Photography for High Risk Businesses

Photographing high-risk businesses can be challenging for the photographer and the company commissioning the work. High-risk operations introduce all sorts of complications that make the endeavor more challenging. 

So how should you operate under these conditions? How do you go about high-risk photography safely in a way that supports your brand? 

Use Safety Protocols If Necessary

Ideally, you want to start any job with an assessment of the risks you face. Writing a report helps to create signposts for keeping yourself safe and protected, and benefiting the firm in the process. 

Sometimes, you may need to use PPE when photographing certain high-risk details. For instance, you may need to put on a protective suit if entering a biological lab or chemical facility. 

Treat materials hazards carefully. Be aware that compounds may coat the exterior of photography equipment, meaning it may require cleaning afterward. 

Always manage the photography of restricted areas. Some companies may need to put limits in place to protect photographers and their intellectual property. 

Check The Legals

You also want to check the legality of photography for some companies before posting images online. Businesses with a high risk merchant account may not be allowed to share specific photos online. 

Some firms, like firearms, cannabis, and adult content face restrictions. As such, how you present them requires special consideration. It may not be appropriate to share certain images unless they are behind age-restriction walls or only available to vetted members. 

Legal issues can crop up at any time, so always be wary of them. Check what you are allowed to do first before engaging photographers or paying for shoots. 

Use Better Equipment

Sometimes, you can get around the dangers of photoshoots by using better equipment. For example, many brands now use drone photography in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations to slash risks. These tools are particularly useful on oil rigs and building sites. 

Photography, of course, isn’t just for marketing. It is also for other applications, including safety checking and surveillance. These use cases are particularly valuable in high-risk environments since checks are more necessary. 

Telephoto lenses are another option. While they take up more space in your kit, they can be indispensable when you want to capture images at range, especially when combined with the right tripod. 

Capture The Details

You can also try capturing more details when photographing for a high-risk business. Adding more information to the shot can be helpful for onlookers trying to work out what’s going on. 

The detail-rich shots are most helpful in the mining industry. Businesses can learn more context and better see how operations proceed in real-time. Capturing employees going about their duties shows how operations are carried out and can help bolster employee brands. 

Hire Professionals

Finally, it is well worth hiring professionals to perform high-risk photography of your business. Getting experts involved reduces safety risks and helps you obtain shots that assist your operations. Look for photographers with experience photographing in your niche and ask how they can help you. 

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