It seems clicking pictures of products is your hobby and with time you have become more passionate, so now you want to start your own product photography business. Not a bad decision at all. The statistics we are about to share will make you immensely happy that you are entering the correct field.
According to the FDS Masterclass, a product photography career can turn out to be excellent work. You get to capture images of stuff like gadgets, food, clothing, etc, and add your version of creativity, which enhances the images. And nowadays, when the majority prefers doing online shopping, product photography impacts sales as people purchase by looking at the visuals.
The Demand For Product Photography Business
Dotsore reveals that product photography is in great demand in the E-commerce sector as the premium quality of pictures attracts people and convinces them to buy the product. Pocketsuite displays that businesses hire product photographers since they need individuals to shoot good pictures of their products. The outcome is further utilized across their marketing campaigns online and offline, such as display ads, billboards, and social media platforms. Product photography focuses on details; therefore, the process demands time and effort, which a layman photographer may not be able to handle. Hence, companies prefer hiring product photographers who can revamp the product’s look. On the other hand, product photographers tend to earn more when working with companies rather than collaborating with small-sized firms.
Who Was The First Photographer?
Do you know who was the first product photographer? According to Proshot Media, Edward Steichen was the man. He created the first page of product photography in 1910 named Art et Decoration. Is product photography a profitable source of income? Wild Romantic Photography, says that product photography is one of the highest-paying photography jobs in the world.
Time For Inspiration
In this field, you can take inspiration from Greg Powers; he’s into advertising photography and is an expert in product, interior, fashion, and food categories. Because the photographer is always on the go due to work requirements, Powers makes each project blow your mind. His talent for arranging creative props and models keeps his style distinct from other photographers in the market.
We feel that you are quite excited to learn how to start your product photography business. The blog will prove to be an extensive guide as it will teach you to sharpen your skills and the equipment needed, create your portfolio, and the business strategy you should keep in mind.
Take Guidance From the Product Photography Guide
The guide teaches you how to take professional-looking photos of your products. It covers essentials like using a clean background, controlling light, and capturing multiple shots to showcase every detail.
Starting A Product Photography Business
E-commerce has surged due to the pandemic and the busy schedules of individuals. People visit the website, watch the product’s picture, and become convinced by the images. The more attractive visuals, the more sales will be generated. It is a dream come true for business owners when their online sales break their previous sales records. Credits go to product photography. If you can do better, then follow the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose Your Niche
To start your product photography business you must choose your niche. In which category of product can you show your best expertise? Once you get to know what product is your calling, then you will easily develop in-depth knowledge surrounding that. Plus you will not encounter any issues with editing, lighting, and composition. You will work faster in this manner and deliver the desired results as the client wants.
Besides, your specialization will help you stand apart from the pool of product photographers. Once brands and people get to know that you are the one who can tackle the specific photography, your phone will ring constantly.
It will give you more chances to work with companies, who want a product photographer for a similar category.
Some popular niches in this field are fashion, food, electronics, and jewelry. Watching pictures of these products only, the customers feel compelled to add to their carts. That is what the brands and companies want. Therefore, it is necessary to choose your niche.
Step2: Legal Requirements and Compliance
Another essential step that you have to understand is the legalities related to the business and compliance. The requirements are:
Registering The Business
Arrange your business documents and file them with your state’s government to let them know about your company’s existence. Obtain a business license too, so things run smoothly at your end.
Work Permit and License
You need to have the necessary work permit and license. That depends on your location and industry, so search the internet or ask your friends in a similar business to function legally. Otherwise, it might end up in a lawsuit for you.
Securing Insurance
Where does your business fit in? Look for securing insurance for your equipment and liability protection.
Product Photography-Specific Regulations
There are no strict regulations for product photography. However, if you have signed a contract with a model that the product is being sold via them then you have to keep the specifications in mind. Deliverables, usage rights, and payment terms are clearly mentioned in the outline of the contract. If you are using models with products, then they have to grant permission to let you use their images for commercial purposes. Otherwise, they can sue you for using their face without consent.
Step 3: Set Up Your Finances
When you are initiating your product photography setup, that means you will need sufficient capital to invest and track your income. How will you do that? The answer is through separate accounts, budgets, and taxes.
- Separate Accounts: Open a business bank account dedicated to your business so you can track income and expenses clearly.
- Budgeting: Make a realistic budget so that you have enough funds for equipment, marketing, and taxes. Track expenses carefully.
- Taxes: What taxes do you need to pay in your business structure? Learn about them to avoid getting burdened with heavy fees. If there is any tax professional in your area, consult them for guidance.
Step 4: Acquire The Necessary Equipment
Product photography demands a camera, lighting, backdrop, tripod, and tethering.
Camera
What type of camera will assist you in the long run? A mirrorless camera, or a DSLE, has the option of exchanging lenses. The feature gives you control and is flexible while handling the equipment. Begin your photography journey with a lens that varies between 24-70 mm in zoom capacity. To click close-up shots, get a macro lens.
Our suggestions:
Lightning
In any kind of photography, lighting is the element that changes the entire look of the product. Hence, when we are discussing product photography, light plays a paramount role here. You must have observed that photographers have softboxes, umbrellas, and other continuous lighting resources that provide diffused light even when you need illumination. What you can do is experiment with a variety of light sources to create dimension and depth.
