From Generic to Genuine: Why You Should Invest in Custom Photoshoots Over Stock Images
Table of Contents
Why Custom Visuals Outshine Stock Images
Must-Have Shots for a Winning Visual Library
Tips for Organizing a Successful Brand Photoshoot
Legal and Practical Considerations
Empower Your Team to Capture Candid Moments
Custom Shoot Preparation Checklist
Your Business, Through Your Own Lens
NOTE: This post is written for the home service space. However, the information can apply to almost any kind of business.
Home service professionals, whether you’re a remodeler, landscaper, home automation specialist, or architect, know that first impressions matter. In a visual-driven world, the images and videos you use to showcase your work are often the very first impression potential customers get of your business. Yet, too many companies rely on bland, generic stock imagery that does nothing to set them apart.
If you have a healthy marketing budget, one of the smartest long-term investments you can make is hiring a professional photographer/videographer to create your own branded visual assets (both high-quality photos and B-roll video) instead of leaning on the same old stock photos everyone else uses.
Why bother with a photoshoot? Simply put, original visuals give you uniqueness, authenticity, engagement, SEO advantages, and customer trust that stock image libraries can’t match. In fact, studies show the average user looks at 12+ photos before making a decision on a local service. So, what are your photos saying about you?
This post breaks down the key benefits and offers practical tips to build a personalized visual library that will make your business stand out online for years to come.
Why Custom Visuals Outshine Stock Images
Investing in professional photography and video pays off through a range of benefits that generic stock images simply can’t provide. Here are the top reasons to go custom:
Unique Brand Identity
Using your own photos means no one else will have the same images. Stock photos are often overused. One popular stock image was found on over 2,900 other websites. If a competitor (or dozens of unrelated businesses) use the exact same smiling handyman or pretty kitchen image, it dilutes your brand.
Custom visuals, on the other hand, make your marketing distinctively yours. Every project you complete has its own character, and capturing it in original photos showcases what makes your services unique. This exclusive imagery reinforces your brand identity at a glance, helping you stand out in a crowded market rather than blending in with cookie-cutter visuals.
Authenticity and Brand Story
There’s no substitute for authenticity in marketing. Stock images, by nature, are staged and impersonal, and savvy customers can often tell when a photo is “too perfect” or fake. By featuring real photos of your team, your jobs, and happy customers, you humanize your business and tell a story.
Authentic images add a layer of credibility and personality that stock libraries simply can’t match. In fact, utilizing unique imagery promotes obvious authenticity and originality to your content, showing prospects the real faces and results behind your logo.
Your company isn’t a faceless entity, and your visuals shouldn’t be either. Letting people see the actual homes you’ve transformed or the genuine smile of a customer interacting with your technician makes your marketing more relatable and memorable.
Better Engagement and Conversions
Custom photos and videos aren’t just prettier, they’re proven to perform better. Audiences are naturally drawn to content that feels real. When MarketingExperiments tested a webpage with a real customer photo against the same page with a top-performing stock image, the version with the real photo saw 35% more people sign up for the service. That’s a massive lift in conversion just by swapping in an authentic image.
Unique visuals tend to generate higher engagement on social media as well. Posts with original images are more likely to be shared and clicked. Users spend more time on sites that feature genuine project photos and videos of work in action. All this engagement sends positive signals about your brand.
It can even translate to concrete leads and sales. You’re not just getting “likes,” you’re building confidence that drives customers to contact you. After all, seeing is believing. When prospects can see the quality of your work and the faces behind it, they’re much more likely to pick up the phone.
Customer Trust and Credibility
Perhaps the most important benefit: people trust what they see from your business when it looks real. Home services often require customers to invite you into their personal space, whether their home or yard, so building trust is pretty important.
Generic stock images of models and fake job sites don’t build that trust; in fact, they can undermine it. Consumers have grown wary of ads and websites that feel inauthentic. Studies confirm that authentic visuals dramatically boost trust. One analysis found that genuine imagery increases consumer trust 2.4× compared to stock photos.
It makes sense. When prospects see actual photos of your crew, your real clients, and true before-and-after results, it signals honesty. They feel like they know who they’re hiring. On the flip side, stock images can sometimes create confusion. If a visitor has encountered that same smiling model or staged scene elsewhere, let’s say on a competitor’s website, a brochure, or an ad, it can blur the lines of who you are and what you offer, weakening your brand message.
