Product Photography - Why It Is Important For Your Business, Some Advice, And Free Product Photography For Your Shop

Introduction. If there is one thing I can do well, it's photograph things. I am able to work with subjects of many kinds--including flowers, landscapes, toys, animals, and even food (my favorite). If you look through my flickr page, it is full of food photography. Why? Simply because I love food. If I didn't have my professional Canon camera, this love would have possibly waned. If I couldn't indulge in the photography of my food I wouldn't love it. I just know I wouldn't. It would get boring and odds are, I wouldn't have the interest in creating more food (or any items for that matter) to photograph.

What does this have to do with product photography? Well, it has everything to do with product photography. Notice what I said before. Without my professional camera, I wouldn't enjoy the work I do and therefore wouldn't enjoy the activities and products that I photograph. True, you can photograph the things you don't enjoy or have interest in...but who does that? Perhaps to convey the message of disgust or loss of interest. Honestly, I have no idea.

The Importance Of Photography. Extremely important. Before I opened my photography shop in July of 2010, I actually began by photographing my sister's flower clips for her shop using my simple pink Sony Cybershot. I knew nothing of professional DSLR cameras and quite frankly, had no interest in them. I was so happy to have the camera that I had (which was a gift to me) that I didn't care about anyone else's camera. So I went along photographing her products and had so much fun doing it that I began photographing every single item in her shop as a hobby. I didn't get paid--though I wanted to. I just did it anyway because I knew she wasn't the best photographer in the world (sorry sis). I felt like a pro. She used to always request my photography service and I was there for her--for a while at least. Shortly after, I grew bored of the photos I was taking because, quite frankly, I wasn't getting paid and the camera just kept bugging on me. The picture quality wasn't always good and I longed for macro shots--something that just couldn't be achieved with my little guy. She began doing her own product shots with the camera and she got really good at it. She definitely learned well from me. ;) The truth was, I just wasn't happy with my Sony Cybershot. It just wasn't giving me the quality that I wanted and the large-scale image sizes. I wanted murals and canvas art sized to 20x20"! Sony stopped short at 11x14". :(

The Blooming Of A Business. All of those beautiful photography shots of my sister's products that didn't appear to be product photography shots influenced me to open up shop in July of 2010. I instantly received sales upon opening due to the depth and beauty of my photography. I thought to myself, if this Sony camera can do all of this, what can a professional DSLR do? On top of that, what if I offered product photography? I couldn't do that with a simple point-and-shoot! After a year of landing in a depression from the lack of increasing sales and loss of hope and enjoyment in my work, I decided to take the risk and buy the professional camera I had my eyes on for a while. I bought it on my mother's credit card because I didn't have a credit card and have never been happier. The photographs were so much brighter and clearer--everything was different. I'll show you.

"Strawberry Oatmeal Crunch" Before...

"Strawberry and Blueberry Salad" After...

Now you can see what I mean.

I'm not saying that one cannot be successful with a point-and-shoot. I'm just sayin...look at the difference. Customers can and will respond more positively to the second picture than the first. This positive response is an extremely important factor in the increase of sales.

So What Should I Do? Well, you have 5 options. 

1. Get yourself a professional camera. The one I have cost over $1800 including the insurance/warranty and accessories. Calculate the lenses that you want into that cost as well. Right now, I don't have a macro lens but as you can see, the photo is still pretty good. :)
2. Get a professional photographer or a friend with a professional camera to take the pictures for you. This is always the option I recommend--especially if you don't have the time to take the photos yourself. 
3. Rent a camera. Yes, you read correctly. Rent one. I've seen this online and thought it was extremely interesting. I didn't try it because you do have to return the camera after a certain time period. So, I said no and bought my own. Besides, the camera would be "used" and not new.
4. Ask a friend for their camera to practice with or steal one. Sorry, I had to be honest. Though I don't advocate theft in any way! 
5. Learn Adobe Photoshop and get really good at editing your current photos with the program. 

Product photography is so important for your shop because it allows customers to inspect the quality of your work and craft. If you sell online only then this is something that is extremely worth investing thought, time, and even money in. Besides, I'm a photographer. I need a nice camera.

Will You Help Me? Of course! I understand that product photography isn't everyone's strength because of the lack of tools needed to do the job or time in learning the product. So....(drumroll please)  

I'm giving away free product photography (not including props and to and return shipping) to 3 Etsy shop owners! 

3 Winners Will Receive:

• (5) photos each of 3 items in your shop --> your choice of items = 15 product photography shots total
• Your choice of backgrounds/settings
• Your choice of props
• Free promotion on my Twitter and Flickr accounts

How To Enter:

1. Follow this blog and leave a comment below with your e-mail address, shop name, and shop website address.

U.S. entries only please!

