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Picture this: with one photoshoot, you have enough content to use across all of your social channels for an entire month. Enough photos to redesign your website with cohesive and striking brand imagery. Enough photos to update your e-commerce store with editorial shots to make your products stand out. This is what's possible when you invest in a social media photography package for you or your business.
A social media photography package can help not only your growth on social channels but it can also help to support your business without you having to lift a finger. Although a social media photography package is typically optimized for social channels (ie vertically oriented) it is possible to find a photographer who provides assets in both vertical and horizontal layouts, making the photos versatile across all channels your brand touches.
A social media photography package can help your brand in countless ways. Let's dive into the nitty gritty of the secret to your business's success: the social media photography package. What is it, why you would want one, what it entails, how much it costs and all the variety In between.
What is social media photography?
Social media photography is a type of photography that is specifically created for use on social media platforms. This type of photography typically involves creating images that are visually engaging, shareable, and optimized for display on social media platforms.
Duh right? but what this means is that the photography is specifically created to stop eyes and more importantly thumbs on channels like tick tock Instagram Facebook and twitter. Sounds good right? So what does social media photography look like?
Social media photography can include a wide range of subjects and styles, including product photography, lifestyle photography, portrait photography, and more. The goal of social media photography is to create content that resonates with a target audience and helps to promote a brand, product, or service.
Social media photography may involve a combination of photography skills, including composition, lighting, and editing. The final images may be optimized for display on specific social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, and may be accompanied by captions, hashtags, and other social media features to help promote engagement.
Overall, social media photography is an important aspect of social media marketing, as it can help businesses to create a strong visual identity, engage with their audience, and promote their products and services.
Why would you want to invest in a social media photography package for you or your business?
There are several benefits to having a monthly social media photographer for your business:
Consistent high-quality content: When you have a monthly social media photographer, you can expect to receive a steady stream of high-quality content that is tailored to your brand. This can help ensure that your social media presence remains fresh and engaging, and can help you stand out from your competitors.
Time-saving: With a monthly social media photographer, you won't have to worry about spending time taking and editing photos for social media. This can free up your time to focus on other aspects of your business, such as marketing, customer service, or product development.
Cost-effective: While hiring a monthly social media photographer may require an upfront investment, it can ultimately be cost-effective in the long run. By having a consistent stream of high-quality content, you can attract more followers and engage your existing audience, which can lead to increased sales and revenue.
Flexibility: When you have a monthly social media photographer, you can work with them to develop a customized plan that meets your specific needs. This can include the number of photos you need each month, the type of content you want to create, and the specific platforms you want to focus on.
Improved branding: By having a consistent stream of high-quality content that is tailored to your brand, you can create a strong and recognizable visual identity that can help you stand out from your competitors. This can help improve your branding and make a lasting impression on potential customers.
Overall, having a monthly social media photographer can be a valuable investment for businesses that want to improve their social media presence and stand out from their competitors.
So what exactly does the social media photography package include?
The specific contents of a social media photography package can vary depending on the photographer or photography company offering it. However, generally speaking, a social media photography package may include:
Pre-session consultation: The photographer will typically meet with the client ahead of time to discuss their vision for the shoot, the location, props, and wardrobe.
When it comes to the type of content that could be covered during a social media photography shoot the options are really endless. Clients might hire a social media photographer to cover their brand's monthly content needs including product photography, new website photography, headshots for the team members, merch, and other branded elements. Social media photography packages can also include event photography for things like branded or sponsored events to help with general marketing.
Depending on the photographer, social media photography packages can also include film services that can cover anything from same-day Polaroid photography to 35 mm film photography to medium and large format film photography. If your brand has a retro or vintage inspired look or feel, film photography can be a great way to get across that vibe and is something you should definitely discuss during your pre consultation with your photographer when putting together your social media photography package.
Photography session: The photographer will capture a set number of images during the session, which can range from a few headshots to a full set of lifestyle or product shots. The exact number of photos and length of the shoot will depend largely on the client's needs and the photographers package options.
