Why Hiring a Unit Stills Photographer Early Matters for Your Film’s Publicity
When building your film’s publicity strategy, hiring a great publicist is often high on the list—and rightfully so. But there’s another role that’s just as important to your film or series’ success: the unit stills photographer.
If you’re a producer, line manager, or coordinator planning your production’s media, marketing, or festival campaign, here’s why your publicity efforts should always include a stills photographer—and why they need to be hired at the start of production, not after. Their work ensures that the film’s visual identity is compelling, consistent across all platforms, and ready to use in the film’s promotional rollout.
What Does a Unit Stills Photographer Do?
A unit stills photographer captures high-quality, thoughtfully composed images while the cameras are rolling. These stills become vital marketing tools—used in everything from posters and press kits to social media campaigns and festival submissions. Their images lay the foundation for your film’s entire visual identity, supporting your publicist’s efforts at every stage.
Why You Should Hire a Stills Photographer at the Start of Production
Get Marketing Assets from Day One
Bringing a stills photographer on board at the start means your publicist and marketing team can begin using high-quality visuals immediately. Early access to assets helps create momentum well before the final cut is delivered.
Better Quality Than Screengrabs
Screengrabs from ungraded footage are often low-res, blurry, and poorly framed. They just don’t meet the quality needed for posters or press. A professional stills photographer delivers polished, high-resolution images designed for promotional use.
Valuable Behind-the-Scenes Content
Aside from capturing scenes in action, stills photographers also document candid, behind-the-scenes moments—such as the director working with talent. These images are great for articles, press coverage, and festival Q&A materials.
How to Hire a Stills Photographer
You can hire a stills photographer through your publicist—many have a network of trusted professionals they’ve worked with before. Alternatively, you can contact a photographer directly. Review their portfolio, see which productions they’ve supported, and how their images were used across press and promotional materials. This helps you choose someone whose style aligns with your project.
If you’re looking for a London or UK-based unit stills photographer, Lauren Newman is highly experienced in both film and television production. She works closely with producers, directors, and publicists to capture cinematic stills that help your project stand out—whether it’s for a streaming platform, theatrical release, or festival debut. To contact, email here.
Final Thoughts
If you’re overseeing production and planning your marketing or festival strategy, make sure a unit stills photographer is part of your core publicity team. Pairing a great publicist with professional stills ensures that your film’s visual assets are strong, consistent, and available from the beginning—setting you up for a successful rollout and wider audience reach.