Bottom line: real photos of real people and projects build credibility. They tell customers you have nothing to hide and are proud of your work. This trust can be the deciding factor that tips someone to choose your company over a competitor.
By investing in professional, personalized imagery, you’re not just getting pretty pictures; you’re building a foundation of authenticity and trust that underpins all your marketing.
In a field where reputations matter, that’s priceless.
Must-Have Shots for a Winning Visual Library
Once you’re committed to creating your own visual assets, it’s helpful to plan out the kinds of photos (and video footage) that will be most valuable for your marketing. The goal is to capture images that tell your story, showcase your work’s quality, and resonate with what your customers care about. Here are some high-impact shots to prioritize in your custom photoshoot:
Technicians in Action with Customers
People-focused images are powerful. Make sure to get shots of your team interacting with clients on the job. For example, a technician shaking a customer’s hand at the door, a remodeler showing a homeowner the progress on their kitchen, or a landscape designer walking the yard with the client discussing plans.
These candid action shots convey friendliness, professionalism, and real customer service. They let viewers picture themselves in that scenario, establishing a personal connection. Showing genuine smiles, attentive listening, or collaborative moments builds trust by highlighting the human side of your business. It proves that you’re not just selling a service; you’re building relationships.
PRO TIP: Have your staff wear branded shirts or uniforms in these photos for an extra dose of branding and polish.
Before-and-After Transformations
Few visuals are more compelling to prospective customers than a dramatic “before vs. after” comparison. If your services involve any kind of transformation (a renovated kitchen, a freshly landscaped yard, a new home automation system installation), plan to document it from start to finish.
They tell a story at a glance: “Here’s the problem, and here’s the amazing result we delivered.”
Make sure your “before” photo is clear (even if the scene is unattractive – that’s the point!) and take the “after” from the same angle and framing for maximum impact. These pairs of images are gold for your website sliders, project galleries, and social media posts. They provide tangible proof of quality, and they tap into the emotional reward of seeing something improved. Before/after shots essentially let your results speak for themselves, which is incredibly persuasive to new customers looking to trust someone with their own home project.
Tools, Materials, and Work-in-Progress Shots
Don’t overlook the value of “process” photos; images of your team’s tools and craftsmanship in action. These could be close-ups of a contractor’s hands at work (sanding wood, laying tiles, programming a smart thermostat) or a technician on a ladder installing wiring. Shots of your branded truck and equipment, or materials being used (like pavers being laid out for a patio), also fall into this category.
Why include these? They convey professionalism and competence. They show that you have the proper tools and skills, and they demystify the work that goes into your services.
For example, a photo of an arborist’s chainsaw cutting through a dead branch (with safety gear on) can illustrate expertise and safety. A shot of an installer carefully pulling cables through a wall shows precision. Such images make abstract services tangible. They also add visual interest and variety to your library, mixing wide shots of finished projects with dynamic close-ups and action details.
For video, consider capturing some B-roll of these processes too (e.g., time-lapse of a room being painted, or a slow-pan video of a designer sketching plans). Process visuals emphasize that you don’t just deliver results, you have a skilled team working hard behind the scenes.
Lifestyle and “Golden Hour” Showcase Images
Finally, plan some photos that capture the lifestyle impact of your services, often best taken during the famed golden hour (the hour after sunrise or before sunset) for beautiful, warm light. These images are more about the feeling and end result of your work, rather than the process.
For a remodeler, this might be a wide shot of a finished kitchen bathed in late-afternoon sun, with a family enjoying a meal (real or staged, with permission).
For a landscaper, an image of the homeowner relaxing on their new patio at sunset, garden lights twinkling as dusk falls, can be incredibly inviting.
Golden hour light is soft and warm, making everything look a bit more magical. It’s widely considered the best time of day to shoot because it produces flattering, even illumination with a golden hue. Use that to your advantage for “after” photos: the rich colors of a sunset sky or the long soft shadows can make a renovated exterior or yard look like a dream.
