Licking the Lollipop of Studio Lighting and Product Shots
Licking the Lollipop of Studio Lighting and Product Shots
Not exactly mouth-watering, I know, but this marks the entry of Ted Chen Photography into the business world of studio and product shoots.
Studios often have a higher threshold for entry. Expensive lighting, backdrops and rented floor space are the common miscreants that deter a photographer from diving into studio shots. But to be a successful commercial photographer, one should eventually get a studio as it provides an environment of controlled lighting unlike any other. There could be a hurricane outside and you could still be shooting sunny shots under your roof.
And because photojournalism is dying, there’s no sound financial reason to limit myself to events (or weddings). Shooting portraits outdoors is excellent for creativity, but sometimes a formal setting is all that is needed. Magazines and new businesses will still require product/studio shots for whatever they’re selling, and some say that’s where your money tree will grow from.
Unfortunately a rented studio space is bigger than my check book. However, photos of smaller products can be shot in a controlled environment, as you can see above. All you need are a few light sources (strobes or even desk lamps work), an interesting background, and maybe some props to go with the actual product. Make sure to use a tripod as it’ll infinitely increase your leverage in altering exposure.
One thing I didn’t have and wished I had is a dedicated macro lens. Other lenses work fine but you’ll have to resort to obscene levels of cropping. Using a macro lens means you’ll preserve maximum resolution. All the more attractive to potential clients who like to print big and clear. So, if anything, I’d invest in a good macro lens and perhaps different backdrops to add variety. These days, it’s possible to share studios, so getting my own space is not on the top of my list.