4 More Ways To Enter:

1. Visit the Dreamery Photography shop and comment here with your favorite item.

2. Follow us on Twitter, Like this giveaway on Facebook, and share this giveaway on your blog. Post your links here. For Twitter please use this tweet:

I entered to win free product photography on @dreameryphoto blog! http://t.co/60KcN7T

3. Grab one of my buttons in the left column and share it on your blog. Post a link to the page where the button is located here.

4. Add us as a contact on Flickr and comment on your favorite photograph. Post a link your comment here.

This gives you a total of 5 entries in this giveaway! The contest will end in one week so be sure to leave an additional comment for each additional entry option! I will announce the winners (which I will hand-pick) next week! Good luck!

La Di Da-Da Di La

What a super fun title! I'm in a blah mood today. Perhaps it's due to the fact that both wonderful and blah things have happened to me. Let's just get to the good stuff first so I can lift my spirits a bit.

I've recently worked with Bonne Vie Collection on her product photography. This beautiful artist has the most amazing Tamanu Oil. It has so many benefits for your skin and can even lessen the look of stretch marks (as a female, that sounds like magic in a bottle). I loved photographing her item and will show them below! It looks gorgeous! On top of that, it's 100% natural!

Isn't the product photography beautiful?! The inspiration for this was www.jomalone.com. I am just so excited to have such an impact on this up-and-coming seller! Please visit her shop. She is in the works of adding this item and much more to her shop! I see a lot of success coming! :)

Thank you so much April for allowing me to work with your amazing oil! I hope to work with you again soon! Check out her shop at Bonne Vie Collection!

__________________________________________________________________________________

Oka, so I said my day was "blah" too. Recently, I applied for a fellowship called the Orr Fellowship that was for graduating entrepreneurial seniors. I interviewed with them and long story short, I didn't make it. :( I know, I know. Can't cry over spilled milk. My problem is, I really wanted it because it centered around assisting small, high growth companies in growing their ventures. On top of that, the salary was 40k a year for 2 years. Afterwards, there was a trip to China, all paid for 10 days...

I was so upset that I didn't make it that I nearly cried. It's not that I'll never have the chance to do all those great things one day--but that I fear it will be harder to do that one day.

I have faith that all things will work out soon someday and that everything is not as bad as it seems. It's just, it really hurt. That's all. I really felt like it was my calling--just like photography and helping others (which is why I do product photography for small businesses). So, hopefully everything works out soon.

(There's really so much more to the story but it'd be insane to ruin my day with the thoughts. So, I'll leave it where it is. I am blessed to be given the opportunity to create such beautiful photos. Thank you again April for allowing me to photograph your product and express myself so that I can smile.)

Compliments To The Photographer

I always love reading compliments from my customers. They make me feel so warm and fuzzy inside.

After working with Bonne Vie Collection, I received quite a wonderful compliment via Etsy conversation:

That was wonderful! I was so happy that she loved her photography! It was so much fun to do! Not to mention, the photography process was so simple. It was as simple as speaking to me about what she wanted, sending me an example link (jomalone.com) and shipping the item to me! It was literally that easy! What made the process so much fun was our conversation. Speaking about the style she was looking for brought two points of view to the matter and really turned out beautifully.

Recently, I received a lovely compliment from Camille's Closet via Etsy conversation about her product photography experience.

I am so excited to have received such wonderful reviews on my work and services and wanted to share this with you all. It is important that you receive a full experience when working with a product photographer. That is what I strive to provide my customers--the help and assistance they need to have beautiful photography that matches their style and budget.

So if you're thinking of having a product photographer work with you and your shop, don't hesitate to contact me and we will work something out together! 

Captain America (3D) Movie Viewing

You know, 3D movies are really good. I mean, really. I love the fact that when you put the glasses on, they  are like real glasses (sunglasses). When I was a kid, I hated wearing those paper thin, red and blue glasses. I'll never forget how they crossed your eyes when you watched movies. I could never see the 3D! My sister used to nudge me and say, "Did you see that? It looked like it came out the screen" and I'd say "I didn't see anything. I don't know what you're talking about." LOL. Too funny.

But Captain America, though it was a good movie, it felt cheesy. I mean, I don't want to spoil the movie for you but I will say, it felt too cliche. Either way, it was a nice outing for me and my family. I went with my mom, 2 brothers, and sister. I wish I had photos to show you, but until I get my camera bag in the mail, I won't have any. :(

I attended the movie showing at Springdale, OH -- Springdale 18: Cinema de Lux and the tickets were only $6.00 each! It was great! Only $30 for 5 of us! The food was good--I got 2 slices of pizza, popcorn, and 2 funnel cake fries with caramel sauce. Too good! I should've photographed it! Ugh! Oh well, I promise I will next time.

