Why Cheap Photography Isn’t Always a Bargain for Your Brand

In today’s business landscape, budgets are tighter than ever. Many companies, especially in Hong Kong and China, are turning to the cheapest possible solutions for everything—including photography. As a professional photographer with over 30 years of experience in corporate, editorial, portrait, and boudoir photography, I’ve seen a growing trend: companies are sacrificing quality because they believe the lifespan of a photo on social media is too short to justify spending more.

But that mindset can backfire.

A cheap photo may seem "good enough" to post—but what happens when it's used on your website, press release, or investor presentation? Poor lighting, weak composition, and inconsistent styling damage more than just aesthetics—they erode trust. Your headshot, team portraits, and branding visuals often form the first impression clients, investors, and future employees have of your company.

What’s the true cost of low-budget photography?

• Poor images get ignored—or worse, create the wrong impression.

• You may need to retouch or reshoot, doubling the cost and time.

• Bad visuals weaken your brand and reduce credibility.

• Internal teams end up frustrated when DIY or budget work doesn't reflect your company culture.

Many clients now tell me: “We thought we didn’t need professional shots… until we realized how bad the cheap ones looked in print and on LinkedIn.”

The truth is: you don’t need to overspend—just spend wisely. Work with someone who knows lighting, understands business needs, and can bring out the best in people—efficiently and professionally. That’s what I’ve done for 30+ years across Hong Kong, Macau, Zhuhai, and China.

I bring the studio to you. Whether it’s headshots, corporate portraits, or marketing imagery, I deliver consistent, professional results on location, every time.

📩 Ready to elevate your company’s image?
Book your session with Ken Tam Photography – on-location headshots done right, trusted by brands across Asia.