Commercial Photography Handbook


Book Description

Targeting new and experienced commercial photographers alike, this invaluable guide explores the different aspects and challenges of succeeding in the industry. Approaching the subject systematically, the topics begin with determining what kind of commercial photography to pursue and how to get the training needed to carve out a niche in the market. Continuing to delve further, the topics expand to marketing techniques, negotiation skills, estimating and charging for work, maximizing profits while minimizing expenses, and ethical business behavior. Armed with this information, commercial photographers who are developing or expanding their businesses will know how to evolve and grow during periods of both prosperity and recession.




Food Photography & Lighting


Book Description

Creating mouth-watering food images requires more than just a love of food and access to a kitchen. With the popularity of food blogs and photography how-tos, it’s tempting to think that anyone can photograph food, but it’s another thing entirely to shoot for a tight ad layout with the pressure of your client watching over your shoulder. Commercial food photographer Teri Campbell has been called a “lighting master,” and in this beautifully illustrated book, he not only shares his detailed lighting set-ups and shooting techniques for a wide range of food and drink shots, but also offers candid advice on how to set up a studio, use the right equipment, market your work, find clients, bid on assignments, hire food and prop stylists, and communicate effectively with everyone on the set. Campbell shares his expertise on dozens of commercial assignments–from shooting beignets on location in New Orleans, to creating perfect ice tea pours, to photographing beans on real flames in his studio. Learn how he creates dynamic compositions, uses studio strobes, and arranges light diffusers, reflectors, fill cards, and mirrors, to create the perfect capture. Campbell also discusses his post-processing techniques in Adobe Camera Raw and Adobe Photoshop to create images that are irresistible. This guide for intermediate and advanced users provides the insider details to help you expand your photography skills or turn your passion for food and images into a professional career.




Professional Commercial Photography


Book Description

Annotation The most important task for a commercial photographer is to create images that sell - be it a service, a product, a political candidate or an organisation. This guide presents techniques and images from a choice collection of commercially successful photographers, all offering revelations and wisdom to inform readers of the techniques that have paved the way to their success. Each chapter focuses on the techniques and images of a single photographer, providing a workshop in their area of expertise.




Lighting for Product Photography


Book Description

In the Internet age, shoppers often don't have the advantage of touching or feeling an item in order to make a logical buying decision regarding. The same is true on menus; we have to decide whether or not to order that fancy drink or dessert based on a photograph of it. This makes the job of photographers more important than ever--without the right photos, even the best product won't sell in today's marketplace! In this book, photographer Allison Earnest shows you how to design images to contain all the information about color, depth, shape, and texture that potential buyers will need to evaluate the product using their eyes alone--and how to entice viewers with scene setups and lighting that set the right mood or match the needs of a specific publication, website, or advertising campaign. Comprehensive text and detailed setup shots make it easy to follow along and master the principles of photographing any product beautifully!




Basic Studio Lighting


Book Description

As every photographer quickly learns, there’s more to studio lighting than simply learning the equipment. InBasic Studio Lighting, an expert photographer and renowned photography teacher provides nuts-and-bolts guidance for mastering the complexities of one of the most important aspects of making a photograph: proper lighting. Readers will discover surefire tactics for using equipment properly and innovative ways of utilizing color and light to create fabulous effects, as well as getting hands-on practice with exposures, accent lighting, backgrounds, set-ups, and dozens of other studio techniques. Plus, dozens of outstanding color photographs illustrate each technique step by step. Perfect for aspiring photographers and students as well as veterans,Basic Studio Lightingprovides all the theory and practical techniques needed to create professional photos that make an impact. • Hundreds of proven tips and techniques from an expert in the field • A hot topic for every photographer • Over 150 outstanding photos with step-by-step instructions make mastering these techniques easy




The Speedlight Studio


Book Description

In this book, Michael Mowbray shows readers how to set up a completely speedlight-based portrait photography studio. He goes in depth regarding gear and techniques, providing photographers with scores of example portraits and lighting diagrams to make it easy to follow along and replicate the portrait lighting effects that he shows. Readers will learn about selecting speedlights (Mowbray covers Canon, Nikon, and third-party units), learning standard operations, and working with the units on the camera’s hot shoe (a connectivity device on top of the camera) or in the periphery for more flexible, controllable results. Readers will learn why modifying the light from speedlights will produce a lot more bang for their buck and will also discover a host of tools—commercial and DIY—that can be used to change the direction, color, and quality of light for the ultimate artistic control.




