One can speak millions of words through a single picture. But then, why don’t some of our pictures speak anything? Those in the field of commercial photography know the pains of innumerable unsuccessful shots and the pleasure of one perfect click.
The same person who shot ten perfect pics one day, is often not able to take even a single satisfactory photograph the next day.
If you are experiencing this, you are not alone. Getting the right shots with commercial photography doesn’t always happen smoothly. There’s quite some inconsistency with getting the correct shots as expected by the client.
Oh well, there’s nothing to panic, really. Here are some tips to get rid of this inconsistency and succeed with commercial photography.
Table of Contents
Have appropriate background knowledge
To start with, as a commercial photographer, you should have a sound knowledge about the client’s business. For instance, if you are working with a client who deals with furniture, you should know the various types of sofas and tables manufactured at his firm.
If possible, you can also pay special attention to the underlying/dominating theme/design in all the pieces there. This knowledge would help you capture some of the outstanding features of a particular piece more effectively.
Its highly important that you acquire this background knowledge before you set up the photo shoot session.
Visualise before you capture
To become a successful professional in the field of commercial , you should have a very keen sense of visualization. The most important aspect in this regard is to understand the art of contrasting and coordinating colors and backgrounds.
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Your understanding of the various dimensions and angles also would come handy. For instance, if the object of your interest is cylindrical in shape, try to surround it with objects which are square, triangle or rectangle in shape.
Know the trend
Being a fashion savvy is a very big strength and a must for this field. Your vision should not stop just at the object of your camera, but the trends and fashion which can make it more attractive to the viewers’ eyes. This gives you an edge over your competitors.
Build your portfolio
This tip is not directly related to getting the right shot, but will surely help you become successful with commercial photography.
While most of us are often haunted by the technical obstacles and short-comings, at times, we also face difficulty in convincing people to give us business. Many of the clients we desire often have a well established business in the market. As a result, they may also have a commercial photographer working with them for quite sometime.
In such case, its more often than not, very difficult for the client to give a chance to an unknown photographer. Since you don’t have any substantial evidence to prove your worth, the convincing process becomes all the more difficult.
This is where having your portfolio comes to your rescue. Your portfolio should speak volumes about your work in the past.
Understand the basics
As professional photographers, you should understand the fact that, its not the camera alone that would do the job for you. Your deep perception and understanding of class and beauty are equally important.
Your talent would earn you bread; but not talent alone. Along with your talent, you should possess sound communication skills as well. Try to build good relationship with people around. Exploit the social media to achieve your goals.
Clients would keep coming to you only if the pictures you take are of good quality. You should also make sure that the picture you take are not only clear but are also appealing to the senses.
To the beholder’s eyes there should be little difference between the actual object and the image of the object. For instance, if the image is that of an ice cream dripping with chocolate sauce, his mouth should start watering immediately at the sight of it.
Once you are strong and comfortable at this base level and possess the know-hows of the trade, success will follow you like your own shadow.