N. Texas Dentistry Special Issue 2014 Inside the Exceptional Practice | Page 20

Q: Excellent dentistry is a top priority for me, but having a grand, impressively decorated office is not. Do I still need pictures of it? Ray Bryant Bryant Studios Photography PO Box 93951, Southlake, TX 76092 [phone] [email protected] www.BryantStudios.com Mr. Bryant specializes in corporate, PR, advertising and architectural photography. A large portion of Ray’s work is with the dental industry, and he has 12 years of experience creating compelling photography for dentists. A Q & RB: Your office size or its décor are not the reason patients walk through your front door or why they tell their friends about you. The reason most of your patients come to your office is because of you. But a picture really is worth a thousand words! High quality pictures speak volumes about your practice and what patients can expect from you. Photos of your front entrance will help new patients recognize your office, and photos of your office interior help to make your office seem immediately familiar so any feelings of anxiety about their first visit will be minimized. Q: I don’t think patients really care what I look like and I’m not particularly photogenic. Why do I need a photo of myself? RB: People are visual creatures and photos are a way to make an instant connection with potential patients, as well as professional colleagues. A photograph is a valuable tool that lets you start developing a rapport before you even meet. Every doctor should have formal, casual and lab coat shots available to use in advertising or public relations articles and for display. Q: Should I have office staff shots made as well? RB: Definitely. Dentistry is a service business. Service is performed by people. Your office staff is an extension of you. They are the face of your practice, and form both the first impression and personality of your office. Professional photos of their smiling faces are an invaluable way to introduce your staff to your patients online and in print. An experienced, reputable professional photographer will be available to come back at a later date when new staff members come on board or other staff changes occur. Q: Besides photos of myself and my staff, what other pictures are important to have? RB: All specialties should consider before and after photos, both clinical and portrait Ray Bryant Bryant Studios Photography 20 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com styles. An orthodontist may want to arrange for patients to be photographed after debanding. If you are a specialist, high quality clinical photos are useful for marketing your practice to referring dentists. Q: I have a very sophisticated digital camera. Do I really need to hi