In a world obsessed with aesthetics, where your brand’s visual identity can make or break your market presence, it’s baffling how often the basics of quality control get thrown out the window. Besides bad copywriting, this happens especially in photography.

The Photographic Faux-Pas Visible to everyone

Have you seen those ad campaigns where the product looks like a ghostly blob rather than a premium commodity? It’s not just an oops moment; it’s an “oh no” that echoes through the halls of marketing departments.

And yet, astonishingly, these visual mishaps find their way onto billboards and trams, turning what should be a compelling visual pitch into a public display of photographic faux pas.

From beauty products that blend into oblivion to luxury watches that look more like blurry wrist blobs, the industry’s slip-ups are not just visible; they’re glaring. I’ve spotted these disasters more than once, and each time, they beg the question: Who greenlit this nightmare?

Consulting the Connoisseurs

Curiosity got the better of me, so I did what any self-respecting photographer would do – I snapped pictures of these advertising atrocities and passed them around among local marketing mavens.

The consensus? A unanimous face-palm.
“These should never have passed any semblance of quality control”, they said, shaking their heads in disbelieving unison. And they’re right. When your product’s visibility is at stake, this isn’t just a minor oversight; it’s a full-blown marketing sin.

Here’s the real kicker: these images aren’t just randomly bad; they’re poorly planned. Take a typical scenario where the model is lit well enough, but the product – supposedly the star of the show – turns out either overexposed or fuzzy. It’s like focusing on the cheerleaders while the quarterback fumbles the football in the background. Not exactly a winning strategy.

A Plea for Professionalism

This epidemic of underwhelming imagery is more than a minor glitch; it’s a pervasive problem that systematically erodes brand integrity. My theory? The rise of “Insta-photographers” – individuals more focused on garnering likes and followers than achieving precision and professionalism.
These so-called photographers, heavy on filters and light on skill, resemble enthusiasts more than experts. Additionally, the market is flooded with wanna-be pros, amateur hopefuls, lacking the necessary understanding and talent to effectively combine all aspects of the task. How their work gets past brand managers is beyond comprehension.

professional photography isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity

Here’s my two cents for brand managers, marketing directors, and anyone else in charge of a company’s visual identity: don’t skimp on photography.

Hiring a seasoned pro might seem like a budget stretch, but the alternative is risking your brand’s reputation on amateurs who think a filter can fix anything.

So, next time you’re gearing up for a campaign, remember this: professional photography isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. An absolute necessity.
It’s about making every shot count, ensuring your product isn’t just seen but remembered, for all the right reasons. Also, all the budget spent on buying media placements will be highly ineffective and wasted.

Curious about your upcoming projects?

Are you ready to bring clarity back to your brand’s image? Let’s chat.
Drop a comment below or hit me up directly. Let’s make sure your next campaign is picture-perfect: no blobs, no blurs, just pure brand brilliance.

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