If you think video isn’t important to photographers, consider this: YouTube is owned by Google, so YouTube videos surrounded by your keywords will rank well in Google search results. This means that not only are potential clients more likely to find you online, but that the more clients who watch your YouTube videos, the more your website will rise in Google.

But there are other reasons for you to make a YouTube video. If you’re a senior photographer, a short video showing a senior shoot will put the student’s mind to rest – they will know what to expect at your studio. The same goes for child photography. If you’re an event photographer, show your potential clients how the process will work if you are hired. If you’re a wedding photographer, show how you work before, during and after the ceremony. Or make a video that shows a couple at your studio selecting images for their wedding album.

The fact is, the average customer would rather watch a video than read your website. And once they are watching the video, they will remember you, stick around your website longer, and be more likely to call.

How to Create a YouTube Video:

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A friend of mine in real estate decided she wanted to start making video walk-through tours of her homes to post on YouTube. Since she knew nothing about video – and assumed video is “kind of like” photography – she thought I could help her buy some equipment. While I’m no video expert, I agreed.

After an hour shopping on Amazon, I realized she was right. If you’re a professional photographer, you already own everything you need to start making videos. I’m not talking about wedding videography – I’m talking about the low-res 2-3 minute videos made popular on YouTube. Here’s a great example.

Which leads to my point: since you already have the equipment, have you made a video yet? I think you should. Here’s why.

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Video will never replace photography, but could the combination be a new product for you?

Chang W. Lee, senior staff photographer at The New York Times, has made a video that combines the storytelling of great photography with the visual interest of video and sound. The first of his series “The Jazz Singer” (3:45 video) is the result.

Lee is not the first photographer to combine photography and video. Ken Burns has turned it into an art form so unique that after directing several PBS documentaries (Baseball, Jazz, The Civil War) his style is now referred to as “the Ken Burns effect.” Ken talks here about how his passion for photography shapes his films.

• Have you considered offering videos with your photography?
• Do you think it could profit your business?
• Are you losing business to (wedding) videographers?

I’m interested in your comments. If you have produced any videos, send me a copy or a web link to the video, and if possible, I’ll share them here.

While you will never be able to frame or display a video, the ability to offer them as an add-on sale to your customers could be an exciting new way to grow your photography business.