It’s More Than a Construction Site: Why the Right Photographer Solves More Than Marketing
In the construction world, you’ve got a lot to think about. The work is intense. There are logistics, equipment, people, and circumstances that must be navigated with clarity and focus.
So, when a photographer approaches you about your branding and marketing materials, it’s pretty easy to understand why you smile and nod and “will talk to us about it later”.
At least, it’s easy for photographers like Brian and me to understand. That’s because we see the construction world every day, and we respect the work.
An experienced construction photographer knows how to work around heavy equipment and crews without disrupting the job. Photo by Mia McGlynn.
The photographer with experience around the skilled trades matters
The thing is, the photographer who has experience working around the skilled trades? That’s the one you want to make the time for. Here’s why...
Let’s kick things off by being transparent. I know that you don’t want to think about marketing, but you should, and it’s not always for the reasons that come to mind.
Sure, from where you’re standing, there’s a ton of work lined up. You might be scheduled out pretty far in advance, so you figure you don’t need to worry about spotlighting your work. Your reputation will speak for you.
And, to some extent, you’re not wrong.
Photographing active quarry work requires an understanding of heavy equipment, confined environments, and safety boundaries. Photo by Mia McGlynn.
But, do you know who’s looking you up?
Who wants to see what your company is doing right now?
Who wants to get a sense of the work, the environment, the people?
Your future hires.
And, you need them.
It’s no secret that there are not enough trades workers to go around. If you’re recruiting, you can’t afford to keep using stock photography on your websites and socials. You need to show the people who may want to come work for you that you are not a ghost, or a cookie cut-out, ... or a business that existed in the early 90’s when websites were just getting started.
It’s not just your customers who are looking you up.
It’s your future workforce.
Do your images reflect what you want them to see?
Experience on active jobsites changes the equation
So, now that I’ve got you thinking, you’re probably reluctantly envisioning the idea of making this happen. But with someone like Brian, who works in active work environments regularly, you don’t have to sweat it.
This is not a newborn session or a bar mitzvah. This is real-life work, grit, structure, action. This is where a vetted commercial photographer shines.
You have rules on a jobsite, and you don’t have a ton of time to explain why to a photographer setting foot in the arena for the first time. Hiring a professional photographer with experience in an active construction environment means saving yourself some headaches.
Experienced photographers understand where they can work safely around crews and equipment without slowing the job down. Photo by Mia McGlynn.
It goes beyond PPE
But it goes far beyond the fact that your photographer knows they may need to have appropriate PPE.
The whole reason you hire a photographer is to showcase the work, the brand, and the people behind it. A skilled, vetted photographer can see it all and find creative ways to help your audience see it, too.
Clear roles make this simple
➡ Your job is to build, fix, and finish.
➡ Our job is to document it, create around it, and to connect your audience with what you do.
It’s time to uncomplicate the idea in your head about marketing:
You are the story. We are the storytellers.
Let’s get to work.
