How to Get Professional Photos As A Subcontractor

Getting Brand Photos Can Feel Awkward

Does the thought of getting professional photos for your subcontracting business make you cringe a little?

Framing a wall? No problem. Heavy equipment? Easy. But standing in front of a camera? No thanks. You'd rather hide behind your hardhat. 

Maybe you’re thinking, “People don’t need to see my face to know I do good work."

I felt the same way. For the first five years of my business, I avoided getting professional brand photography. I used old headshots and amateur photos of myself taken by friends. I knew the importance of a strong brand, I encouraged my clients to invest in photography, but when it came to myself? I found every excuse to avoid it.

"I've got plenty of work on my plate right now, there's just no time."

"I don't need a bigger sales funnel, I'm not ready to expand."

"Is the added expense really worth it right now, or do I need to prioritize something else on my list?"

But I was wrong. (And a bit intimidated if I'm being honest.) And I fell into the same trap that people hire me to get out of - I ignored my own marketing and got stagnant. 

So, I finally did it. I booked my first-ever brand shoot, and I can’t wait to share the results. Want to take that first step with me? Here’s how to find, hire, and prepare for professional photos as a subcontractor.

Here’s how subcontractors and construction pros can find, hire, and prepare for a brand photographer.

Step 1: The Types of Professional Photos Every Subcontractor Needs

To relate to your customers, you'll want a mix of photos that show off your company's personality, your work, and the people behind the work.

📸 Headshots – Professional but approachable photos of leadership and key team members.

📸 Team Shots – Group photos of your crew to show camaraderie and professionalism.

📸 Action Shots – Photos of your team actively working on a job site.

📸 Result Shots – High-quality images of finished projects, showcasing craftsmanship or a job well done.

📸 Social Media Photos – Behind-the-scenes moments, day-in-the-life shots, and before-and-after photos are all great ideas for social media.

📸 Equipment & Vehicles – Branded trucks, tools, and heavy equipment are always fun to see.

📸 Office & Workspace – If you have a brick-and-mortar location, getting a few photos of your office can help you look more established.

Step 2: Find the Right Construction Photographer

A family photographer might take beautiful portraits, but that doesn’t mean they understand how to shoot at a construction site. Look for a photographer who specializes in brand photography, corporate photography, or industrial photography.

🔎 Where to Find a Photographer:

• Google "construction photographer near me" or "industrial photographer near me" to avoid paying too much in travel fees.

• Ask for referrals from industry contacts. If you like the photos on a colleague's website, don't be afraid to ask who took them.

•  Search "Construction Photographer" on LinkedIn, then narrow the search by "People" and your location.

🔎 What to Look For in a Photographer:

• Experience on a Job Site – Do they feel confident in construction environments and understand safety regulations?

• Transparent Pricing – Do they provide clear packages and pricing with no hidden fees? Do they give you full access to your digital photo library and release all photos for commercial use?

• A Strong Portfolio – Do they have experience shooting action shots, outdoor settings, and industrial work?

• Good (and Bad) Reviews – Look for honest client feedback on their professionalism and reliability. If they have a bad review, check out how they handled it.

• Flexibility & Scheduling Availability – Are they willing to shoot early mornings or weekends to accommodate your hours?

Step 3: Prep for Your Brand Shoot

Preparation makes all the difference in getting photos that look polished and professional. Here’s what to do before the shoot:

🛠 Plan Your Outfits:

• Wear branded work polos, t-shirts, or safety gear with your logo visible.

• Avoid busy patterns or large logos from non-company brands.

• Ensure uniforms are clean and well-fitted (ditch the torn-up work pants for this one!).

  
  

🚛 Clean & Brand Your Equipment:

• Make sure company trucks, heavy machinery, and tools are clean and logo-ready.

• If you use job site signage, have it visible in the background for brand reinforcement.

  
  

📋 Create a Shot List:

• List must-have photos (e.g., headshots, team shots, specific projects, tool close-ups).

• Find inspiration images and share them with the photographer ahead of time. You can search places like Pinterest, Google Images, or other subcontractors' websites to find ideas.

  
  

🗓 Schedule Smart:

• Pick a day when your team is available but not overwhelmed with deadlines.

• Plan for early morning or late afternoon for the best natural lighting.

  
  

📝 Get Permissions Ahead of Time:

• If shooting on an active job site, get approval from the site owner or general contractor.

• Ensure all workers featured in photos have signed a basic photo release form.

Step 4: Use your new photos everywhere

When you get your photos back, put them to work!

📌 Update your website with high-quality images on your homepage and service pages.

📌 Post on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to build trust and engagement.

📌 Use in marketing materials like brochures, proposals, and business cards.

📌 Include in email marketing to showcase recent projects or team highlights.

📌 Add to your Google Business Profile to improve your local search ranking.

Invest in Your Brand, It Will Benefit Your Work

 Professional brand photography is a simple but powerful way to set yourself apart, build credibility, and make a lasting impression. Don't just show future construction clients your work, show them who did it.

If you’ve been putting this off—like I did—consider this your sign to finally book that brand shoot. You’ll be glad you did.

Wish you could just outsource this kind of thing to your own General-Contractor-of-All-Things-Marketing? Let’s talk!

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