When I work with the new client I typically offer my social media photography packages in half or full day sessions. I work directly with a client the client to develop a specific shot list and encourage the client to make the list as aggressive as possible with as many ideal shots as possible and then prioritize the ones that absolutely need to get finished within the time of the shoot. I will then recommend either a half or full day shoot to make sure the top priorities will be covered and also leaving enough time to try to get to the full shot list.
Image editing: After the session, the photographer will typically edit the images to ensure that they look their best. This can include color correction, cropping, and other adjustments to make the photos look polished and professional.
When I offer a social media photography package I always make sure to deliver the final images and videos in a wide and vertical format. that way the client can use the images across their website in a horizontal format if desired while also having the vertical versions to use across social media platforms like Instagram TikTok and Pinterest.
Digital delivery: Once the images are edited, the photographer will typically deliver them to the client digitally via a file-sharing service or online gallery. Depending on the package, the client may receive high-resolution files suitable for printing, as well as web-optimized versions for social media sharing.
It's important to talk to your photographer about any specific file type or sizing requirements. In terms of turnaround time you can expect to get your photos back anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks after the shoot. Because social media is so fast moving it's important to find a photographer who has a quick turnaround time and reliable quality. You want to work with a photographer who is going to be able to get you a lot of assets at a high quality in a short amount of time.
Optional extras: Depending on the package and the photographer, there may be additional extras available, such as additional retouching or the option to purchase prints or albums. This can be a great way to get physical prints for your store or home as a way to bring your brand to life.
One of my favorite add-ons is same day Polaroid pictures. Polaroids are a great way to encapsulate your brand and your story with physical keepsakes. they're perfect for scrapbooking, keeping in your wallet or using as Decor around your home. Polaroids are a fun and inexpensive way to commemorate your brand story.
How much does a social media photography package cost?
The cost of a social media photography package can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the location, the experience and reputation of the photographer, the duration of the shoot, and the number of edited images included.
In general, a basic social media photography package may start at around $250-$500, while a more comprehensive package with additional services may cost $1,000 or more. Some photographers may also charge an hourly rate, which can range from $100 to $500 or more per hour, depending on their level of expertise.
It's important to keep in mind that while price is certainly a consideration when choosing a photographer, it's not the only factor to consider. You should also look at the photographer's portfolio and reviews, and consider their style, experience, and professionalism before making a decision.
How to know if it's time to hire a professional photographer for a social media photography package for you or your business
There are a few signs that may indicate it's time to hire a professional photographer for a social media photography package for you or your business:
Your current photos are not meeting your needs: If the photos you are currently using for social media are not generating the engagement or results you are looking for, it may be time to consider hiring a professional photographer. Professional photos can help your business stand out and make a positive impression on potential customers.
You don't have the necessary skills or equipment: If you don't have the necessary photography skills or equipment to capture high-quality images for social media, it's a good idea to hire a professional photographer. A professional photographer will have the skills and equipment necessary to create visually compelling images that will help your business succeed on social media.
You want to save time: If you are finding that you are spending a lot of time trying to take and edit photos for social media, hiring a professional photographer can save you time and allow you to focus on other aspects of your business.
You want to create a consistent look and feel: If you want to create a consistent look and feel for your brand on social media, a professional photographer can help. They can work with you to develop a style guide and create images that are aligned with your brand's visual identity.
You want to make a good first impression: If you want to make a good first impression on potential customers, professional photos can help. They can create a sense of professionalism and credibility that can help your business stand out and attract new customers.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it may be time to consider hiring a professional photographer for you or your business. It's important to carefully review the details of any social media photography package you are considering to ensure that it meets your specific needs and budget.
If you're ready to up level your social media game and hire a professional photographer to help with your content needs, reach out and schedule a free consultation today. I'm a Portland photographer working with fun and bold brands to help tell my clients stories in unique and dynamic ways. I offer a range of photography and videography services from full brand video shoots to professional headshots to high-end studio product photography.
We’ll collaborate on a specific social media photography package that fits your brand's unique needs. I offer monthly retainers with prices starting as low as $350 a month. My services include 35 mm film photography, same day Polaroids, stop motion and 4K video.