| re numerous techniques you can employ when | | | | make the mistake of just clicking on the paid listings, |
| needing to source out a local commercial | | | | or for that matter only browsing the listings on the |
| photographer. Below I've listed five of the main | | | | first page. Just because the photographer invests a |
| search methods that I would recommend to try. | | | | fortune to be listed number one, either to Google Ad |
| 1. Depending of course on your regional location, a | | | | words or to a smart SEO (Search Engine Optimiser), |
| quick browse through a few local printed business | | | | doesn't necessarily make them the right person for |
| directories should turn up a few potential | | | | your project. |
| photographers. Remember to search in the | | | | 4. AOP (Association Of Photographers), MPA (The |
| 'Commercial and Industrial Photographers' section | | | | Master Photographers Association), BIPP (British |
| though, as wedding or family photographers probably | | | | Institute of professional Photography) Etc. No doubt |
| aren't suitable for your needs. The risk of overlooking | | | | a useful starting point when searching for local |
| many potential commercial photographers exists if | | | | photographers but by no means all inclusive. I have |
| you only conduct this kind of search, as many | | | | known plenty of hugely talented and high profile |
| commercial photographers have chosen to opt out of | | | | photographers that have never subscribed to such |
| printed directories since the proliferation and mass | | | | professional photographic bodies. Also be warned that |
| popularity of the internet. | | | | the photographer's quality, ability and reliability cannot |
| 2. Many of these printed directories can now be | | | | always be measured by such paid for credentials. |
| found online, often with fuller and more | | | | However, still a useful resource. |
| comprehensive listings. Here you'll find both free and | | | | 5. The fifth and final method of sourcing out any |
| paid for listings normally with a convenient link back | | | | suitable tradesman is through word of mouth A highly |
| to the photographers home page. The major | | | | praised personal recommendation from a trusted |
| advantage over the traditional printed directories is of | | | | source is worth it's weight in gold. Try asking fellow |
| course choice, but all this choice can sometimes be | | | | business owners, be they friends, neighbours or |
| overwhelming. A good tip is to only search for | | | | fellow golf club members who they have used in the |
| commercial photographers in your locality as you'll find | | | | past; most importantly would they use them again? |
| the bulk of these listings will be mainly made up of | | | | Of course the photographer they hired might not be |
| wedding and family portrait photographers. | | | | suited to your brief, maybe you're looking for a more |
| 3. Search Engines. Google, Yahoo, Ask, MSN, Bing or | | | | contemporary style or maybe their fees are just out |
| whatever you favour will sure to present you with a | | | | of your budget. |
| comprehensive list of local photographers. As with all | | | | To conclude I would thoroughly recommend |
| searches in order to try and narrow down your | | | | employing a healthy mix of the above search |
| search to mainly include commercial photography I | | | | techniques, draw up a shortlist and then carefully |
| would recommend that you try typing in 'commercial | | | | compare and ultimately select the one that is right |
| photographer yourlocation'. Failing that, try replacing | | | | for your specific project. |
| your location with a nearby city or large town. Don't | | | | |