Advertising photography is a branch of commercial photography that focuses on creating images for advertising and marketing purposes. An advertising photographer is hired to capture a specific image for use as an advertisement. This type of photography is used to market products, services or ideas directly to potential customers. Advertising photographers are not limited to shooting print ads or commercials; their images may appear anywhere from billboards to websites. Working as an advertising photographer allows you to combine your passion for photography with your love of marketing and sales. While the competition for this type of work can be stiff in larger cities, many smaller cities need these types of services on a more limited scale. Advertising photography is a profitable side business for many professional photographers, but it involves a lot more than just snapping pictures and sending them off with the invoice. Read on to learn more about what it takes to become an advertising photographer and how you can get started in this rewarding career path.
What does an advertising photographer do?
Advertising photographers are hired to create an image that will entice the viewer to purchase the product or service being advertised. Their goal is to make the product look appealing while also appealing to your emotions. To do this, they often use lighting techniques and props that can be changed depending on the product being advertised. A good advertising photographer will be able to take a few minutes to assess the product and come up with several different ways to photograph it. When photographing a product that is being held by a model, the photographer must be careful to show the product in the best possible light. They may use a variety of special lighting techniques to make the product appear as if it’s being used in real life.
Skills required to be an advertising photographer
The skills required to become an advertising photographer vary depending on the type of photography you choose to specialize in, but most advertising photographers will need to have extensive knowledge of marketing and advertising concepts. This includes an understanding of sales strategies, target audience, competition and pricing. Photographers who specialize in product or commercial advertising should also have a strong background in visual merchandising and product design. Visual merchandising is the art of arranging and displaying products in a way that draws attention and creates desire. Product designers are responsible for creating mock-ups of products and packaging, including design concepts and materials. A creative and artistic eye can help, but it is not necessary. Photographers who specialize in advertising within the service industry may not need as much creative design experience. However, they should still have excellent communication skills and a detailed understanding of marketing strategies.
How to become an advertising photographer
There are a few steps you can take to become an advertising photographer. The first step is to decide which type of photography you would like to focus on. Product/commercial photography is focused on the visual merchandising of items like clothing, toys, and food products. It deals with the overall look of the product and how it is displayed. Product/commercial photographers are responsible for creating attractive, consistent images of products for advertisements. Concept/commercial photography is focused on the visual representation of the concept or message of the advertisement. It is used to create an image that conveys the product’s purpose or use, as well as its benefits. Concept/commercial photographers are responsible for creating visually interesting images of advertisements and marketing materials. Visual Journalism photography is focused on the social betterment of a community through advertising. Visual Journalism photographers create images that convey an important message and educate the public about social issues. They are responsible for finding a social need and creating an advertisement that appeals to the public to generate funds for the cause. Conceptual photography is focused on the visual representation of an idea through a single image. It can be used in advertisements but is often used to create iconic images that stand the test of time. Conceptual photographers are responsible for creating a single image that conveys an idea and has a lasting impact.
As advertising photographers, we’re still selling a product or service, but we’re using your pictures to tell a story that gives that product or service greater appeal. We’re often hired to capture a specific image for use as an advertisement for ad agencies and clients directly. We help create visuals for your products, services, and ideas that directly impact your potential customers; and that work appears almost everywhere from billboards to websites.
Mike Haller
314-913-5626
stlouisphotostudio@gmail.com
St Louis Photo Studio 