniture, clean and straighten it up to highlight your property’s inviting outdoor living space.

For all your real estate photography needs in Raleigh and surrounding cities in North Carolina, Neil Boyd Photography has you covered. Our expertise extends to residential homes, commercial buildings, apartment complexes, hotels, restaurants, golf courses, and more. Whatever goals you have for your property, we’ll deliver the photos you need to make them happen.

Give us a call at 919-737-5609 today to get started with a free project quote!