The Value of Still Photography When Filming

After you decide to create videos for your business or organization, you may only be thinking about the live aspect of the medium. However, still photographs can — and should! —be included in the final product. Incorporating still photography into filmmaking not only enhances visual storytelling but also provides you with a wealth of visual assets. You can then leverage these assets across various platforms and initiatives to effectively communicate your message, engage stakeholders, and achieve your overall marketing goals.

It may seem like an unnecessary extra step, but capturing stills while filming has a ton of benefits. Discover the value of still photography while filming and why you should take advantage.

Say goodbye to generic stock footage. Incorporating original stills into filming allows you to create visual assets tailored to your project specifically. This eliminates the need to rely on generic stock footage that lacks originality and may take the viewer out of your story. There’s nothing worse than having to rely on a stock image that doesn’t fully align with your brand or message.

You’ll have more visual assets for future use. One of the most significant advantages of still photography in video production is its versatility. The additional visual content provided by still photography can be used across a variety of digital and offline platforms long after the filming is complete. These images can enhance digital social campaigns, enrich your presentations, and even add aesthetics to your website. The flexibility and adaptability of still photos allow for greater creativity and strategic planning in future content creation and distribution.

Taking still photos while filming is economical. Working with experts who specialize in still photography and filmmaking is usually more cost-effective than relying solely on one or the other. With both teams capturing the brand’s look and feel simultaneously, you can maximize resources while ensuring consistency in visual representation.

There’s an opportunity to refresh the headshots of your leadership team. Instead of lining up your executives in front of a backdrop, use this experience to get headshots of your leadership team in action, doing what they do best. These shots not only showcase the individuals’ personalities but also make the images on your website and marketing materials feel more professional and credible. If candid photos don’t align with your brand, you can still
use the opportunity to take more traditional images.

You’ll create custom stock photography. Having custom still photography on hand gives your company a valuable bank of images to use and share with important folks like association members, stakeholders, and the media. These days, many savvy internet users can spot a generic stock image a mile away. Custom images show your actual team members, reflect your brand identity and can be tailored to your specific needs. No matter who you share them with, custom photos can enhance communication and engagement.

High-quality still photography can be instrumental in fundraising and admissions efforts for educational institutions. If there’s ever a time to not rely on generic stock images, it’s when you’re fundraising. Nonprofits and educational facilities should use compelling images that showcase their campus life, academic programs, and student experiences. These authentic images are more likely to evoke emotion and inspire support from donors, prospective students, and their families.

Capture advocacy days. Still photography plays a vital role in documenting advocacy days. Think when people march on the hill or meet with members of Congress. These images capture the energy, passion, and impact of the advocacy efforts and serve as powerful visual narratives that you can share with the public, policymakers, and the media to raise awareness and drive change.

Incorporating still photography into your marketing videos isn’t just an optional extra—it’s a game-changer. With more visual assets at your disposal, you can boost engagement, save costs, and maintain consistency across platforms. Whether you’re a business looking to stand out or a nonprofit aiming to inspire action, the value of still photography in video production is undeniable. Don’t settle for an ordinary video!

Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you.