In other news, no one entered the product photography giveaway that ends tomorrow so I'm going to close the giveaway and do it later. It's fine though. I have been very busy and it's been hard to keep promoting it the way I'd like. I may host it on another website.

So really, that was all I had to say. No business topics or anything--other than the fact that I have a product photography order that I can't wait to begin. I have also posted new photography in the shop. :) I would love for you to check it out!

Thanks for reading!
Naimah

Before and After: Product Photography Shoot With Head To Toe

I have had the honor of doing a product photography shoot with custom monogram tissue box cover artist, Christy, of Head To Toe. It was so much fun because I had never thought of doing something like this before and her work is superb! Click the photographs to visit her shop items. :)

Before vs. After    

  

Isn't the new look great? The look she was going for was airy, soft, majestic and clean. This has definitely been achieved through the use of proper lighting, view of the window, depth of field. 

Another "After" shot below.

Christy's work is perfect as gifts for teachers and even for our own homes! The quality of the fabric is wonderful--very strong and easy to remove and place back on the tissue box. I bet it's even easy to wash! She is so very talented. I'm glad to have done her photography so the world can see the beauty in her work. We have a lot more items to photograph and I can't wait to photograph them and show you our progress! 

Product Photography Session With Flowers From Fatima

Product photography is always a semi-tough thing to do. While it can be fun and entertaining, it can be equally draining--especially when the person you're working with is your...sister. Yes, I know, I'm not downing working with my sister but, she can be quite picky at times. Remember I told you before that we worked together initially to do the photography shots for her shop? Well yesterday, we REdid them because, now, I have a better camera. Boy oh boy was there a difference in the looks. She purposefully kept the before and after pictures and told me to show them to you. Boy, what a difference.

The Silk Ivory Pearl Floral Headband

I wish I had more to show you but I can't seem to locate them right now. Haha BUT I do have more of the after shots to show you! Look below! 

I will attest that she worked so hard on these flowers. She made a set of 5 of these little ones. So beautiful. 

A Custom Wedding Order For A Bridesmaid

These rose clips actually have a velvety feel to them. They feel so good and the quality of the flowers are NOTHING like what you find at the stores. It is soft and hefty. Not too heavy or thin at all. Just perfect. 

The Real Touch Rose Hair Clip 

This flower is too cute! I love it! It really adds a bounciness to your style. 

The Caramel Creme Hair Combs

I have not seen one florist work as well with flowers as my sister has and I'm not just saying that because she's my sister. Well, maybe I am but I do wear her flowers because they're absolutely beautiful! I've gotten so many compliments! 

I will post more as we go along! Her shop will soon look so new and fun! I enjoyed working with Flowers From Fatima and will enjoy working with you too on your shop--whatever your style. :)

Listening to: Down The Hillside by Jose Gonzalez

New Product Photography With Findings

Note: This post has been edited to remove the 'before' shots. The finished product is amazing!

I always get so excited to introduce new photography with the world! This week's artisan has had a tremendous transformation in her photography. I would love to see what happens when her whole shop is completed!

Shop of the Week: Findings
I photographed her Floral Messenger Bag.

Her bag looks absolutely beautiful! It truly shows the hard work that she put into making it (something that may not have been seen due to the prior photography shots)! It truly felt like a feminine messenger bag! 

I loved the canvas-like texture on the exterior of the purse! (This is shown in the up-close shots of the bag.) The interior of the bag was a nice bright mellow green. What isn't visible from the photographs are the velcro pocket closures in the interior of the bag. I believe there were 4 pockets and they were all close-able with the use of small velcro circles that are inside the pockets. 

Other features of the bag are the magnetic closure at the top of the bag so none of your goodies will fall out, the wooden button on the front of the bag (which is not a closure--just decoration that I think really adds beauty to the bag), and the sewn knot on the strap of the bag (which can be taken out). It adds another feminine touch to the bag. Overall, the photo shoot was wonderful and I am so glad to work with this artisan! She is a great person with beautiful work! So go check out her shop! You will not be disappointed!

Findings by Kris Juaire

Shop: findings63.etsy.com

Currently offering 10% off everything for the month of September 2011 - Use code "Fall10" at checkout!

Yummy Caramel Treats By Imestell

Many of you may not have known but a while ago I did product photography for artisan, Iris, owner of the candy shop, Imestell. Her caramels were so tasty! The product photography looked wonderful and I was glad to know that she really loved the photos. :)

Without further ado, here they are!

