In 2020, one of the biggest changes in our photography business was bringing in more product photography assignments. Think about it for a minute. People were (are) working from home. Most of whom we able to get their work done quicker and more efficiently. They had a little extra time on their hands. They saw opportunities that they either did not have time to pursue before or, in the case of face masks and touchless keys, there had not been a need.
Shooting products was not just a new adventure, a way for our photography editor to take home a little more cash and an additional avenue to get to know more people, but, as with any new venture, it came with its set of challenges.
We severely underbid a handful of projects in the beginning - to the point there are projects where we were regretting not referring the client to another photographer. However, we stuck with those projects, delivered them on-budget (as always), gave our clients phenomenal results, and marked them up as learning experiences.
Then alas!! We had a solution. Communication is the key. Imagine that! First taught to us by our parents, then taken from our own or others’ failed marriages, a little communication (even if it causes controversy) goes a long way. So we came up with a very in-depth questionnaire, which was followed by in-person meetings and a lot of notetaking.
Breathe a sigh of relief. No stone was left unturned. Now we brush our hands together and let the creative juices flow with the photography knowledge put to expertise use, right? Nope. Not quite. Most of the time, we know exactly where to go and what to do. However, unless the product shoot is for Amazon’s online portal, creative liberties are allowed. But by whom?
Photography by Misty photography editor/go-to product photographer Terry and I had an ahh-haa moment. Oftentimes our clients with online stores and product offerings are not sure what they want in the way of marketing images. They just know they’ve tried it themselves, and it’s not as easy as they thought it would be to accomplish marketable-worthy photography.
As photographers, we relish in being granted creative liberties. However, when it comes to product photography, we shoot to sell. And it can be a little risky and nerve-racking. We gather as much info, talk to developers, graphics artists, and every and anyone else involved in the project. And, although we (I was simply the communication piece of this puzzle) were nervous as h#!@ photographing our latest project, it turned out beautifully.
From the graphics company creating and printing the tradeshow material, “Oh wow, these images are beautiful!” Why, yes, yes they are (and we are really thankful you think so, too). And thank you for the freedom to use unique angles, shallow focal points, and permission to pop open packages, spilling out the contents.
Whether we are photographing subjects who talk, those who burn, or those that help people relax, we count on communication but prosper on the opportunity to innovate.
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