Using The Correct Equipment For Commercial Photography

Images used for marketing purposes tell a story, they're like the front cover of a book - and even though we say 'don't judge a book by it's cover' we all do it anyway.

I've heard many discussions regarding what gear to use when photographing - Full frame DSLR's, entry level DSLR's, compact cameras, camera phones - but I honestly believe having a top of the line full frame camera, with specialised wide angle lenses, is the winner.

I say this for a number of reasons, first and foremost if I want to be taken seriously as a business I need to take my business seriously. Meaning I need to invest in equipment that will provide the best results possible for my clients.

Full frame cameras have a larger sensor size compared to cheaper entry level DSLR's. Having larger sensor means we can capture images with a higher dynamic range with less noise affecting the image.

Rooms with a high contrast between light and shade can be captured better and there will be a lot less grain interfering with the final image. See below for an example:

The next reason is the full frame capability. Entry level DSLR's have crop sensors which limits a lens ability to how wide they can go, this isn't a problem for the full frame camera - allowing for that wide angle 'wow factor'!

Before investing in a full frame camera I often just took multiple shots within the room and then stitched them together in photoshop, however this proved to be quite a lot of work and quite time consuming.

Then there is the newest camera type to the industry: The full frame mirrorless camera.

There is a strong following for the full frame mirrorless with many people preferring over the DSLR.

However, Personally, I'm not ready to jump ship and swim over to the mirrorless side just yet.

Mirrorless cameras may be lighter, more compact and somewhat quicker, but they do have some downsides. Lens availability for mirrorless cameras is still very limited, with full frame DSLR's having many more to offer specialising for any kind of shoot.

Mirrorless cameras can also come with a hefty price tag and currently their battery life isn't as strong as the DSLRs.

So for now, I'm sticking with my Nikon D810.

There is also a growing trend of people preferring 'Iphoneography' - With a lot of businesses wondering why they need to hire a professional photographer when they can just whip their smartphone out and take a shot.

Sure, you could do this, and you'll likely get a decent shot, but it likely won't stand out from the crowd, won't be attention grabbing to pull in prospective customers.

Smartphone images often look better straight out of the camera but that is usually because the image has automatically applied saturation and contrast, and so the image won't look the same on a desktop monitor or in print.

Full frame DSLRs have larger sensors (which provide a better image quality), offers more flexibility with controls (allowing the photographer to be a bit more creative when required), and have a wide variety of lenses for whatever the shoot requires.

This also applies when comparing to compact point and shoot cameras - these type of cameras have a very small sensor compared to DSLRs, and overall produce a poorer quality image.

The majority of compact cameras are also not weather sealed - Which rules out any outdoor photography when necessary on a bad day!

- The aim is for your potential customers to be able to see themselves living or staying in your property.-

In order to provide the service and results I can I will be using best equipment possible for me, and the equipment I am most comfortable shooting with.

This ensures I will always produce high quality imagery that will exceed the clients expectations!

Thank for reading :)

Regards,

Lee

For a commitment free consultation feel free to contact myself on:

contact@leewalkerphotography.com