Sometimes all-inclusive services are great! Vacation packages, resorts, cruises—let’s go! But even those come with limitations. You must choose from selected dining spots, drink options, and group activities. If you go beyond what’s covered in the “all-inclusive” package, the add-ons add up fast! You have to choose what you want from your experience: a pretty good deal with pretty good service, or a more personalized and private vacation. There’s a time and a place for both! Marketing is the same way. Wondering if you should hire a freelance photographer or go with a full-service marketing agency? Read on to see what’s best for your brand or project.

Prioritizing Your Marketing Budget

If you’re working with a smaller budget, you may have to prioritize where to save and where to invest. Your product images are like a first impression. You want it to be a good one because that is what sticks in viewers mind’s the most — especially if you’re creating promotional material. If your images are not up to par, you may not get a second chance to convince your audience otherwise. Your images are a testament to the quality of your food, service, or product.

As a commercial photographer, it’s not uncommon to hear clients tell that me that they tried a “do-it-all” agency first. But then they realized they wanted a more branded look and a style that stands out among the rest. If that sounds like you, I recommend hiring a freelance photographer for your project for a more personalized experience.

3 Benefits of Hiring a Freelance Photographer

Personalized Experience

With a freelancer, you’ll get a much more personalized experience. Marketing agencies are meant to be efficient. They’re your one-stop-shop for it all. Because of that, they have a streamlined process for all of their clients, which means your assets may look the same as others. A proven process is great for strategy but not ideal for creative projects.

With a freelance photographer, you’ll have more creative freedom and professional input. If you’re looking for innovation and images with a “wow” factor, hiring a freelance photographer is usually the best route.

Customized Work & Quality

A freelance photographer will focus in on one of the most crucial aspects of your marketing plan: your visuals. The extra attention on your brand’s aesthetic can help drive engagement. You won’t just have pretty photos — you’ll have intentionally-designed images that evoke a certain response. A freelance photographer can help you with your visual marketing strategy. A marketing agency is there to check off all the boxes in your overall strategy, so you may lack necessary details in some areas. They’re looking at the big picture, whereas a freelancer will be able to fine-tune the visual aspects for you.

Extra Collaboration

An agency is made up of many people in distinct roles. You’ll have contact with your agency correspondent, but you probably won’t get to plan with each individual artist or creative who works on your project. You may not get to collaborate on some pieces as much as you’d like because they’re focused on completing the full campaign and delivering it on time.

However, with a freelancer, you’ll work together and have opportunities to give feedback on the brief, photography treatment, and production process. You don’t have to wait and see what you get — you can work together so you get exactly what you want!

If that sounds like something you’re interested in, I’d love to help! Inquire with me here to get started.

Los Angeles-Based Freelance Photographer | Commercial Product & Food Photography

Hi! I’m Lindsay,

I’m a Los Angeles commercial photographer specializing in Product & Food Photography, Stop Motion, and Food Styling. Connect with me here for product marketing!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram @lindsaykphoto_ for more inspiration.