Lifestyle shots appeal to emotion. They help potential customers imagine the improved quality of life or joy they’ll get from your services. Whether it’s a smart home system making evening movie time cozier, or a remodel that brings family together, try to capture those aspirational moments.
These kinds of photos are perfect for your homepage banners, brochures, or background visuals in promo videos. They subtly sell the experience and benefits of your work, not just the technical features.
By prioritizing these types of shots, you’ll cover a spectrum: the people, the process, the before/after proof, and the ultimate lifestyle payoff.
Together, they create a narrative about your business that is both informative and emotionally resonant. When planning your shoot, make a checklist of these must-haves so you can ensure you capture each one.
PRO TIP: Remember to take both horizontal and vertical versions if possible, so you have flexibility for different platforms and layouts.
Tips for Organizing a Successful Brand Photoshoot
Creating a library of custom visuals might sound daunting, but with some planning, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding process. Here are some practical tips on how to organize a shoot that yields a ton of useful content:
Hire a Pro (and Plan a “Day in the Life” Shoot)
If you have a solid marketing budget, invest in a professional photographer or videographer who has experience with brand storytelling. Discuss your goals and shot list with them in advance.
A great approach for home service businesses is to have the photographer follow you or your team for a full day (or several days) of real work. This documentary-style shoot can capture genuine interactions and candid moments as they happen.
For example, you might have them ride along as your technician visits a client site or shadow your crew during a one-day project. The idea is to get lots of natural, in-action shots rather than stiff poses. Of course, also schedule a few set-piece shots (like team group photos or before/after angles) as needed, but the magic of a pro is that they can be a “fly on the wall” and catch authentic moments.
Hiring a media professional ensures you get high-quality results. They’ll know how to compose shots, work in various lighting, and put subjects at ease. It also frees you to focus on your work during the shoot while they focus on the visuals.
Recruit Real Customers to Participate
Nothing sells your services better than happy customers visibly enjoying the results. Consider lining up one or two favorite clients who are enthusiastic about your work and comfortable being photographed. You can reach out to them beforehand to ask if they’d be willing to be in a few photos or videos, perhaps in exchange for a small discount or just because they’re kind supporters. Feature them in scenes like walking through the finished project, giving a testimonial on camera, or simply chatting with you smiling.
Using actual customers (rather than models) amps up authenticity. It shows future clients that real people in your community trust and like your services. Make sure to get a signed photo release (more on that in the next section) and express your gratitude. Most proud homeowners are happy to show off their new kitchen or gorgeous yard on camera!
Planning for specific customers or completed projects to photograph ensures you’ll have strong “case study” visuals that highlight your best work and the customer satisfaction that came with it.
Capture Natural Team Moments
In addition to clients, involve your employees and crew. After all, they are the face of your company. Let the shoot showcase some personality. Candid shots of your team laughing during a coffee break or discussing plans over the hood of the truck can convey company culture and approachability.
You might even capture short video snippets of technicians explaining what they’re doing (which can be great for social media). Encourage your team to act naturally and be themselves on camera. The goal is to avoid anything that feels overly staged.
One idea is to start the day with some easy group shots to get everyone warmed up, then let the photographer melt into the background as work gets underway. The more comfortable your team feels, the more their genuine pride and camaraderie will shine through in the photos. These behind-the-scenes perspectives make potential customers feel like they know the “people behind the brand,” fostering a sense of connection.
Mix in B-Roll Video Footage
While photos will likely be the bulk of your visual library, don’t forget to capture video B-roll during the shoot as well. B-roll refers to the supplemental footage that isn’t a structured, scripted video. For instance, a montage of clips showing a project in progress, or a slow-motion video of your finished design from different angles.
If you’ve hired a photographer who can do both, have them take short video clips throughout the day (many modern DSLRs can shoot high-quality video). If not, consider hiring a videographer or simply use a good smartphone on a stabilizer to grab a few clips yourself.
Focus on the same subjects: your team working (sawing wood, digging, typing on a smart home tablet), customer interactions (the moment a homeowner sees the “after” for the first time), and panoramic shots of completed work. These candid videos can later be edited into marketing videos, used on your website’s homepage, or shared on social media for extra engagement.