Aren't they gorgeous?! Her caramels are so sweet and tasty (the peanut caramels were a bit on the salty side but still pretty sweet)--perfect for a cold fall day and fun enough to share! I was easily addicted to them (and had trouble sharing). The packaging was beautiful and perfect for gifting--really, they make a perfect gift for the holiday season! On top of that, all of her candies are made fresh to order!

Iris, thank you so much for allowing me to photograph your sweet treats! They look amazingly yummy!

My favorite packaging was the snowflake packaging! It was so cute and perfect for the holidays!

For more of Imestell:

Shop for special treats.

Read her Blog.

"Like" her on Facebook!

Product Photography With Flowers From Fatima

I recently purchased new equipment for the photo shoots--photography lights! It has made such a dramatic difference in the photography! The photos are absolutely beautiful and they have so much character and richness in color. Ok, so enough talking. Have a look for yourself!

 

 

 

 

   

I am absolutely in love with these photographs. They are so vibrant and full of color. Visit Flowers From Fatima for more beautiful floral accessories. You get a free gift when you spend $35! :)

New Product Photography With Linda B's Jewelry

It's been a while but I am glad to say that I have been quite busy in the field of photography during my hiatus! Since my last post, I have worked with several shops--one being Linda B's Jewelry, a jewelry and accessory designer!

One thing I must say is that Linda creates very beautiful jewelry that I had the pleasure of photographing for her--one being a custom bracelet that she designed that has the name "Joseph" on it. See images from the photo shoot below. 

Aren't the photos great?! See the listing on Linda's website. The images really do show the beauty of her bracelet. It really makes a perfect gift for anyone in the market for jewelry! I love the blue Swarovski crystals on it! It's so adorable! I am so glad to have worked with Linda and really do look forward to working with her jewelry again!

Take a visit to Linda's shop for more of her amazing work! She even has a blog for you to visit as well!

Creamy Pearl Flower Headband - Flowers From Fatima

I was so glad that the sun was out yesterday! Without it, I don't know what could've been done! Product photography definitely wouldn't have been accomplished. It's a wonder how important natural sunlight is to a photograph. It is so necessary because artificial light just makes photographs look...well...artificial.

So like I said, the sun was out yesterday (it's dark and raining right now in Cincinnati, Ohio) so it allowed me to take beautiful photographs of a headband by Flowers From Fatima.

I absolutely LOVE this headband! It's so ethereal. The contrasting background and headband make for such soft and lovely photographs--exactly the look that Fatima was going for. Not to mention, she is absolutely beautiful as a model--it is her hand holding the headband.

The workmanship of the headband is amazing. Her hard work and energy permeates her floral accessories. It's just gorgeous. I was so glad that the sun was out today because I had a chance to photograph a beautiful object--a creamy pearl flower headband by Flowers From Fatima. Thank you so much for allowing me this opportunity! I truly enjoyed it!

Sometimes I Wish..

...that part of growing up didn't include getting a job...that my childlike fascination still existed...that I never was burdened by "making a living" or having all the things everyone else has.

Sometimes I wish...that the world looked prettier everywhere and scenes of forest animals in their natural habitat was not just viewable on tv but in person.

Sometimes I wish...that kindness paid the bills...that war never existed except the one between good and better...that "weapons" were unreal and if that word existed it would stand for bad words.

Sometimes I wish...that success was not hard to come by...luck was not necessary in our lives...and that...

I didn't have to wish for this anymore.

What do you wish sometimes?

P.S. - Don't forget to enter the product photography giveaway!

Now Accepting Sponsors!

I'm not sure if you noticed, but there's a new section under the sidebar on the left--Sponsors. There are already two that I am so glad to share with you all--My Momma's Kitchen and Flowers From Fatima! As sponsors, they will receive many benefits!

The benefit of becoming a sponsor: 

1. Have your very own "sponsor spotlight".
2. (Optional) Host a giveaway on my blog with my personal review (and relative photography) of your product to use for your website! The giveaway can be a great way to bring potential customers to your website! 
3. First notice of new deals and promotions that I'm offering only to sponsors from Dreamery Photography. 
4. Advertising not only on my blog but via my Facebook and Twitter!

You can apply for as many months as you like for only $10/month! With Christmas coming up, get half off your first month when you sign up for 2 months of advertising! It's the perfect Christmas gift for your business or website! This offer is valid until Friday, November 25th so catch it before it expires!

Keep in mind, I'm only allowing relevant blogs/businesses/websites to become a sponsor. I am not allowing any offensive websites or products.

There are not many requirements, so if you're interested in becoming a sponsor, send me an email at dreameryphotography[at]gmail.com with the subject line "Sponsor Sign-up".


Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing from you!