With so much technology and devices available these days, it has become easier than before to take great photos. However, there’s a huge difference between taking photos for fun and becoming a professional photographer. If you have made up your mind to become a product photographer, then read this blog post to learn the roadmap to becoming a successful product photographer in Montreal.
What qualities make a good product photographer?
Certain qualities that make a good product photographer are:
- Detail orientated
- Technical Knowledge
- Knows the best use of photography tools
- Self-directed
- Knows how to play with lighting.
If you feel that you have a passion for photography and possess these skills, then a photography career might be the right path for you.
Also, as a budding Montreal Product Photographer, you can explore subtypes of product photography that you can specialize in. For instance, food product photography is a sub-genre of product photography but relies heavily on a food stylist, which could be you or an expert who is a trained chef. On the other hand, architecture photographers use a lot of the same techniques that product photographers do, but on a large scale. Hence, as a product photographer, there is a large scope, as it has sub-types in which you can find your passion and specialize.
What are the types of product photography?
Here are different types of product photography:
- Advertising photography
- Lifestyle product photography
- Action product photography
- Flat-lay photography
- White background photography
- Automobile photography
- Packaging product photography
- 360-spin photography
What skills do you need to become a product photographer?
There are several skills you need to command when you desire to become a product photographer:
- Communication skills
Product photography means understanding the product from its core to capture its beauty, and for that, you might be required to communicate with the client. Clear communication is required with the client so that you can understand their needs and concerns, ask the right questions, and promptly act on client requests. Though communication is a soft skill, it’s essential as not all clients might be available for in-person meetings and might rely on email correspondence until the final day of the shoot. Having excellent client communication helps in such types of situations and can help you secure future contracts.
- A keen eye for detail
To capture memorable and attractive images, photographers need to have a keen eye for detail. They must know the right timing to shoot and should know how to balance the light to avoid blurred or distorted images. A skilled photographer should be attentive to detail in the post-production stage of editing and retouching images.
- Knows how to play with lights
What makes a nuisance photographer different from a skilled Product Photographer Montreal is that a skilled photographer knows how to play with lighting. They know its importance and understand how lighting can change the entire look of the photograph. The photographer’s lighting skill has a huge impact on the overall image quality and production.
An experienced product photographer knows how to quickly adjust the lights for different products, keeping in mind the size, shape, color, and reflectivity of the product. On the other hand, photographers with amateur skills who have limited tabletop lighting will take longer to complete the shoot as they tend to make more lighting adjustments for each product.
- Product image editing
Product photography is not just limited to capturing product images. The most important step that comes afterward is product image editing. Though the photographer captured the images, it’s not entirely his responsibility to edit the images but that of the entire editing team. However, knowing about the editing process is crucial, and a photographer needs to understand the image editing process and shoot the products with editing in mind.
For instance, adjusting lights and camera exposure to capture a clean image helps with faster editing.
- Problem-solving skill
To become a professional product photographer you need to have managerial skills and experience to solve problems as they arise. Photographers should communicate effectively with all the people connected to the project, manage assistants, and stay organized.
A good photographer can handle software glitches, equipment malfunctions, or even product issues. A product photographer is the person in charge of the studio who can effectively solve problems as they arise. Many of these problems can hinder the shoot and must be handled quickly and promptly.
Should I join college to learn photography?
One of the often-asked questions and an important one is: should you join college to learn photography or not? You need to first evaluate yourself and then join the photography course and college according to your interests and requirements. Not all colleges teach you technical photography skills.
Some of the famous colleges for learning Product Photographer Canada courses are:
- TMU Images/Photo Studio
- OCAD U
- Sheridan
- Schools of the Photographic Arts (SPAO)
- Emily Carr University
Getting timely guidance from your teachers at the university can help you find the right guidance before you step into the actual world of photography. Having a teacher as your guide can help you keep yourself accountable, encourage you from time to time, and correct you whenever required. They teach you from the basics of fundamental learning to advanced concepts and also provide you with practical knowledge.
What are the types of equipment you need to get started?
Every good photographer needs to have the desired knowledge of the tools used for photography. Some of the tools that you would require to start are:
- Camera
Cameras are the most basic and primary need for starting a career in product photography. However, you would not need most of the features that come with expensive cameras. Since you need to shoot the products, all you need is a camera that lets you control the aperture so that the entire product stays in focus. You can do this with any DSLR.
- Background
Backgrounds are of high importance when it comes to product photography. White backgrounds are the most chosen ones, as they make the photographer look clean and are easier to edit. You can buy white polystyrene paper from a print or craft store, use some wood to make a DIY stand, and put it up as shown below.
- Lighting
Lighting is an important aspect of a photograph. As a product photographer, choosing lighting depends on what type of product you are shooting and whether you would like to use natural lighting or take shots in a controlled-light environment. Try to get lighting that works with your space.
- Tripod
As general as it may sound, having a tripod is of high importance. Product photography requires taking pictures of the product from various angles, which requires a tripod stand to adjust the height and angle for the perfect shot.
Conclusion
In conclusion, embarking on a journey to become a successful product photographer in Montreal requires a blend of technical expertise, creative flair, and effective communication skills. Specialising in sub-genres, understanding the different types of product photography, and mastering the necessary equipment are crucial steps. Whether you choose formal education or self-learning, the key lies in continuous improvement, adaptability, and a passion for capturing the essence of products through the lens.
