For my client competitionline Verlags GmbH, I spent two days visiting the renowned architecture firm gmp Architekten von Gerkan, Marg und Partner in Hamburg and was allowed to get a taste of every area of the company. GMP are the winners of the Competionline Ranking 2023 and we photographed a detailed reportage: ‘A day in Germany’s most successful competition offices’
From the headquarters on Hamburg’s Elbchaussee, Volkwin Marg and the gmp partners steer the fortunes of what is probably Germany’s best-known architecture firm. The challenge for gmp lies in the constant dialogue about the content and direction of design between the offices in Hamburg, Berlin, Aachen, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hanoi, explains Volkwin Marg.
The prices of a corporate photographer can vary significantly and depend on different factors. Companies looking to invest in professional corporate photography should understand what influences the costs and how a transparent pricing structure is composed. In this article, I explain the key factors and provide guidance on the costs of a corporate photographer.
1. What Is a Corporate Photographer?
A corporate photographer specializes in corporate photography, creating professional images for businesses that want to visually present their brand, employees, products, or services. This includes business portraits, team photos, images for brochures, and workplace reportages. High-quality photos convey professionalism and build trust among clients, business partners, and potential recruits.
2. What Factors Influence the Prices of a Corporate Photographer?
2.1. Type and Scope of the Photoshoot
The price of a corporate photographer largely depends on the scope of the project. The following aspects play a crucial role:
Number of people to be photographed (e.g., management, entire team)
Type of images (e.g., portraits, group photos, reportage, event photography, commercial photography)
Number of required photos
Purpose of the images (e.g., website, social media, print materials)
Location (studio or on-site at the company)
The more extensive the shoot, the higher the cost, as more time is required for preparation, execution, and post-processing.
2.2. Duration of the Shoot
Corporate photography can range from short sessions to full-day or multi-day shoots. The duration significantly impacts the pricing. As a corporate photographer, I offer package prices for studio sessions, for example, when new employees join a company, or half-day and full-day shoots on location.
2.3. Post-Processing of Images
An essential part of corporate photography is image editing. Post-processing includes:
The more complex the post-processing, the higher the costs.
2.4. Licensing and Usage Rights
A crucial factor in pricing is the licensing and usage rights of the images. The cost of image rights depends on:
Purpose of use (internal or external)
Duration of use
Regional reach (local, national, or international)
A corporate photographer will incorporate these aspects into the pricing and provide appropriately licensed images.
2.5. Experience and Reputation of the Corporate Photographer
As in many creative professions, experience plays a key role in pricing. As a corporate photographer with years of experience and a well-established portfolio, my prices are naturally higher than those of a photographer just starting in corporate photography. However, investing in an experienced photographer pays off in terms of better quality, structured organization, and more professional results.
2.6. Travel Costs and Equipment
If the shoot takes place outside the studio, such as at company premises or other locations, travel expenses may apply. These can include transportation costs, accommodation, and additional logistics for the equipment. High-quality camera and lighting equipment are also cost factors included in pricing.
3. Detailed Cost Calculation Through an In-Depth Briefing
A precise cost estimate is only possible if a detailed briefing takes place beforehand. In this briefing, all expectations and requirements should be discussed to avoid misunderstandings and to prepare the shoot optimally. Important points include:
What motifs should be photographed?
What mood or atmosphere should be conveyed?
Are there specific requirements regarding colors, backgrounds, or props?
What outfits or dress codes are required?
Should the shoot take place indoors or outdoors?
How many images are needed, and in what formats?
Thorough planning ensures that both budget and desired results align.
4. The Right Team for a Successful Corporate Photoshoot
A professional corporate shoot often requires more than just the photographer. To achieve a high-quality result, an entire team may be necessary. Key roles include:
Makeup Artist/Stylist: Professional makeup and hairstyling ensure a uniform and polished appearance of employees and significantly enhance photo quality.
Photo Assistant: An assistant helps with lighting setups, holds reflectors, assists me as a photographer in carrying equipment, ensures a smooth workflow, and can make spontaneous adjustments quickly—or even just order lunch for the entire team.
A well-coordinated team ensures a professional process and high-quality results that effectively communicate the company’s message.
5. Why Videography Is an Essential Add-On
In today’s digital world, professional photos alone are no longer enough for corporate communication. Videography has become an essential part of a comprehensive visual strategy. Videos allow companies to showcase their brand, products, and services in a more dynamic and emotional way. Moving images capture attention and increase engagement on websites and social media platforms.
With authentic corporate films, recruiting videos, or short social media clips, businesses can convey their messages more effectively and significantly expand their reach. That’s why it is essential for me as a modern corporate photographer to offer videography as an additional service, providing companies with a complete visual solution.
