Member Spotlight: Tom Yates Photography
Many people dream of turning their hobby into a business opportunity, and when Tom Yates had the chance to 
turn photography into a business, he did just that.
“Photography started as a hobby,” said Yates. “I loved to fly fish and traveled a lot, so I began taking photos on my trips. Eventually I was able to sell photographs to a couple of outdoor magazines. That led to shooting illustrations for Outdoor Life’s annual hardbound anthologies. Through the late 1980s, I continued to pursue photography while working full time. When an opportunity arose to enter the commercial photography market in Quincy, I jumped at the chance.”
Tom Yates Photography provides a wide variety of commercial photography services that cater to the business needs of his clients. Industrial, product, aerial and architectural photography are particular specialties that demand attention to detail and an ability to meet increasingly tight deadlines.
“Commercial photographers often have a very short time frame for taking product photos,” said Yates. “In these days of lean manufacturing, companies no longer keep large inventories, and as a result, products need to ship quickly after the manufacturing process is complete.”
Depending on his client’s needs, Yates stages his photographs in his large, well-stocked studio in the Business & Technology Center or he takes his gear on-location.
In addition to photographing specific products, Yates also takes more general pictures for businesses – often for use on websites.
“Websites are not only used to sell your products or services, but to sell potential customers on your company . You want your website to tell the story of your business, and by careful composition and design, your photos will convey a sense of what your business is and why customers should do business with you,” Yates said.
“Businesses are trying to do more with less these days while still getting the best results they can get,” said Yates. “Good commercial illustrations don't just happen. There are many factors, from the lighting to the lenses, and techniques that can draw attention to – or away from – certain aspects of the subject. Commercial photography is very exacting and attention to detail makes a big difference. Commercial photography is one area where outsourcing to a professional can make a big impact.”
While Yates works with clients from a wide variety of industries, the food and beverage industry is an easily understood example of the difference professional photography can make in marketing.
“Good photos make a huge difference in the appeal of food - for an advertisement, a menu, or a website. We order not only what sounds good, but what looks good. We have a high visual connection with food.”
Yates takes pride not only in providing clients with a professional product at a reasonable price, but also in working with web designers and advertising agencies to provide them with quality photography that helps them create quality websites and collateral materials.
From fly fishing to food, Yates took photography from a hobby to a rewarding career.
“The constant evolution in technology allows me to offer my clients better quality end products than I could just a few years ago,” said Yates. “No two days are the same, and I never know what I might be shooting from day to day. One day it may be a building, the next day a cheeseburger and fries, followed by aerial pictures. The variety keeps things interesting and after more than 20 years, I still look forward to the challenge of a new project -- and the smiles of satisfied customers!”
For more information on the commercial photography services offered by Tom Yates Photography, or to schedule an appointment, call (217) 224-4326 or visit http://www.tomyatesphoto.com.