Our suggestions:
- MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit
- Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit
- DUCLUS Light Box Photography
- SLOW DOLPHIN Photography Umbrella Lighting Kit
Backdrop
To create a clean product presentation, as a product photographer, you must have a backdrop. The fabric should be vinyl, and fabric that avoids the stress of getting wrinkles. Besides, the common backdrop colors are gray, white, and black. Once you place the product on the table and position the complimentary backdrop behind it, you will have a fair idea of which color will go with what type and color of the product. The details seem minor but are important to note down for your product photography business.
- Photography Backdrops Small Product Background
- Small Product Photography Backdrop Kit Photo Backdrop
Tripod
The tripod is one good invention as it helps your camera stand firmly in uneven landscapes and boosts focused photography results. The stable camera improves the sharpness percentage of the clicked shot. The device comes to the rescue when there is considerably low light, and you cannot afford to spoil the vibe and the project. Hence, a tripod will aid you in the product photography business.
Tethering
Sometimes the photography shoots need to be shot with utmost precision and for that, the client may ask for corrections or re-takes at the spot. How can you facilitate them? You can do that by tethering. In tethering, you can connect the camera to the computer. The option permits you to see live previews and view the image on a bigger screen, which lifts the end result of the assignment, making your customer happy too.
Experiment With A Product Photography Setup
Look for a space and convert it into a mini studio. Place a white backdrop, lighting, and a stable platform for your product.
Step 5: Build Your Portfolio
While stepping into this area, you will want your clients to keep calling you to do product photography for their business. How will this happen? The answer is via creating your portfolio.
Importance Of A Professional Portfolio
A portfolio is necessary, as that shows your years of experience in managing that type of product photography, which brands you have previously worked for, and what style you follow when taking pictures. Without it, your clients will not take you seriously. Businesses avoid hiring photographers as they cannot take the risk of handing the task to a non-professional. As for them, it’s a matter of sales.
Tips and Tricks For Stunning Product Photography
We will discuss a few product photography tricks to benefit your product photography business.
Be A Light Expert
Natural light plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of your picture. Try to experiment with backlighting and side one to create dimension and depth.
Have A Clean Background
The product is your main focus, keep it away from extra objects. Have a clean background made of fabric or seamless paper.
Keep A Sharp Focus
Companies will mainly hire you to deliver sharp images of their product. To achieve the target, use a tripod for stability and focus on the important angles of the product.
Examples Of Impressive Portfolios:
- Scott Snyder — A product Photographer, who uses plenty of negative spaces and clean lines. His portfolio is simple and impactful and does not overwhelm the visitors.
- We Shoot Food — You can find so much here, and if you are into food photography, then the homepage will provide you with good ideas.
Step 6: Marketing and Finding Clients
In today’s time, there are several ways to market and find clients. Few of them are writing blogs on product photography and about the equipment that assists in capturing good clicks. Create pages across social media. Network and collaborate with related personnel in your field. You can also try offering free consultations.
Make The Company’s Page Online
In today’s era, where everyone is scrolling on their mobiles, the first question they ask is to show your page online. Businesses overlook the power of social media and stick to offline mediums but avoid repeating the mistake. Make your company’s page online and fill it with appropriate and relevant content like address and contact details. Also, link the social media profiles so that your work is visible everywhere, irrespective of which channel your audience uses the most. After earning sufficient revenue, build your website too. Post pictures of new products and the clients you have worked for.
Networking Is Essential
To attract clients and collaborate in the product photography business, networking is essential. Try your best to connect with experienced graphic designers, product stylists, and necessary people who handle the creative side. Become a part of shoots so other clients interact with you and hire you for the next project.
Tips and Tricks For Marketing Photography Services
Run Targeted Ads
Consider paid advertising on social media platforms. Tailor your ads to target specific demographics and interests to reach your ideal clients.
Free Consultations & Testimonials
Offer free consultations to understand client needs and showcase your expertise.
Step 7: Pricing Your Services
Have you made any pricing lists regarding your services? Product photographer usually keeps their product photography pricing according to the following models:
- Per-Product: Charge a set fee per product photographed. This works well for simple product shoots with similar requirements.
- Per-Hour: Ideal for shoots with varying complexities or how much time it may demand. This ensures you’re fairly compensated for your time and expertise.
- Package Deals: Offer package deals with different coverage lengths in hours and photo deliverables. This caters to clients with different budget needs.
How Much To Charge For Product Photography?
Product photography varies. If it’s your hobby then you can charge $10-25 per image and if you are a professional then $100+ per image or even by the hour. Keep in mind the years of experience you have, the time required to edit the images, and the length of the project.
Compliance and Regulations
While starting a product photography business, your business must comply with the following requirements:
Copyright
You should have the right to photograph any copyrighted materials on the product.
Model and Property Releases
If photographing people or private property alongside the product, obtain signed releases as proof from the model or property owner.
Business Registration
Research to confirm whether your business is not stealing an existing name and then go further with registration. It can be an LLC, sole propriety, or corporation.
Permits and License
Permits and licenses may vary, depending on which state you are working in. Your product photography business might end up in trouble, hence apply for the necessary permit and license.
Conclusion
We hope you have enough knowledge on how to start a product photography business and will abide by the necessary strategies related to legalities and otherwise too, if you want to see your business name in the top product photography companies.