Conclusion
My prices as a corporate photographer depend on various factors, including the type of shoot, the number of images, usage rights, and the effort required for post-production. Companies should consider not only the price but also the quality and added value of professional corporate photography. High-quality images are a worthwhile investment that strengthens a company’s image and builds trust with clients and partners.
Choosing the right photographer, thorough planning, and working with a professional team ensure authentic, professional, and impactful images that contribute to long-term business success. Let me advise you, and I will create an individual cost estimate for the shooting that best suits your needs. Here you can check out my corporate portfolio.
For the company Voi, which also rents out e-scooters and e-bikes in Germany, I portrayed the Berlin team for corporate communications. In summer, I always like to shoot outdoors in a location close to the office. It often looks much better than a clean office background.
You can find all pictures here.
In modern corporate communication, it is more important than ever to present yourself as an attractive employer. One of the most effective methods to achieve this is employer branding photography. But why is this type of corporate photography so crucial, and how can a professional corporate photographer support you? In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this topic.
Why is Employer Branding Photography So Important?
The working world has changed dramatically in recent years. Qualified professionals have more choices than ever and increasingly value company culture. With professional images, you can visually represent this culture and specifically attract potential applicants.
1. Strengthening the Employer Brand
Your employer brand is your company’s flagship. By showcasing authentic images of your employees in their daily work environment, you give applicants a realistic insight into your company. A professional corporate photographer can help capture the right moments and positively portray your brand.
2. Increased Visibility on Social Media
Social networks are one of the most important platforms for modern recruiting. Strong visual branding through high-quality images ensures more attention and engagement. Employer branding photography helps present your company authentically on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
3. Trust and Authenticity
People want to know who they will be working with. Stock photos often appear generic and impersonal. Custom images of your real teams, on the other hand, build trust and authenticity. This is especially important when attracting new talent.
4. Consistency in Corporate Communication
Whether on your website, in job advertisements, or on social media – a consistent visual language strengthens recognition and professionalism. Corporate photography focused on employer branding ensures a cohesive overall image.
What Makes a Great Employer Branding Photographer?
Not every photographer is automatically suitable for employer branding. Here are some qualities to look for:
1. Experience in Corporate Photography
An experienced corporate photographer knows exactly what is important when showcasing a company. They can authentically capture the work atmosphere and know how to portray employees naturally and appealingly.
2. Understanding of Employer Branding
A professional in employer branding photography understands the importance of brand values and corporate identity. This results in images that not only look good but are also strategically well thought out.
3. Communication Skills
A great photographer can guide people and create a relaxed atmosphere where natural and expressive images emerge. This is especially important for employees who are not used to being in front of the camera.
4. Creativity and Attention to Detail
A trained eye for light, colors, and composition ensures that the images not only appear professional but also evoke emotion.
How an Employer Branding Photoshoot with Me Works
A professional photoshoot for employer branding follows a structured process that I tailor individually to your company. Here is an overview of how I proceed:
1. Initial Consultation and Concept Development
Before the camera is used, I want to get to know your company and your values in detail. In a joint discussion, we define the visual style, motifs, and areas of application for the photos. My goal is to ensure that the images perfectly represent your brand.
2. Preparing the Location
Before the shoot, we meet for a location check on site, in your office or at the production facility. We define exactly which locations are suitable for the photos. I will help you to create the ideal environment for the shoot. Whether in the office or in production – small adjustments are often enough to create a pleasant, photogenic atmosphere.
3. The Photoshoot
On the day of the shoot, I and my team make sure that everyone involved feels comfortable. I guide the employees professionally and take my time to capture authentic and likeable moments. I always have a mobile montor with me so that everyone involved can take a look at the photos. That provides security. My aim is to create images that look natural and reflect the identity of your company.
4. Post Production
After the shoot, I will select the best pictures and provide you with an online gallery of the image selection so that you and your team can choose your favourites. I will then professionally edit your selection of images. This includes skin and outfit retouching, but can also include the removal of distracting elements. I optimise colours, contrasts and details without distorting the authenticity. This results in high-quality images that perfectly match your branding.
5. Delivery and Usage
I provide you with the finished images in various formats. You can use them in multiple ways in your corporate communication, whether on your website, in job postings, or on social media.
Conclusion: Employer Branding Photography as a Success Factor
High-quality employer branding photography is now an essential tool for positioning yourself as an attractive employer. Through professional corporate photography, you can strengthen your employer brand, build trust, and attract the best talent to your company. With an experienced corporate photographer by your side, you can create authentic and engaging images that optimally represent your company. Feel free to contact me and book your free and non-binding consultation.