Video adds motion and life to your marketing. Even a 15-second timelapse of a lawn makeover or a before-and-after dissolve can be extremely eye-catching. By planning for video alongside photos, you maximize the content you get out of one shoot.
Plan, but Stay Flexible
Before the shoot day, work with your photographer to outline a shot list or schedule, but treat it as a flexible guide, not a rigid script. Identify key moments you don’t want to miss. For example:
“Crew arrives on site at 9 AM. Get the unloading tools shots.”
“Client will be home at 3 PM for reveal. Capture their reaction.”
Provide the addresses of locations, know when the lighting will be best (for outdoor shoots, plan around the sun’s position if possible), and ensure any necessary people will be on hand.
That said, be ready to adapt if things change. Sometimes the best photos are spontaneous; an unexpected rainbow over the finished landscape, or a child curiously peeking at the work being done. Build in extra time so the team isn’t rushed. If a particular shot isn’t working, move on and come back to it later. And have backup plans (like indoor options if rain hits an outdoor shoot). A well-thought-out plan ensures you hit all your priorities, while flexibility ensures you can seize creative opportunities in the moment.
Organizing a custom shoot does take effort, including coordinating people, places, and timing, but it’s well worth it. Many businesses find that one dedicated shoot can produce dozens of versatile photos and clips that they’ll use over and over in marketing materials. Treat it as an investment in a library of content that will serve you for a long time. And remember to keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed during the shoot. When people enjoy the process, it shows in the final images.
Legal and Practical Considerations
Before you start photographing clients and employees, make sure you’ve covered the legal and logistical basics. Here are some important considerations to keep your custom visuals project running smoothly:
Obtain Permission and Photo Releases
Whenever you feature people in your photos or videos, whether they’re customers or your employees, it’s wise (and often legally required) to have them sign a photo release form. This is a simple document where they consent to being photographed and allow you to use the images for marketing. Getting written permission protects you from any future disputes about publicity rights.
For planned shoots, it’s a good idea to send out these consent forms to participants ahead of time so they can review and sign without pressure. For example, email your customer a model release form a few days before the shoot, or have copies ready for your crew to sign at the shop in the morning.
If the shoot is at a customer’s home or business, it’s also courteous to have their ok to feature their property in images. Most people are fine with it, especially if you frame it as showcasing the great results, but always ask.
Additionally, if you plan to film on someone’s property, that property might be considered private; get permission to avoid any issues. In summary, cover your bases with simple release forms for people and places. It takes just a few minutes and ensures you can fully leverage your photos and videos in any medium you need.
Choose the Best Time of Day
We mentioned golden hour for certain shots, but timing matters for all aspects of your shoot. Lighting is a critical factor in how your photos will turn out.
If you’re shooting outdoors, avoid the harsh midday sun if you can. It can create strong shadows and blown-out highlights that are less flattering.
Early morning or late afternoon light will be softer and more even.
Overcast days can actually be great for photography (nature’s softbox!), as the clouds diffuse the sunlight.
For indoor shoots, plan for when spaces have ample natural light coming through windows (late morning might be ideal for a bright living room, for instance). You can also ask your photographer if they plan to bring lighting equipment for interiors or dim spaces.
The right time of day can be the difference between a mediocre image and a stunning one. So schedule your most important exterior shots around the sun, and have an idea of how the light moves in the spaces you’re photographing. A little planning here can greatly improve the quality of the visuals you capture.
Prepare the Environment
Treat your photoshoot like an event. You want everything looking its best. That means doing a bit of prep work on the locations and subjects. If you’re photographing a project site (say, a remodeled kitchen or a newly landscaped yard), tidy up the area beforehand. Remove any clutter, personal items, or debris that might distract from the scene.
Stage the space in a natural but appealing way: for a kitchen, maybe have a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter or some stylish place settings at the table; for a backyard, consider adding a few outdoor cushions or a pitcher of lemonade on the patio table to suggest livability.
Ensure your company logo is visible where it makes sense; the crew is wearing clean company shirts, and a vehicle with your logo is parked in view (if it enhances the shot).
Also, have your team check their own appearance: neat uniforms or attire, safety gear where appropriate, and generally looking professional.
Small details (like wiping down stainless steel appliances to remove fingerprints, or making sure the lawn is freshly mowed for the shoot) can make a big difference in how polished the final photos look.
