Chances are you've watched a video online in the past week. Video is everywhere online and YouTube alone is the second most used search engine in the world. With the growth of video has also meant the advances in technology to produce video equipment. Cameras have more features and are more accessible than ever before. Everyone with a Smartphone has a photo and video camera in their pocket. However, when it comes to creating visual content for your business, often it’s still best to hire a professional even if you own a camera you think will do the job.
When a camera isn't just a camera
Without getting too technical, cameras are about more than just megapixels and HD resolutions. There are sensors, color science and a host of other things that most “consumer” products don’t bother with talking about. That’s why you can buy both a $200 1080p camera or a $100,000 1080p camera. The resolution is the same -- It’s everything else that is different.
"But my nephew made a really nice movie on his iPad."
When you hire a professional, you aren't just hiring them for their camera though. You yourself might own a “really nice camera.” But a good camera in the hands of someone who has mastered the craft will produce a better result than someone with a good camera who “knows enough to be dangerous.”
Working with a professional means getting years of experience, good gear and creative vision. This means less of a headache for you too as the process will go more smoothly and be less stressful than if you tried to do it yourself.
"Does everything have to be professionally produced?"
There are, however, some instances when it is acceptable to not have professionally created content. Your branding and viewer expectancy will play a part in how much of this content you can use though. A clean-lined, high-end fashion website will probably have professionally produced video blogs rather than setting up a camera in an office. This is because visitors to their website expect it.
That’s not to say they can’t post a behind-the-scenes Hyper-lapse video or something like that, but in general, their visual content will match their brand.
But for most businesses, the owner or an employee can take photos for Instagram or Facebook and post online without worrying too much about “how professional" they look. Sometimes you may want content to look more “raw” or “real” and not be overly produced.
When to call the pros
When trying to decide if you should hire a professional, ask yourself:
Remember, just because your camera shoots 20 megapixel stills or shoots 1080p video doesn’t mean you can use it to create your next marketing piece. Know your goals, and know that a professional photographer or videographer is going to get behind your business, and put all of their gear and know-how into making you a success.
If you have questions about whether or not you should hire a professional for your visual content creation, contact us for a consultation or a quote!
Comments