Introduction
Stock photos of smiling people in suits don’t build trust. Customers can spot generic images instantly. Real photos of your actual business, your work, and your team make a real difference.
You don’t need a big budget or professional equipment to get good photos. Here’s how to build a library of images that make your business look professional.
Why Real Photos Matter
Trust
Customers want to know you’re real:
- Real location = you exist
- Real team = real people to deal with
- Real work = evidence of quality
Stock photos say nothing about your business.
Differentiation
Your competitors might have similar services:
- Your photos are uniquely yours
- Shows your specific quality
- Gives personality to your brand
Local Connection
For Western Sydney businesses:
- Familiar locations resonate
- Local landmarks build connection
- Community presence matters
Photos You Need
Exterior Shot
Your business location:
- Clear storefront or entrance
- Good weather
- Signage visible
- Clean and tidy
For service businesses without a shopfront, skip this or show branded vehicle.
Interior Shots
Inside your business:
- Reception or customer area
- Work areas (if presentable)
- Atmosphere and vibe
- Clean and organised
Your Work
What you actually do:
For Trades
- Before and after shots
- Work in progress
- Completed projects
- Details and craftsmanship
For Food/Hospitality
- Signature dishes
- Food presentation
- Venue atmosphere
- Happy customers (with permission)
For Services
- You providing the service
- Results or outcomes
- Tools or equipment
- Workspaces
For Retail
- Product displays
- Popular items
- Store layout
- Special displays
Team Photos
People behind the business:
- Individual headshots
- Team group shot
- Action shots of work
- Candid moments
People connect with people.
Behind the Scenes
How things work:
- Preparation process
- Quality control
- Team collaboration
- Real working moments
Shows authenticity.
DIY Photography Tips
Equipment
Phone Camera is Fine
Modern smartphones take excellent photos:
- Clean the lens
- Use natural light
- Hold steady
- Take lots, choose best
If You Have a Camera
- Learn the basics
- Shoot in good light
- Use appropriate settings
- Practice before important shots
Lighting
Light makes or breaks photos:
Best Light
- Natural daylight
- Near windows
- Overcast days (soft, even light)
- Morning or late afternoon
Avoid
- Harsh midday sun
- Overhead fluorescent lights
- Mixed light sources
- Deep shadows
Quick Fixes
- Turn on all lights
- Open blinds and curtains
- Move subject near window
- Use white surface as reflector
Composition
How you frame the shot:
Basic Rules
- Fill the frame with your subject
- Keep horizons level
- Avoid clutter in background
- Try different angles
For Products
- Clean background
- Good lighting
- Multiple angles
- Show scale
For Spaces
- Tidy up first
- Shoot from corners
- Capture the feel
- Include context
Common Mistakes
Too Dark
More light is almost always better.
Blurry
Hold phone steady, tap to focus, take multiple shots.
Cluttered Background
Move items, change angle, or clean up.
Wrong Moment
Take many photos, choose the best one later.
When to Hire a Photographer
Consider Professional Help For
- Website launch or redesign
- Important marketing materials
- Team headshots
- Complex products
- Real estate or venues
Finding a Photographer
- Look for local photographers
- Review their portfolio
- Check they’ve done similar work
- Get quotes from several
What to Expect
Before the Shoot
- Discuss what you need
- Plan shot list
- Prepare locations
- Brief participants
During the Shoot
- Takes a few hours typically
- Photographer directs
- Multiple setups
- Many shots taken
After the Shoot
- Editing and selection
- Delivery of final images
- Rights and usage clarity
Budget
For small business photography:
- Basic shoot: $300-600
- Half-day comprehensive: $600-1,200
- Full day: $1,200-2,500
Consider it an investment in your image.
Building Your Photo Library
Start with What You Have
Use your phone today:
- Take photos regularly
- Capture good moments
- Build a collection
- Review what works
Ongoing Capture
Make it routine:
- Photo day once a month
- Capture new work as completed
- Special events and milestones
- Seasonal changes
Organise Your Photos
Keep track of what you have:
- Folder by type/category
- Keep originals
- Note what’s missing
- Delete obvious rejects
Rights and Permissions
Customer Photos
- Get permission to use photos
- Written consent is best
- Especially for before/after
Team Photos
- Ensure staff agree to use
- Update when team changes
- Consider what happens if they leave
Photographer Images
- Clarify usage rights
- Understand what’s included
- Keep documentation
Using Your Photos
Website
- Homepage hero image
- About page team photos
- Gallery of work
- Service page illustrations
Google Business Profile
- Cover and profile photos
- Regular updates
- Showcase work
- Team and location
Social Media
- Regular posts
- Stories
- Profile images
- Cover photos
Print Materials
- Business cards
- Flyers and brochures
- Signage
- Vehicle wraps
Consistency
Use similar style across platforms:
- Similar editing
- Consistent quality
- Recognisable brand
- Regular updates
Conclusion
Real photos of your business build trust and set you apart. You don’t need expensive equipment or professional photographers for everything—a smartphone and good light get you surprisingly far.
Start capturing photos of your work, your team, and your location. Build a library over time. Invest in professional photography for important uses.
For local businesses in Western Sydney, authentic photos showing your real business resonate far more than any stock image ever could.
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