Professional business portraits make all the difference. In today’s digital world, first impressions matter more than ever. Your website, LinkedIn profile, or company presentation are often the first touchpoints for potential clients, partners, or employers.
Business Portraits – Your Opportunity to Shine
A high-quality business photo showcases not only your appearance but also your personality and professionalism. With the right business photos, you can build trust and convey competence. People trust people, and an authentic business portrait is the perfect way to foster that connection.
Why Authenticity in Business Portraits Matters
Do you want to be perceived as trustworthy? An honest, professional portrait gives your audience the feeling that they already know you. It creates a sense of closeness and trust – something a generic or impersonal photo could never achieve. With authentic portraits, you present yourself as you truly are: professional, approachable, and confident.
The Key to a Strong Business Presence
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or part of a larger organization, the quality of your business portraits greatly influences how you’re perceived. Professional business photos set you apart from the competition, highlight your unique character, and make you memorable.
Employee Portraits – An Underrated Asset for Companies
For companies, employees are the most important ambassadors of the brand. Professional and consistent employee portraits not only ensure a cohesive corporate image but also strengthen employees’ identification with the company. High-quality business portraits of your team, featured on your website or social media, show that your workforce is skilled, approachable, and committed.
Why Business Portraits Are Crucial Here
Employee photos convey professionalism and give your clients and partners a glimpse of the people behind your business. This builds trust and emphasizes the human element of your company. Investing in professional business photos for your team creates a positive impression that lasts.
Your Next Step: Authentic Business Portraits
Invest in high-quality business portraits to present yourself and your team in the best possible way. A professional business portrait is more than just a picture – it’s your visual business card in the digital age. Let experienced photographers capture you in the right light, and discover how authentic business photos can open doors for you!
Personal Branding Photography
Personal branding is becoming increasingly important: high-quality images convey trust. When potential customers, employers or partners see that you are investing in the presentation of your brand, they gain confidence in your professionalism. Every image tells a story, and I help you to visualise your own story. I create imagery that embodies your values, your personality and your mission.
Well thought-out personal branding means consistency. Your images should fit seamlessly in different contexts, be it on your website, in social media or in presentations. This creates recognition and strengthens your brand. The best business photos are authentic. They show you as you really are and convey your uniqueness.
How I work: The Business photo shoot
I offer different shooting packages for individuals in the studio for you to choose from. Would you like an outdoor location or pictures of yourself at your workplace? Do you need a PR photo of the company founders? Do you want team photos of all your employees or a group photo in the office? I would be happy to plan a customised shoot according to your wishes.
As a photographer, my job is to capture your uniqueness in pictures. We work together to create photos that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also effectively convey your message. Personal branding images can make a big difference. They are the key to making you stand out from the crowd and building a distinctive brand.
Preparation is everything
Before a business shoot, we work together to determine which image style suits you and your needs. Advice on how best to prepare for the shoot and which outfits would be suitable is of course included. If required, a make-up artist can of course also be booked to take care of your perfect look. You can book a studio shoot or I come by at your companies place with my mobile studio. For bigger shootings a detailed production plan will be offered, so every involved employee knows exactly when to be ready for the portrait shoot.
With my many years of experience as a business photographer, I not only score points with great business photos, but also with structured organisation so that the entire production, from consultation to post-production of the image material, is a positive experience for you. Here you can find more examples of my business portraits. Let me advise you free of charge and find the right concept for you. I look forward to your call.
For the Berlin communications agency JK, I was comissioned to realise new business portraits and group photos of the management as well as employer branding photos with the employees for the website last year. The corporate shoot was realised in the agency’s newly designed office. See all pics here.
For an online report on the architecture competition portal Competionline, I visited the Berlin office Planstatt Senner of landscape architect Johann Senner. The office is located in an old factory floor in Berlin Kreuzberg and is home to an entire forest of plants. You can find all pics here.
The Kulturkiosk Neustrelitz is giving me the opportunity to show my series ‘SO MANY WAYS – Vanlife Stories’ at the Mecklenburg Lake District in June and July. Come and visit!
Where
Kulturkiosk, Seestrasse 28, 17235 Neustrelitz
Opening hours
Vernissage – Saturday, 15.06.24 from 13h
16.06./22.06./23.06./27.07./28.07.2024
Saturdays 14.00h to 18.00h
Sundays 13.00h to 17.00h | every Sunday 14h – Artist Talk
Fête de La Music Special – Friday, the 21.06.2024
Music & Drinks 15.00h – 22.00h