You want to capture reality, but it’s okay to accentuate the positive aspects of reality! Preparing and staging a bit doesn’t make it fake. It ensures viewers see the best side of your work.
Safety and Privacy
While focusing on visuals, don’t forget the practical aspects of safety and privacy. If your team will be actively working during photos, make sure they still follow all safety protocols (wear protective equipment, etc). You don’t want an injury just because someone was distracted by the camera. Plus, photos of unsafe practices could backfire on your brand.
Privacy-wise, be mindful of anything in the frame that shouldn’t be public. For example, if shooting inside a client’s home, check that no personal information (like family photos, addresses, or sensitive documents) is visible.
If you film your office or workshop, tidy up any whiteboards with private notes. Basically, respect confidentiality: both yours and your clients’. If a client has certain areas they don’t want photographed, honor that.
It’s always better to over-communicate and ensure everyone’s comfortable with what’s being captured. By shooting thoughtfully, you’ll avoid any hiccups like a customer later asking you to take down a photo because something personal was shown.
Rights and Usage of the Photos
Since you’re hiring a professional photographer, clarify the ownership and usage rights of the photos and videos.
Typically, as the client, you should secure rights (often unlimited use rights) to all the images produced in the shoot for your marketing purposes, but make sure this is stated in your contract with the photographer. Most photographers will be fine with you using the images on your website, social media, print materials, etc., as long as it’s agreed upon.
It’s also courteous (and often contractually required) to credit the photographer if you publish the photos in certain mediums (like a magazine feature or a blog post about the shoot). But for your own marketing, you likely won’t caption the photos with credits. Just ensure you have the legal right to use them however you need.
Additionally, ask the photographer to provide you with the high-resolution files and perhaps a set of web-optimized versions. Organize these files in your archives. This visual library will be a long-term asset, so keep it backed up and easily accessible for your marketing team.
Addressing these considerations up front will save you headaches down the line. A little bit of legal formality and logistical prep can go a long way to ensure your custom visuals project is a smashing success, with only positive outcomes for your business and your customers.
Empower Your Team to Capture Candid Moments
Your professional photoshoot will give you a treasure trove of polished images, but marketing today is an ongoing effort. Everyday life in your business can provide great visual content too. One clever strategy is to tap into your own team’s talents for supplementing your image library on a continual basis. Chances are you have a tech or two who loves snapping photos on their phone, or an office manager who has a good eye for Instagram. Leverage that! Encourage employees who have a knack for photography to capture candid moments whenever they spot something worthwhile (using their smartphones or a company camera, if you have one).
For example, your landscaping crew might take a quick before-and-after phone pic of each job and send it to the office. A remodeler could capture a spontaneous shot of the client giving a thumbs-up next to their newly installed cabinets (with permission). An HVAC technician might photograph a neat, clean furnace installation they’re proud of. These informal photos will not have the pro quality of your staged shoot, but they add authenticity and immediacy to your marketing. They’re great for social media “in the moment” posts, stories, or blog updates about recent projects. They show that you’re active, busy, and consistently delivering results.
To make this work, give your team a little guidance on what makes a good photo. Teach them some basics like: wipe the camera lens, avoid blurry shots, try to take photos in landscape orientation (for easier use on websites), and be mindful of lighting (e.g., have the light source behind the camera, not behind the subject).
Identify which types of moments are worth capturing: e.g., a smiling customer, a cool piece of tech or equipment installed, a nice wide shot of the finished job site, a team selfie after completing a project, etc. You might even create a shared company album or chat group where employees can drop photos from the field. Make it fun by recognizing the best candid photo each month, or sharing particularly good shots in team meetings. This will motivate the inner shutterbug in some of your staff.
Of course, continue to respect privacy and get permission. If a client is present in a candid shot, a quick verbal “Mind if I snap a photo for our Facebook page?” goes a long way. (Note that down so you remember they agreed. Documentation is important!) For employee-focused candid shots, ensure everyone is comfortable being featured. Typically, if they’re proud of their work, they will be!
By empowering your employees to contribute to the visual storytelling, you not only get a steady stream of fresh content, but you also build a culture of pride and engagement. Your team in the field often has the best vantage point to catch those real, unscripted success moments.
