Enhancing Your Image

Most photographers just don't get it

2025-03-08T23:15:00.001-05:00

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Remember, the primary goal of your photos should always be to stimulate sales. They should be visually striking, convey a sense of quality, and, most importantly, ignite desire.

Unfortunately, many professional photographers, graphic designers, creative directors, and ad agencies don't get it. They get so caught up in their desire to "be creative," win an award, or copy the latest fad that they miss the point. They forget that the whole reason they're hired is to increase sales.

Buyers are bombarded with information, overworked, and more than a little busy. They'll search for a particular product or service and compare your website or brochure with your competitors. Most will quickly scan your materials and look at the photos to get a feel for the quality of your company and what you're selling.

Because we think in pictures (think of your car - does an image come into thought or do words?), images have a profound influence on perceptions. It's crucial to have images that convey quality, create desire, and build trust. Your role in this, as a professional, is significant. Your images should be at least as good as your significant competitors and preferably better.

Utilizing high-quality professional photos can significantly enhance the perception of your products or services. The return on your investment through increased sales can be substantial.

Choosing low-quality images can inadvertently project a perception of a second-rate company and cheap products. The perceived cost savings are negligible compared to the potential sales losses.

Images that increase sales will return profits that far exceed their modest cost. Cheap shots will cause you to lose sales without you even knowing it.

Think of the internet as a dating site.

2025-03-07T22:17:00.002-05:00

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The internet is a giant Match.com, and your website is your "listing." You're competing with other businesses to attract people who are deciding who to "ask out" (someone they'd like to do business with). They're searching, and they're comparing you to others. They have MANY to choose from.

What would be the first thing you'd look for if you were on a dating site?

If you're like most people, check out their photos. What if they didn't have a picture? Would you think they had something to hide?

What if you saw a photo of Angelina Jolie or George Clooney on someone's listing? What would you think of them then? Would you trust them? That's what happens when the photos used aren't theirs. They're called stock photos.

Most people compare the photos, and if they like what they see, they read to find out more.

If you want your website to stand out and attract new business, it's crucial to understand the power of great images. Skimping on photography is a missed opportunity; as we all know, we buy with our eyes. Your website is constantly being compared to others, so investing in quality visuals that tell your story is essential.

Quality images not only attract but also create desire and inspire trust. Without them, potential customers may not even read about your offer. They'll leave your site and look for a more visually appealing option elsewhere, potentially costing you valuable business.

Painful.

Show what you do for those you serve

2025-03-07T22:08:00.001-05:00

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Using original photography is a powerful way to elevate your brand and build trust with your audience. Stock images feel generic, but authentic visuals showcase your unique products, services, and team. High-quality, original photos help tell your brand’s story, make a lasting impression, and strengthen customer connections. Don’t just tell—show what you do.

Powerful photography helps tell your story.

Show what you make.

2025-03-07T19:11:00.008-05:00

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In marketing, visual representation is key. Our brains are wired to think in pictures, just like your buyers'. Consider your daily routine: waking up, showering, and eating breakfast. Do you visualize these activities or describe them in words?

Now, think of your living room or a family member. Can you vividly portray them with just words, ensuring readers see the same image in their minds?

Images speak volumes in mere seconds, profoundly shaping buyers' perceptions. Yet, generic stock photos blend you in with the crowd.

Stand out from your competition. Show, don't just tell, and leave a lasting impression.

Look better than your competition.

Show what you've done for those you serve.

2025-03-07T18:58:00.007-05:00

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Using original photography is a powerful way to elevate your brand and build trust with your audience. Authentic visuals showcase your unique products, services, and team. However, employee-shot photos don't cut it because they make you look unprofessional, and viewers will compare your website to your competitors. If a business lacks the confidence to use the best images it can get, why should anyone else have confidence in it? High-quality, original images help tell your brand’s story, make a lasting impression, and strengthen customer connections. Don’t just tell—show what you've done for others.

Powerful photography helps tell your story.

What makes you different?

2025-03-07T18:51:00.006-05:00

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What makes you different?

What sets you apart from your competitors? Emphasize those unique advantages to your customers. Don’t just tell them—show them! Demonstrating your benefits can truly make a difference in their experience.

Consider this: if you blend in with everyone else in your industry, why would potential customers choose you over the competition? The only reason would be if you offered the lowest price. But keep this in mind: when customers come for the price, they will also leave for the price. Stand out by showcasing your unique value and quality, so that your customers choose you for reasons beyond just cost. Make them see that what you offer is worth their investment.

