Product photography is a type of photography that involves capturing images of products for commercial purposes, such as advertising, marketing, e-commerce, or catalogues. Product photography can showcase the features, benefits, and quality of a product, as well as create a visual appeal and a brand identity.
Product photography is a lucrative and creative niche that can help you earn money as a photographer. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, there are many ways to make money with product photography, from selling prints and stock photos to monetizing your blog. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to make money with product photography, and how to improve your skills and portfolio.
Sell prints
One of the easiest ways to make money with product photography is to sell prints of your work. There is a high demand for high-quality, one-of-a-kind photography prints, both online and in-person. You can sell your prints on platforms such as Etsy, Shopify, Fine Art America, or your own website. You can also sell your prints at local markets, galleries, or exhibitions. Selling prints can help you reach a wider audience, build your reputation, and generate passive income.
Sell stock photos
Another way to make money with product photography is to sell your photos on stock photography websites. Stock photography websites are platforms that allow photographers to upload and sell their photos to customers who need them for various purposes, such as websites, blogs, magazines, or social media. There are two ways to make money with stock photography: macrostock and microstock. Macrostock agencies sell higher price images for exclusive rights, while microstock agencies sell lower price images for non-exclusive rights. Some of the most popular stock photography websites are Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, iStock, and Getty Images. Selling stock photos can help you earn money from your existing work, diversify your income streams, and reach a global market.
Monetize your blog
A blog is a great way to showcase your product photography skills, share your knowledge and experience, and connect with your audience. A blog can also help you make money with product photography by placing ads on your site, promoting affiliate products, offering sponsored posts, or selling your own products or services. To monetize your blog, you need to have a niche, a target audience, a domain name, a hosting service, and a blogging platform. Some of the most popular blogging platforms are WordPress, Blogger, Medium, and Wix. Monetizing your blog can help you build industry credibility, get new clients, and generate recurring revenue.
Use different angles
One of the best ways to improve your product photography skills and portfolio is to experiment with different angles when photographing products. Different angles can provide a unique perspective and make your product stand out from the crowd. For example, you can use a bird’s eye view to show the shape and size of a product, a side view to show the depth and texture of a product, or a close-up view to show the details and features of a product. Using different angles can help you create more dynamic and interesting images, attract more attention, and increase your sales.
Consider the product’s surroundings
Another way to improve your product photography skills and portfolio is to consider the product’s surroundings when photographing products. The surroundings can include the background, the lighting, the props, and the composition. The surroundings can help you create a mood, a story, and a context for your product, as well as highlight its benefits and value. For example, you can use a plain background to focus on the product, a colorful background to create contrast and excitement, or a natural background to show the product in use. You can also use props to add interest and personality to your product, such as flowers, books, or accessories. Considering the product’s surroundings can help you create more appealing and professional images, communicate your message, and influence your customers’ emotions.
Include full shots
In addition to macro shots, it’s also important to include full shots of your products when photographing products. Full shots are images that show the entire product in one frame, without cropping or zooming in. Full shots can help you show the overall appearance and quality of your product, as well as its proportions and dimensions. Full shots can also help your customers get a better idea of what your product looks like, how it fits, and how it works. Including full shots can help you create more comprehensive and informative images, increase your customers’ trust and satisfaction, and reduce returns and complaints.
Product photography is a rewarding and profitable niche that can help you make money as a photographer. By following these tips and tricks, you can improve your product photography skills and portfolio, and increase your income and opportunities. Whether you want to sell prints, stock photos, or monetize your blog, product photography can help you achieve your goals and dreams. Happy shooting!