There’s a lot to consider when it comes to thinking about and booking professional photography for your business. What do you need? How many images? Is it even worth the investment when your phone takes decent shots anyway? I get asked these questions all the time, so I thought I’d break it down for you. Whether you're just starting out, rebranding, or ready to take things up a notch visually, this is your go-to guide for understanding the why, when, and how of commercial photography.

Why Commercial Photography Matters (Even When You’ve Got a Phone in Your Pocket)

When every phone comes with a half-decent camera these days, it’s easy to wonder ‘do I really need professional photos for my business?’ And it’s a fair question. To be honest, there are times when your phone is absolutely good enough. I’ve even told people that myself on some enquiries!

But here’s the thing: there’s a time and place for phone photos (hello, behind-the-scenes stories, team lunches, and day-to-day content), and a time when professional images are worth their weight in gold.

If you're in a competitive industry, trying to attract new customers, or wanting to elevate how your business is perceived, professional photography can make all the difference. It’s a way to instantly communicate trust, quality, and credibility the moment someone lands on your website, socials, LinkedIn, or brochure.

Is Commercial Photography Actually Worth the Investment?

Will it get you instant sales? Probably not. But will it shape the way people see your business? 100%.

Professional photos don’t just look good, they show that you’re serious. They signal that you’re professional, capable, and that you care about the details. And when someone is comparing two businesses, the one that looks more polished almost always wins.

People are making decisions in seconds. A clean, consistent, professional visual presence helps make that decision an easy yes.

How Many Images Do I Need? And How Long Does It Take?

That totally depends on your needs. I offer packages starting from 2 hours of shooting and 10 images, right through to full-day or multi-day shoots.

After your session, I edit the full gallery and upload everything so you can see all the options. That way, you’re not locked into a set number of images—you can always purchase more once you’ve seen them, or even come back in 6–12 months and grab a few extras. I like to keep it flexible and easy.

If you’re not sure where to start, I’m always happy to have a chat—phone, email, or in-person—and help figure out what will suit you best.

I Don’t Even Know What I Need! Help?!

No stress. If you’re not sure where to begin, start by asking yourself:

What are you selling?
Who are you trying to connect with?
Where do your images need to show up? (Website, social media, email newsletters, online listings, brochures?)
Do you need headshots? Product shots? Lifestyle imagery? Photos of your space, your team, or your process?

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never done a photoshoot before, I can guide you through it all. Whether you’ve got a bricks-and-mortar space, an online store, or you work on-site or on the move, we can come up with a plan that suits your brand and your audience.

What kinds of businesses benefit from professional photography?

Honestly it’s pretty much all of them. Are you a local maker, a service-based business, a tradie, a retailer, a café owner, or running a tourism experience? Strong visuals can help tell your story. If you have something to sell or share, or you want people to get who you are and what you do in a split second, photography helps do the talking.

Professional photos can show your products in action, highlight the care and detail in your work, introduce your team, and give people a feel for what it’s like to engage with your brand. And that applies whether you’ve got a bricks-and-mortar shopfront, an online store, or your “office” is wherever the work takes you.

What does the process actually look like?

Don’t worry, this bit is not as overwhelming as it might seem. Once you’ve decided to go ahead, I can help you work out what you need and what kind of shots will be most useful for you. We can talk about your goals, where the photos will be used, and the story you want to tell.

From there, we’ll lock in a date, I’ll send over some prep info, and if you need some help, we can plan out the shot list together. And on the day, I’ll guide you through it all. Just relaxed, natural images that reflect you and your business. After the shoot, I edit the full gallery and send it through for you to choose from. Easy.

How often should I update my photos?

If your business has changed recently, it’s probably time for an update. Think new team members, a change in location, a new product range or service, or even just a rebrand or refreshed website.

Even if things haven’t changed drastically, updating your images every one to two years can be a good idea, I know it can be a big investment but it helps to keep things fresh and relevant, especially if you’re active on social media or regularly promoting your work.

Can I use the photos across different platforms?

Yes! I’ll deliver all your chosen images in both high-resolution and web-friendly formats. That means you can use them on your website, in social media posts, LinkedIn, print materials, presentations, whatever you need. I’ll also make sure you’ve got a variety of images to suit different uses: wide shots, close-ups, portraits, and everything in between.

We’ll make the most of your time and investment so you walk away with a versatile gallery of content you can repurpose for months to come.

What if I hate being in front of the camera?

You’re not alone. Most of my clients tell me this before their shoot and I get it! But it’s also my job to help you feel comfortable, relaxed, and actually (dare I say it) enjoy the experience.

I’m not about stiff poses or trying to turn you into something you're not. I’ll guide you in a way that feels natural, and I promise I won’t make you do anything that feels cringey. Often by the end of the shoot, people say, “That was actually kind of fun” and they mean it.

What about people in the photos? Do I need to organise that?

If you want your photos to feel relatable and speak directly to your ideal clients, then yes, having the right people in them makes a huge difference. Whether that’s real clients, friends who fit your target audience, or a call out you put on social media, I can help guide you through choosing the right approach.

Not everyone wants to be in front of the camera (and that's okay), but people connect with people. Seeing someone interact with your product, walk through your space, or experience your service helps your audience imagine themselves doing the same.

And don’t worry, I’ll guide them through the shoot too. No awkward model poses needed, just natural, real interactions that reflect your brand vibe.

At the end of the day, commercial photography is about telling your story in a way that feels true to you and connects with the people you’re trying to reach. It doesn’t need to be overly polished or posed, but it does need to be thoughtful, intentional, and aligned with your brand. If you’re ready to uplevel how your business shows up visually, I’d love to chat and help you figure out the right plan for you. Flick me a message, and let’s make a start.