Educate buyers. If your product or service has clear advantages, show them! If you can't come up with any, then fix your company.

Do your images show what makes you unique?

Stand Out, Sell More, and Build Trust with Powerful Photography

2025-03-07T14:20:00.002-05:00

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• Show what you do. Powerful photography tells a story

• Show what you make. Look better than your competition.

• Show who you are. Look confident, trustworthy, and likable.

• Increase your sales. We buy with our eyes. Make your first impression
powerful.

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Photography

2025-03-07T13:58:00.007-05:00

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Many businesses think they’re saving money by taking their own photos, hiring a bargain photographer, or relying on stock images. But in reality, these “cost-saving” choices could be costing them a fortune.

Think about it—how much is a single sale worth to your business in profit? Do your customers come back for repeat business? What is the average lifetime value of a client? Every time a potential customer scrolls past your marketing, unimpressed by generic or low-quality visuals, that’s revenue slipping through your fingers—without you even realizing it.

If you attract high-value clients, cheap photography isn’t just a minor compromise; it’s a major financial loss. First impressions matter, and uninspired visuals can make your business look unprofessional, untrustworthy, or simply forgettable.

Savvy marketers know better. They invest in high-quality, strategically crafted images designed to captivate, build trust, and drive action. The right visuals don’t just make an impact—they make you money. And when done right, they don’t just pay for themselves; they multiply your returns.

So, before you settle for “cheap,” ask yourself—how much are you really willing to lose?

Handcrafted Furniture Photography

2019-01-19T23:14:00.003-05:00

Even though my studio is small, I'm occasionally called upon to photograph objects that are larger than my studio can comfortably accommodate. In these instances, I take my show on the road and take my studio equipment and background to their warehouse or factory and shoot there. This makes it easier for my clients because they have equipment and staff on hand to move things around if needed. It also saves them the expense of loading a truck, transporting to a studio, and having a couple of people away from the business for the day while they supervise a photo shoot. I shoot with my camera tethered to a laptop to the images can be studied and adjusted as their shot. The clients are able to give feedback on the spot, and the whole photoshoot moves much more quickly and efficiently.

Great photos of their furniture are essential not only for their websites but also for sending images to retail furniture stores so people can see that they can provide for customers.

The images below were recently shot in western Pennsylvania for a family owned furniture manufacturer. They make beautiful handcrafted furniture that is sold at craft fairs along the eastern seaboard. They contacted me because they were dissatisfied with the photographers in their region. They were all portrait and wedding photographers that lacked the knowledge, experience, and equipment needed to create images of their furniture that adequately captured their beauty.

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Medical device photography

2019-01-07T16:29:00.008-05:00

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More and more I'm called upon when clients have medical products that require very specialized skills and equipment to photograph. Medical devices are among the most notable of these. They are often tiny and difficult to accurately move into position. They require additional equipment to move them around in front of the camera. The images must be of the highest standard and communicate quality and precision.

At these magnifications, optical laws make conventional photographic techniques ineffective. Entirely different approaches are needed to get passable results, much less outstanding ones. Some medical device photos require compositing up to 200 images taken at different focus points to create one image that shows sharpness throughout the entire product. I must say though, that I love the challenge of capturing beautiful medical device images. Here are a few examples of medical products and devices. I've added insets in some of the medical device photos to show how tiny they are.

You can see more examples of my medical device photography at my site that show additional examples of my work in this specialty: MedicalDevicePhotography.com

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The Intention of the Photographer

2018-02-07T14:09:00.000-05:00

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In my opinion, when evaluating the work of photographers to decide who to hire, it's important to try to discern the intention of the photographer.

Now yes, technical aspects of the images are also essential. Photographs are only as good as the weakest link that created them. (Unless the photographer got lucky).

This includes the quality and consistency of the lighting in addition to the quality of the cameras and lenses. It also consists of the skills of the photographer: technical knowledge, mastery of light, attention to detail, compositional skills, problem solving abilities, creativity, their expertise and artistic ability with Photoshop and other post-production programs; and the interpersonal skills that are so necessary to evoke the desired expressions and body language when people are photographed.

Assuming the photographer has all of this down, there is still another problem. Many photographers see themselves as artists and try to create images that will draw attention to themselves so everyone will be impressed at how great they are. It's like a writer who wants to write the great American novel that will impress everyone with his or her writing skills. What makes a writer great though, is when the reader gets so involved with the story that they are unaware of the writing. It's the same way with photography.