Over time, these candid images, combined with your professional shots, will give you a rich and layered visual archive. You’ll have everything from hero images for the homepage to quick Facebook updates, all originating from your business, not a stock database. This continuous flow of authentic content keeps your marketing feeling alive and genuine, which in turn keeps customers interested and engaged.
Custom Shoot Preparation Checklist
Ready to schedule that game-changing photoshoot? Use this simple checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared and get the most value out of your investment in custom visuals:
RELATED ➡️ Free Download: Custom Shot List for Home Service Pros
Define Your Goals and Shot List
Write down what you want to achieve with the shoot. List the key shots you need (e.g., “Team with happy customer on job site,” “Front of store/office building,” “Before and after of Smith kitchen project,” “Crew working on roof with drone shot”). Having clear goals ensures you won’t forget any must-have images when the day comes.
Hire the Right Photographer/Videographer
Research and book a professional who has a style you like and experience in on-site candid shooting or corporate branding shoots. Communicate your shot list and objectives to them in advance. Confirm the date, time, and how long you’ll have them. If you need both photos and video, discuss whether one person can do both or if you should hire a small team (some photographers have assistants or can bring a second shooter for video).
Schedule the Shoot at the Best Time
Coordinate a date and time that works for all involved: your team, the customer(s), the locations you want to feature, and the photographer. Pay special attention to timing for light: plan outdoor segments around morning or late afternoon if possible, and check the weather forecast as the day approaches. If needed, have a rain date or alternate plan. Ensure any indoor locations will be accessible and clean at the scheduled time.
Obtain Permissions and Releases
A few days before the shoot, get your paperwork in order. Have model release forms ready for any customers or non-employee participants to sign (and employees too, if not already covered in your hiring paperwork). If shooting at a client’s property, get their written or email confirmation that they’re okay with you using photos of the project. It’s better to handle this ahead of time than on the spot. Don’t forget any necessary permits if you’re filming in a public area, though most home service shoots won’t need that.
Prepare People and Props
Alert your staff about the shoot schedule and what’s expected. Make sure company vehicles are washed and tools/equipment are presentable since they might appear in shots. Lay out clean uniforms or branded apparel for the team to wear. If clients will be in the photos, gently remind them of the time and see if they have any needs (some may want to tidy up or even dress nicely, knowing they’ll be photographed). Gather any props you might need. For instance, if you want a “ribbon-cutting” style photo or a before/after sign, have those ready.
Stage Your Job Sites
The day before (or morning of) the shoot, visit the locations to be photographed and give them a once-over. Clean up any clutter, finish any aesthetic touches if possible (plant some fresh flowers in the garden bed for the landscaping shoot, or wipe down all the countertops for the kitchen shoot). Think about small details: open all the window blinds for more light, turn on all lights for warmth, maybe have some appropriate decor pieces as mentioned earlier. You want each location to look its absolute best, but still lived-in enough to be believable.
PRO TIP: Don’t rely on Photoshop to clean up mistakes you could’ve handled in 5 minutes on-site. Editing out a 5-gallon bucket, removing tangled cords, fixing a wrinkled shirt, or adjusting a crooked pillow can eat up hours in post-production. It’s far more efficient and cost-effective to plan ahead. Sweep the floors, fluff the pillows, tuck away clutter, and hide those cords before the camera starts clicking. Your future self (and your photographer) will thank you.
Brief the Photographer on Arrival
When your photographer arrives, take a few minutes to walk them through the plan. Point out any VIP shots on your list and the sequence of events (e.g., “We’ll start at the Jones residence for the crew-at-work shots, then around noon we’ll head to our office for team photos, and later catch the patio we finished at Smith’s place by sunset”). Provide them with safety gear if needed (like a hard hat or safety goggles) if they’ll be in active construction zones. Clarify any no-go zones or sensitive areas to avoid. This briefing ensures they’re on the same page and can prep their gear accordingly (lenses, lighting, etc., for each environment).
During the Shoot, Be Helpful, Not Hovering
During the actual shoot, focus on doing your job and let the photographer do theirs, but also be ready to facilitate. Introduce them to the customer when they arrive (“This is our photographer who’s helping capture our work. We really appreciate you letting us photograph your project!”).
