Professional product photography services are a fairly complex process that requires a lot of planning. Studios do more than just point cameras in one direction and take pictures. A good photographer will take time to understand the clients’ needs and priorities before coming up with a custom solution that works well. Here’s a look at how professionals handle product photography so you can make an informed decision:
1. Consultation
Consultation is one of the most important aspects of product photography services because it allows clients and photographers to discuss the project in detail. You can share what you want and explain your priorities to the photographer before they start working on the project. Some of the points you should discuss during the consultation include:
- Goals of the project
- Platforms on which you want to use product photographs
- Budget and quantity requirements
- Specific conditions and requestions
- Style and approach to product photography
- Timeline of delivery
- Branding and company messaging
- Target audience
- Reference materials and inspirations
Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek out more information about the photography process. An experienced and reliable professional will not hesitate to answer your questions or provide all of the information you need to make a decision.
2. Client Approval
Once the consultation is done, photographers often provide sample sketches, composition ideas, and a quote. The client can go over all of these proposals carefully and determine whether the offer is acceptable. Experts encourage meeting with two or three studios and getting quotes from them before making a decision. You can compare the offers from multiple vendors before making a decision.
If the client is satisfied with the proposal, they can approve the project, make initial payments, and sign the required papers. It is best to be certain about your decision before hiring a photographer. Cancelling their services after this point can be cumbersome and cause problems to both sides. Make sure you know what’s included and excluded in product photography services before signing the dotted line.
3. Planning
Planning comes after approval and it can take some time. Professional photographers don’t jump into taking pictures immediately after the consultation. They conduct in-depth research into the client’s brand, competitors, target audiences, and other such important factors. Photographers also take the time to come up with composition ideas, lighting solutions, image story ideas, and more.
Careful planning with input from the client can lead to great results. Photographers that skip this process often end up delivering inconsistent images that don’t have the same running theme. If you want to establish a strong brand presence through product photography, it is important to ensure all images are consistent.
4. Models and Outdoor Locations
Models and outdoor locations are an important aspect of lifestyle photography. Experts use models to demonstrate how the product works in real-life situations and also give customers an idea about the size of the item. For example, you have a better idea of how big a basket is if a model is carrying it.
Choosing the right models is essential for the success of the shoot. They should fit the brand’s image and message while appealing to the target audience at the same time. For example, if the primary target audiences are from the Latinx community, it is a good idea to hire Latin American models for your company. A company that sells products to elderly individuals will need elderly models.
Arranging outdoor shoots can also be a challenging aspect of product photography services. Some places require permits to allow professional photography. You also need to make sure there are no identifying characteristics in the background. Making all of these arrangements can take a little time and effort. Most studios have connections with local agencies and know the best outdoor shoot locations.
5. Shoot
Once all of the arrangements have been made, studios can focus on the primary shoot. Photographers work with lighting technicians and assistants to carry out the shoot. They carefully organize the studio, place background elements at the right positions, and then carry out photography. An expert will take pictures from multiple angles, change lighting conditions, and move the elements around during the shoot.
Principle photography is often the quickest aspect of product photography services. Most experts can get the work down in a matter of hours depending on the number of products that need to be photographed. A large project will require a few days to complete as setting up the studio for every product can take some time.
6. Editing and Finalizing
Editing and refining is the final step of the photography process. Experts browse through all of the raw images they have taken and pick the best options to edit. Some studios may share the raw images with clients and ask them to choose the right options. In most cases, clients don’t see the raw photographs at all.
Once they have picked the best images, photographers will use editing software like Photoshop to tweak the pictures. They will correct white balance, adjust image saturation, remove background elements if they overwhelm the product, and do much more. A professional will always make sure the image is ready for the best displays. They ensure the pictures are compatible with popular platforms like Amazon or eBay.
7. Delivery
Delivery is the last step of the product photography services. Most studios will upload all finished images to a cloud server and then give clients full access to them. It is a good idea to download these images or move them to your cloud server as access will only be available for a limited amount of time.
Different studios have different ways of handling product photography services. It is a good idea to discuss the steps in detail with your photographer before hiring them. Experts recommend being involved in the entire process to get the most satisfactory results. Hands-on clients often provide deeper insight into branding, customers, and competitors, which can help the project in the long run.
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