When someone engages my services for a project, unless specifically instructed otherwise, I intend to create images that will improve their image and increase their sales.

It's not my goal for people to say "that's a great photo." My goal is for the viewer to see a product and feel it's beautifully made and desirable to buy. For the viewer of a room to think, what a beautiful space. For the viewer of a person to think: they look attractive, professional, intelligent, and trustworthy. I trust them enough to do business with them.

Without a doubt, the intention of the photographer matters. Remember, it's only creative if it sells.

Indeed, we "buy with our eyes."

Judicial Portraits

2015-10-26T20:46:00.000-04:00

This summer I was commissioned by the Montgomery County Bar Association to create a series of judges portraits for the Montgomery County Courthouse. I was honored to be approached and chosen by them for this important project.

Each judge was first photographed by me and then chose their favorite proof for me to create their portrait from. Then using Photoshop, I created a 24" x 30" archival digital painting on canvas of each judge. This project was something totally different for me. These are my first digital paintings. They took several days to create.

They were just recently unveiled, so I'm able to share them now. Here's a link to one of the newspaper accounts of the last unveiling ceremony: Portraits inspire Montgomery County judges to raise the bar

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Photography of a Diner

2014-10-27T22:54:00.001-04:00

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Primary Source Image - (Click on the images to make them larger.)

I was recently commissioned to shoot this restored diner for use in their ads and on their website. They requested a sunset shot which meant that the sunlight on the diner would also light up the hotel immediately behind it, causing them to blend together in a photograph. This caused a major visual problem that could only be solved during post-production. The job had to be done quickly as it was to have it's grand opening in 10 days and the trees were about to lose their leaves. After 5 days of rain we had our chance.

Two images were blended together with additional Photoshop work to create the final image. The primary image was a shot of the building at sunset as requested. The other image was taken about a half hour later after dark to record the lights inside the diner.

Some of the additional Photoshop work was darkening down the hotel, repaving the parking lot, removing the telephone pole and wires, removing the truck, the post on the right side and the light pole on the right which was forming a tangent with the edge of the diner. Anything that was not part of the main subject was removed or subdued in order to simplify the image as much as possible and to direct the viewer's attention to the diner.

Great photos are usually not taken; they're made.

I'm usually more subtle in my color palette but the building is pretty unconventional looking and I decided to play it up and give it a bit of a painterly quality. It's always fun transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.

See more examples of my work as a Philadelphia architectural photographer.

See more examples of my work as a Photoshop expert.

Photography for an Interior Designer

2014-09-14T22:15:00.000-04:00

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This is a sampling from 15 interiors that I photographed the other day for Dana Neeld of Staging Spaces, an exceptionally talented interior designer in the Philadelphia region. We were tight for time, so I shot with minimal lighting, averaging about 15 minutes to set up the equipment and shoot each view. I prefer this approach because the photos "feel more real" to me.

The images don't come out of the camera looking anything like this. Cameras don't render scenes the way we perceive them. Extensive post-production is required to make the most of the data captured by the camera and create an image that has depth and looks real. Up to a dozen, images are combined to create each image. The post-production time averaged about 45 minutes for each image.

I show these to illustrate that excellent interior images are possible without going in with a crew and doing extensive lighting.

These images, especially when combined with her "before" photos are invaluable for her marketing as they show potential clients what she brings to the table. Since we buy with our eyes, photographs are by far the most effective way to demonstrate what she does.

Remember, if you're providing a service, you're selling trust. You can't show a buyer in advance what you're going to deliver, but you can show what you've done for others. Perception is everything, so you can't afford to use images that are less than the best.

Great images aren't an expense, they're an investment.

See more examples of my Philadelphia architectural photography.

Environmental Headshots

2014-06-16T20:00:00.003-04:00

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These are from a series of location headshots of employees that I created for a company's website. They were shot on location at the company's headquarter's in NJ. The goal was to make everyone look likable and approachable. The man with his head centered is the company president.

Click on the link to see more examples of my headshot photography.

Jewelry Photography

2014-04-18T14:24:00.000-04:00

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This is from a series of images I created for a jewelry designer. The company is Dylanex. Their cool designs are both challenging and fun to shoot. Just the perfect look for wearing around the house. :)

Some additional examples of jewelry photography are in my portfolio.

Most Photographers Just Don't Get It

2014-04-14T13:06:00.000-04:00

The purpose of your images should always be to increase sales. They should be eye-catching, convey quality and create desire.

