Product photography is one of the most underrated and unpopular types of photography. Most common people think that photography only includes portraiture, landscape photography, commercial photography, photojournalism, and magazine and news print photography. However, the truth is, there are dozens more types of photography.
If you are a budding photography enthusiast or someone who plans to embark into the world photography, you may want to consider the less popular niches like product photography. Being a product photographer can be a rewarding, satisfying, and lucrative job because it would challenge you as a photographer. This is due to the fact that taking good quality photographs of product pieces is no easy task. It takes the right set of skills, experience, artistry, and passion for taking good photos to become a legitimate and professional product photographer.
Venturing into the world of product photography can be challenging and overwhelming because it will test your skills and patience. It will put you in a less familiar territory in the world of photography. Hence, if you have plans of becoming a top professional product photographer, you may want to follow these simple yet important tips:
Invest your time on education and training – Although there are many respected photographers who did not undergo typeal photography education, it is still recommended to study and train in order to further enhance your potentials. By studying photography in an academic environment, you will be exposed to different theories related to taking good photographs. You will also be trained by reputable and experienced professionals who will guide you throughout your early years as a trainee photographer. With the help of typeal education and training, you can be certain that you will learn the fundamentals from the best.
Expand your equipment– If you are serious about becoming a professional product photographer, then you should invest on good pieces of equipment. Having a good quality camera is just one; you would have to invest on different types of cameras lenses, flash, mini projector, lighting equipment and tools, among other more. These tools and equipment, because they are equipped with the most sophisticated and cutting edge technology, will help you take the best product pictures.
Be willing to become an apprentice – Undergoing typeal education will give you so many benefits as a budding photographer, but it is better to compliment it with further training. Becoming an apprentice to more experienced photographers will be particularly beneficial on you as an emerging product photographer because through it you would have better grasp on fundamental and advanced theories of photography. You will also learn various techniques that are not taught in schools or workshops.
Shoot and shoot – Practice spells the difference in photography. If you have incredible eye for taking photos of still subjects like product but you don’t practice, you will surely have a hard time excelling in your field. This is why it is very important to shoot subjects over and over again. With this, you will learn the ropes of product photography through firsthand experience. It is not only important learning the techniques and theories, but applying them in real life as well. The only way to know whether or not you have improved as a photographer is by reviewing your shots and having them critiqued by professionals, which is why practice is very important.
Build your network– It is advisable to build your connections from the onset of your career. Even if you are just a student, it is important to broaden your network of professional connections. It is important to be acquainted with top photographers, colleagues, possible clients (people and organizations), and even retailers of equipment like mini projector, lenses, lighting equipment because they can help you when you become a full-time product photographer.
It is not easy to become a professional product photographer, much more a respected one. However, if you learn the ropes through the right way, you will have better chances of becoming a reputable and popular product or still photographer.
What You Should If You’re an Aspiring Product Photographer