Studio Anywhere


Book Description

What’s your definition of a photo studio? Is it a room with a white seamless backdrop or a cyc wall? Maybe it’s simply anywhere you’re in control of the lighting. In a perfect world, where every day is a breezy 72 degrees with partial cloud coverage, we would all have a 5,000-square-foot studio–and the entire catalog of B&H™ in our equipment lockups. But the reality is that you may have an outdated DSLR with two decent lenses (which took you several years to save up for), and all you have at your disposal is an unfinished basement, your garage, or the empty conference room at your office. That’s where Studio Anywhere comes in. With photographer Nick Fancher as your guide, you’ll learn how to get portfolio-ready photos while working in some of the most problematic scenarios imaginable. Whether shooting a corporate portrait, a test shoot with a model, or a promo shoot with a band, you’ll discover that most of the time, there’s no need for an expensive studio–you just have to get creative. Studio Anywhere is a resource for photographers to learn through behind-the-scenes photos and lighting diagrams from a range of photo shoots–but it doesn’t stop there. Because directing a photo shoot involves more than simply knowing how to wield a camera or process a raw file, Nick also lets you in on the aesthetic decisions he makes in his signature photos, inspiring you to develop your own vision. And, finally, he describes his Lightroom and Photoshop workflow so you can learn how to deftly navigate post-processing. Shows how to create images with minimal equipment that is within reach of anyone’s budget Takes you through the entire shoot, from concept to lighting to exposure to post-processing in Lightroom and Photoshop Teaches how to build a portfolio without a dedicated studio space




The Art and Style of Product Photography


Book Description

High quality images sell products. Here's how you do it. From cereal boxes to billboards to photos on Amazon, product photos have a strong impact on viewers. Now you can master the secrets of effective product photography with this essential guide. Author J. Dennis Thomas guides you through the basics, from selecting the right equipment and practicing different lighting techniques to controlling exposure, using backgrounds and props, and much more. Whether it's jewelry, food, fashion, or other products, learn how to photograph for effective selling, while building the skills and tools you need for a career. Explains how to produce quality photos for product or commercial photography, including fashion, food, jewelry, technology, and more The author is a professional photographer whose work has been published in major U.S. magazines including Rolling Stone, Elle, W Magazine, and US Weekly Covers choosing the right equipment, practicing different lighting techniques, controlling exposure, using backgrounds and props, and more Gives new and even experienced photographers the tools they need to build careers in product photography Take photographs that impress, intrigue, dazzle, and sell with The Art and Style of Product Photography.




Advancing Your Photography


Book Description

The author of Create presents “an all-in-one, easily accessible handbook . . . [that] will show you how the pros do it. Study this and take your best shot” (Chase Jarvis, award-winning photographer). In Advancing Your Photography, Marc Silber provides the definitive handbook that will take you through the entire process of becoming an accomplished photographer. From teaching you the basics to exploring the stages of the full “cycle of photography,” Silber makes it easy for you to master the art form and create stunning pictures. From thousands of hours of interviews with professional photography masters, you will learn valuable insights and tips on beginner, amateur, landscape, wedding, lifestyle, sports, animal, portrait, still life, and iPhone photography. Advancing Your Photography features: · Top tips for making outstanding photographs from iconic photographers and many other leading professional photography masters of today · Numerous step-by-step examples · Guidance on training your eye to see composition with emotional impact · Tips on mastering the key points of operating your camera like a pro · Secrets to processing your images to professional standards Photography and the technology associated with it are constantly evolving, but the fundamentals remain the same. Advancing Your Photography will help to bring you the joy and satisfaction of a lifetime of pursuing the art of photography.




Advertising Photography


Book Description

If you are an aspiring or professional photographer looking to break into advertising, "Advertising Photography: A Straightforward Guide to a Complex Industry" will provide you with an honest and uncensored look at this highly competitive and lucrative business. While working in the advertising photography industry can be glamorous and financially rewarding, it can also be intimidating and difficult to break into, requiring networking savvy, financial know-how, and marketing and business skills on top of photographic talent. Advertising Photography strips away the glitz and presents a candid and complete picture with solid advice to newcomers. You'll learn how to get your business started, including writing a business strategy, successfully negotiating a bid, what to expect during the shoot, post production and delivery tips, and how to properly invoice your clients. The book explores several business management styles supported by the real-world experiences of veteran advertising photographers, illustrated with stunning full-color images of the work that got them where they are today. By examining the methods and strategies used by those who have already made it in the industry, you'll learn smart business practices to apply to your own work, giving you time to focus on the creative aspects of your craft, which is what will ultimately lead you to a successful advertising photography career. Learn from the experiences--good and bad--of those who have been there! -Practical how-to tips, information, and examples from each of the top genres -Learn how to get your business started, including writing a business strategy, licensing and copyright information, creating branding for websites and portfolios, insurance and legal issues, and more -Essential industry resources for estimating and invoicing software, professional organizations, marketing services, and creative consultants