Unfortunately, many professional photographers, graphic designers, creative directors and ad agencies just don't get it. They get so caught up in their desire to "be creative", win an award or copy the latest fad that they totally miss the point. They forget that the whole reason they're hired is to increase sales.

Buyers are bombarded with information, overworked and more than a little busy. They'll search for a particular product or service and they'll compare your website or brochure with your competitors. Most will quickly scan your materials and look at the photos to get a feel for the quality of your company and what you're selling.

Because we think in pictures (think of your car - does an image come into thought or do words?), images influence perceptions. You'd better have images that convey quality, create desire and build trust. Images that are at least as good as your major competitors and preferably better.

The photos you use create powerful perceptions of your products or service. High quality professional photos provide a great return on your investment through increased sales.

Images that aren't high quality create the perception of an second rate company and cheap products. The money you think you're saving is small compared to the sales you'll lose.

Images that increase sales will return profits that far exceed their modest cost. Cheap shots will cause you to lose sales without you even knowing it.

Apparel photography

2014-03-25T10:29:00.001-04:00

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I recently produced over a hundred images of clothing for the manufacturer. There are many ways to approach the photography of clothes. Certainly, one way is to shoot them on a model, but this adds quite a bit to the expense of a shoot as you need multiple models, hair stylists, make-up artists, etc. This particular approach was taken both to control costs and to keep attention on the product and make it look and feel very organic, very real.

Some additional examples of apparel photography are on my website.

Executive photo for a magazine cover

2014-02-26T22:41:00.000-05:00

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Had a great day shooting editorial images in Princeton and Philadelphia for a magazine. This is the CEO of a major foundation and was shot for the cover. I wanted a natural light feel, so lighting was kept to a minimum. I was granted 15 minutes for the shoot. She was photographed in two different settings to provide them with more choices.

Ghost mannequin photography

2014-02-16T17:38:00.000-05:00

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With more and more people buying online, clothing manufacturers need to have images that are both attractive and descriptive. Great photos both increase conversions and reduce returns.

Ghost mannequin photos are increasingly desired by some apparel manufacturers. They offer the advantage of showing the clothing without the change in shape caused by laying them flat or the expense and distraction of having them worn by models. They require much more time to create than photographing them flat, but if you want to increase your internet sales they can be a great investment.

A Great Place to Work

2014-02-02T22:26:00.002-05:00

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These images were commissioned by a multi-national chemical company. They'll be used as job recruitment posters a colleges. The space on the right side of the images will be used for a headline, copy and their logo. The client requested that the images be done in B/W. Real employees were used as the subjects. The goal was to show young employees who enjoy working there.

A Recent PR Shoot

2014-01-22T21:07:00.003-05:00

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This is one of many images created to publicize Independence Blue Cross Foundation's Healthy Futures initiative. They've granted 1.8 million dollars to fund a three year program to improve children's wellness by teaching them how to "Stay Well", "Get Fit", and "Eat Right". Many of the children were very excited about it.

The Perception of Quality

2014-01-19T23:02:00.001-05:00

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This image was created last week for a client that manufactures high-end skincare products. It's for a business to business ad that offers a special promotion price for this group of products to the dermatologists, plastic surgeons and medical spas that sell them.

This marks the 50th time that they've called on me to do their photography. I photographed, enhanced, retouched and delivered this and two other images less than 4 hours after their delivery to the studio.

Think of the internet as a dating site

2012-07-26T09:46:00.105-04:00

The internet is a giant match.com, and your website is your "listing". You're competing with other businesses to attract people who are deciding who to "ask out" (someone they'd like to do business with). They're searching, and they're comparing you to others. They have MANY to choose from.

If you were on a dating site what would be the first thing you'd look for?

If you're like most people, you'd check out their photos. What if they didn't have a photo? Would you think they had something to hide?

What if you saw a photo of Angelina Jolie or George Clooney on someone's listing? What would you think then? Could you trust them? That's what happens when the photos used aren't theirs. They're called stock photos.

Most people compare the photos, then if they like what they see they read to find out more.

If you want your website to attract new business, great images are vitally important. It's foolish to skimp on photography because we buy with our eyes. Your website is being compared to others. Lots of others.

You need images that attract, create desire and inspire trust. If you don't have them, they won't even read about what you have to offer. They'll just leave your site and go elsewhere.

Painful, isn't it?

Quote of the day

2012-07-26T09:00:00.020-04:00

"People hear what they see; we must communicate visually."
Harry Beckwith - Internationally acclaimed marketer and author of "Selling the Invisible"