Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Photography
Commercial photography involves taking photographs of products or people, such as fashion models in a designer outfit, a photo that appears on a business website, advertisement, or company literature.
In broader sense of the word, it could mean many things. Some people say that commercial photography is only related to product photography and there are others who would also include catalog work as part of commercial photography.
So how do you know what is what? Usually, a commercial photographer is hired by a company to promote their products and services through creative use of photography. For example, a photographer known for their landscape photography would be called a commercial photographer when they are hired by a tourism department to click photos with a sole intent of advertising and driving tourist interest.
The one thing that sets a commercial photographer apart from other photographers is their objective behind the shot. A commercial photographer will capture the images in such a way that it highlights its most promising aspect so that the photographed product is desirable to the viewers.
It is important to know the difference will help you choose the right expert for Commercial Photography In Toronto when you need one! Let us know more about commercial photography and what it entails.
Types of Commercial Photography
Now that we know what commercial photography means, it is time to look at the type of assignments that you would need this type of photographer for.
Commercial photography is a fast growing type of photography as more and more companies now understand the importance of visuals. Some types of commercial photography includes:
- Advertising: These type assignments involve clicking images for the purpose of advertising on billboards, posters, online adverts etc.
- E-commerce: The images clicked for websites are used for new product launch or to update an existing catalogue.
- Sales images: These are the images that the sellers would often use to showcase their products. They are also often formulaic. For example, a model showcasing clothes of a certain fashion brand by wearing them. The photographs clicked of that model in those garments, front and back, is known as catalog or sales images. These type of images are also a part of restaurant menus or online marketplaces.
- Packaging: Images that go on the product packaging is also a commercial photographer’s job to click.
Tips to Hire a Commercial Photographer
Commercial photographers are experts in these type of photography that do justice to your commercial goals. By when you are hiring an expert, make sure they fulfil the following criteria:
Equipment
Smartphone photography has really taken the world by the storm lately. However, they can never match up to the professional equipment that produces desired results. So be sure to ask about the gear of the photographer you are planning to hire. They should have pro cameras with better sensors and lens to help them take incredible photos. Having the right gear is crucial to taking a great photo. Since commercial photos are replicated across various screen sizes and platforms, the image should retain its sharpness and quality everywhere.
Moreover, the professionals don’t just come equipped with a single camera. They have multiple lenses and lighting options that allow them to work in all kinds of conditions.
Experience
It is not enough to invest in an expensive gear. They must also have the knowledge and the experience to use that gear to the best of their ability. An experienced photographer is a problem solver who knows how to deliver the finest results in the available circumstances. What if they only have a few minutes to photograph a VIP before they are zipped off? What if they have click portraits in a limited space? It is their experience and skill that will help them solve such problems on their feet.
Skilled and knowledgeable photographers are like shoot producers who can pull in necessary professionals, such as make up artists, videographers, location scouts etc. to help them successfully execute a project.
An experienced photographer will also be able to create a better looking photo. They have the technical knowledge and understand the rules of photography that help them bring out the best in their subjects. The right balance, colour, focal length, lighting, space etc. are the elements that can make or break an image. They know exactly how to make all these elements work together to produce brilliant results. They are also adept at editing skills, enabling them to hide mistakes or aberrations with ease.
Insurance
Many professional photographers have business insurance that protects their clients from any financial liability should an accident happen while they are working.
These are some things you need to keep in mind about commercial photography before hiring a professional.