As anyone who has followed this blog will know, I have been on a photography journey for a few years now. Gradually, I have been finding my voice and developing my own style. Although I am instinctively drawn to flowers, gardens and nature, I thought I would expand my horizons a little. And so in this post, I’d like to share some thoughts and images from my first step into product photography.
The client: Portland Avenue Lifestyle
Portland Avenue Lifestyle is an independent online lifestyle store with a carefully curated range of giftware, wellbeing products and interiors. The owner, Teresa, is a hugely creative individual who I have got to know over the years. I often remark to her that she is our very own version of Martha Stewart !
In recent conversations, I mentioned that I was thinking of offering affordable product photography packages to small businesses in the local area. She kindly gave me the opportunity to put my photography skills to the test and have my first photo shoot as a way of building my portfolio.
My first shoot: the brief and the results
The brief was to photograph some products for use on the Portland Avenue Lifestyle website and social media channels. Eye catching product photography is essential these days. Consumers rely heavily on product images when shopping online and poor quality images can deter potential customers.
As it was very bright outside, I choose to shoot inside, in Teresa’s beautiful kitchen, where it was darker but had the benefit of beautiful side light coming in through the kitchen window. I had thankfully brought my tripod with me to cope with the low light.
Over the course of an hour or so, we worked in a lovely collaborative fashion to capture images of the various products, sipping coffee and chatting as we went. Then it was back home for me to download and edit the images.
The result is a dark and moody edit. I do love that dark and moody feel and thankfully the client does too.
Images from a first venture into product photography
What I took away from it
Once my nerves had settled, I found I really enjoyed the creative and collaborative nature of this first product photography shoot. I love that you can much better control the elements within the scene. Styling is key, of course, and Teresa is a natural at that.
Overall, I am pleased with the results. More importantly, it was a great learning experience for me and I came away with an action list and a much deeper respect for those product photographers who make it look so easy.
Have a lovely week and thanks for stopping by,
Paula
Useful Links
Indulge in a little retail therapy at Portland Avenue Lifestyle here
If you are a small business and interested in working with me, please do not hesitate to get in touch here
Other posts from Typewriter Girl to enjoy:-
Photography Tips for Beginners
Exploring Candle Photography: A Creative Day with Wick and Fern
Love these pictures…the lighting is perfect! 👍 really makes the items stand out!
Aw thank you. Not bad for a first attempt I guess !
Definitely looks like you’re an established pro!!
You’re too kind !
You say a first attempt but it looks like you are up and running already! Lighting is SO important. Well done, these photos are great, favourites being the onions, the bowls and the last one! 🤗💐😊
Thank you so much Ashley. I really appreciate the feedback. Lighting is so important as you say. It was a great learning experience!
Well done for trying something new, the photos look great.
Thank you Andrea. It’s always good to set yourself new challenges!