So, you’re looking to rebrand and freshen up your insurance agency’s image going into the new year. You are SUPER excited and can’t wait to announce to your team that you have booked a photographer for your annual PHOTOSHOOT!
*insert your employees moans, groans, and complaints here*
Why is it that most people dislike the idea of being photographed? There are a multitude of personal reasons as to why someone may not want their picture taken, but when it comes to business related photography, I believe the main reason is lack of preparation, understanding, and involvement.
Let me break it down for you…
Everyone wants to feel involved and that they had a part in a big agency project. It’s just the facts. If you have ownership of a product, a campaign, a sale, etc. you feel as if you hold a purpose within the agency.
I want everyone on your team to be SO excited about a photoshoot and all of the great marketing that can be done with it to show off your agency. So I have create these 5 quick tips to organize, plan, and develop your best photoshoot yet.
Have a Vision
- Create a survey and send it out to your team at least 45 days before your photoshoot. Ask them questions about your brand, what emotions, moods, colors, etc they think of when they hear your agency’s name. Have them describe what type of photos they believe will display the agency and team i.e. fun and energetic, outdoors in the community, professional using a conference room, etc.
- Encourage your team to use websites like Pinterest to search for 3 images that speak to them and represent your agency. This is also a great way to decide what type of wardrobe your team will be wearing to represent the agency (uniform style where everyone is wearing the same thing – logo shirts, dresses, suits. The list goes on!)
- Come together as a team and discuss the results of the survey. Talk about a common theme or idea that you may see within the survey. Have everyone contribute their thoughts – truly make this a group effort and come up with your team’s vision.
Download a Sample Brand Guides
Pick a Location
- You want your location to represent your agency, your community and your customers. For some, it is easiest to just use the agency itself and that is great! You can bring in props and different backdrops to create fun and unique photos.
- If you are an agency that is very active in your community, you may find it to be best suited to use that local coffee shop or perhaps there is a small diner your team frequents. Or maybe you are in the center of town and want to show off all the shops and community parks; ask your team what local spots they think would resonate with your audience.
Choose A Photographer Who Understands Your Vision
- This is pretty simple. Your photographer should understand who your agency is, what you are about, who your clientbase is, who you are trying to market to, and what your teams vision is for this photoshoot. They are there to support YOU.
Ladies: Hair & Makeup/Men: Haircut and Groomed
- You want to be an authentic representation of yourself in these photos, however that camera lens and lighting isn’t always the most forgiving or kind. For the ladies, encourage them to be as glam as they are comfortable with (hair and makeup) and for your men make sure they are looking dapper using some beard oil (or clean shaven) and are stylin’ with a fresh haircut. This may seem superficial, however, this step will truly be a confidence booster for your team.
- It is not always possible, but hiring a beauty glam crew is always an option.
Create a Schedule For The Day Of The Photoshoot
- Details, Details, Details. You want to make sure you are on schedule for your photographer and staff. If you have specific shots that you would like the photographer to take, create a list and check them off as you go along.
- Expect the unexpected but try to be on a schedule the best that you can. It is going to be a long day, but allow for opportunities to take breaks, drink water, and eat some food.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!! This is a great way to get your team together and do something for the agency. Let us know if you have a photoshoot planned for 2018 and what your ideas are. Or maybe you have a photoshoot story you would like to share. Leave all your comments below, we can’t wait to hear from you!
