Getting photographs is a challenge many integrators face, and without images, your install goes unrecognized – by other potential clients and by publications that can get the word out about your company. Fortunately it’s easier than you might assume. Josh Christian, CEO of the Home Technology Association (HTA), outlined eight secrets to success to getting your clients’ on board with photography.
Tips to Get Permission to Photograph Your Clients’ Home
Most clients are very private and would rather you not photograph their home. The following tips have proved helpful to some HTA dealers when asking permission to photograph their project:
- Don’t assume your client will say no to photography. You will never know unless you ask!
- Tell them you will get their express permission to approve any photos for publication before submitting to any magazines (or awards submissions).
- Tell them you will have any artwork or family photos changed through photo editing.
- You will not share their names or any other personal information unless expressly allowed.
- Tell them that you will not submit their city name. For example, instead of Beverly Hills, Calif., you will submit it as Greater Los Angeles area.
- Find out if the architect, interior designer, or builder is planning to have the home photographed already, and if so, find out if you can either be a part of that shoot (for technology-focused photos), or get permission to use your own photographer on that same day.
- Hire the best luxury real estate photographer in your area. They are much less expensive than architectural photographers, work quickly, and generally give you full usage rights of the photos.
- Give your clients copies of the photos.
Submitting to a Publication
With photographs in hand – and the client’s permission – you can now submit to a publication. Editors might get several project submissions a day, so it is important to make yours stand out:
- When you are outlining why your install should be published, answer the following questions: Is the project noteworthy? What makes it unique and worthy of publication? Did you solve a unique client request?
- Give credit where credit is due (did you work with a theater designer? Acoustician? Any manufacturers who provided design expertise?)
- Give credit to trade partners on the project (the builder, architect, and interior designer on the project) and notify them that you intend to submit to a publication.
- Have that high-resolution photography ready!
- We’re all short on time, so even a few outstanding photos and a quick blurb about why your install should be published is an excellent start.
Being published gives your company free marketing, something visible to boast about and often opens the door to new opportunities. Click here to submit to Connected Design or email your installation to eloucks@ctlab.media.