Encourage your crew to relax and act natural, but also to pause occasionally for a clear shot if the photographer asks (for example, holding a pose of tightening a bolt for a second or repeating a short action so it can be caught on video).
Keep an eye on small details. If you notice a stray piece of trash in the frame or a team member’s shirt untucked, it’s okay to pause and fix it.
Give the photographer time to be creative as well; if they want an extra take or to try a different angle, accommodate if possible.
Most importantly, keep the mood upbeat. Play some music on site if appropriate, have water or snacks available for everyone, and treat it as a team-building day. Your positive energy will reflect in the photos.
Wrap-Up and Asset Collection
At the end of the shoot day, thank everyone involved: the photographer, your team, and the customers. Make sure you have the photographer’s commitment on when they will deliver the photos and videos. Often, it takes a couple of weeks for them to process and edit the best shots.
When you receive the files, organize your new visual assets immediately. Create folders (e.g., “2025 Spring Photoshoot”) and maybe subfolders by topic (team, project A, project B, etc). Back everything up. It’s a good idea to resize or export web-friendly versions (your photographer might do this) for easy use online, while keeping the high-res originals for print or future needs.
Leverage Your Visual Library
Finally, put those visuals to work! Update your website’s homepage and gallery with the stunning new photos. Post a few of the best shots on your social media with stories behind them. Incorporate them into your next email newsletter. Replace any remaining stock photos in your brochures or ads with these on-brand images. Essentially, refresh your marketing materials across the board to reflect the new, authentic imagery.
You’ll immediately notice the difference in how professional and cohesive your brand looks. And remember, this library will serve you for a long time! You can dip into it for seasonal campaigns, blog posts, presentation decks, anywhere you need a visual touch. It’s an asset that keeps on giving.
Using this checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to execute a smooth and productive photoshoot that yields a mountain of valuable content. It might feel like a lot of steps, but each one contributes to making sure the investment of time and money produces maximum payoff in quality and variety of visuals. Once you’ve done it, you’ll likely wonder why you ever relied on generic stock images in the first place!
RELATED ➡️ Free Download: Custom Shot List for Home Service Pros
Your Business, Through Your Own Lens
In the home services arena, trust, quality, and differentiation are everything. Professional, custom photography and video give you a powerful way to convey those values without saying a word. Instead of a stock image that prospects have seen a hundred times, you’re showing your work, your team, your satisfied customers… in other words, your story.
This kind of genuine visual storytelling makes your marketing more effective and your brand more memorable. Yes, it requires an upfront investment and some planning, but the returns are long-lasting. You’ll build a library of on-brand visuals that you can reuse and repurpose across all your marketing channels for years, ensuring consistency and reinforcing your identity each time.
SIDENOTE: Stock photos can be a helpful starting point, especially for new businesses, limited budgets, or industries where visuals are hard to capture. Sometimes, they’re the only option available. And that’s okay. But if your budget allows, investing in custom visuals will elevate your brand dramatically.
So, if you have the budget to allocate, skip another ad buy or glossy flyer, and put it toward a professional photoshoot. It’s a marketing move that will keep paying dividends. Your website will sparkle with originality, your social media will come alive with real moments, and your overall brand will stand head and shoulders above competitors stuck in the stock-photo rut. In the end, customers will not only remember you, they’ll trust you. And trust, combined with quality, is what turns browsers into buyers.
With the right images, you won’t just tell potential clients you’re the best choice – you’ll show them.
Need a Website That Actually Shows Off Your Work?
If your current site doesn’t reflect the quality of your services, or worse, still uses tired stock photos, let’s fix that. We build websites designed to connect with real people, convert more leads, and showcase your business in its best light.
Sources:
Signal Graphics Blog – How Great Before-and-After Pictures Can Transform Your Marketing
CXL (ConversionXL) – Stock Photos vs. Real Photos: Which Ones Work Better?
Sproutworth – Visual Content Marketing Statistics 2024
America’s SBDC – Five Photo Tips For Your Small Business
Format Magazine – The Ultimate Guide to Photo Release Forms
Adobe – Golden hour photography tips
