Dear Product Photographers, You're Trying Too Hard.

In this video, I'm sharing with you my thoughts on the state of product photography. I think a lot of product photographers are trying too hard and are putting in way too much effort to churn out perfect images. Most product photography is easier than you're making it out to be - you just need to take photos of the product and make sure they're good enough to sell more products. There's no need to try to be overly fancy or artistic. Just take photos that are good enough for the client. That's all you need to do to start running a profitable photography business.
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I’m Chris, a photographer based in Chicago. I teach creative business and photography through KZbin, my newsletter, and courses. When I’m not teaching, I run a production company working with 50+ companies. My KZbin channel is here for two reasons: to teach you how to start a creative business and photography.
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This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

[@ChrisPieta]

ChatGPT Cheatsheet (free download): www.creativebizlaunch.com/chatgpt-cheatsheet

[@itsbeaker6571]

I’ve never done this before and I was dragged into a job with a lead photographer. That lead has now dropped out after 2 months of planning and I’m now left to do it myself. So thank you for this. I was striving for perfection and freaking myself out thinking I needed so much more gear. I’m going take this to heart and work with what I got. Thank you for this video.

[@jimjimgl3]

Your are right. You can make good images with one light. But twice as fast isn't necessarily twice as good. There is too much competition in the marketplace for anyone to slack with their imagery. Client will just move on to the next photographer. Yes. If the client you are working with doesn't have any demanding style needs than quick and dirty is fine. But if they ask for something specific and you show up with your one light...game over. And often the client/agency will send along a mood-board (usually before the bid so you can figure out the costs of team/props/studio prior to compiling your estimate) and if it is product photography they often pick the best imagery out on Pinterest so you need to have the technical chops to re-create those shots since those images are what the agency sold to the client...and coincidentally, I did just work with Apple this past August. The main client was a credit card company and partnered with Apple. More of a lifestyle thing than pure product but the Apple iPhone had to be done perfectly and we received very detailed requirements about phone/shadows/angle/hands/nail polish, etc. I sent out most of the retouching since I'm good at PS but we had to work on 100 images and I'm way too slow at retouch. Anyway, just to say that I would suggest learning to do product shoots with all the bells and whistles (if your budget allows) and then scale back when appropriate.

[@Bishnu_Deb]

Great tips. Thanks Chris for such lovely video. Congrats for your FX30.

[@keeswassenaar]

The first sentence and the light in the background 😂 This made my day bro!

[@tfennoy9583]

Love this video! Planning the launch of my buisness and really standing by these principles for success 🙏🏾 CONGRATS on the FX30!! Hard work always pays off

[@ChrisPieta]

Love to hear that!! Appreciate you watching till the end.

[@regenosis]

Hey this was a great perspective piece! I'm that guy that spends a lot of time trying to come up with creative and complex compositions to style my shots. BUT, I do this for fun, not for a living and it's enjoyable to me to try and perfect an art form. There's a peer of mine that does the same product category where practically every single one of his shots is the product in front of a solid color backdrop in 2 or maybe 3 perspectives and that's it. For a long time I was confused why he doesn't strive for more interesting shots. Then I realized after watching your video that even though he doesn't make money from those shots, he is a Twitch personality in a hobby where that particular product is being marketed and his IG posts is merely just a funnel for directing more traffic to his streaming presence which is his main business.

[@nenecourtemporium]

As someone starting this journey (12 months in) this was a hugely reassuring video to watch. Social Media cann drive that need to perfection, but knowing great is good enough for most clients really clarifies my path. The new camera looks great, maybe try not to wear a greay shirt with a grey background :D Great channel, thank you!

[@ChrisPieta]

Glad the video helped you out!

[@ericstephenvorm]

Quality video. I really appreciate the practical approach. Also, the FX30 is pretty sweet!

[@marrahfortus-or4be]

Thank you for the tips. This is a great vid with a lot of sense! Im watching all your videos and i am learning. Thank you!!!

[@ChrisPieta]

Thank you so much for those kind words!

[@ehjd09]

Hi, Chris: It's Saturday morning for me, and am pleased to have this lesson to start my day. I watched from beginning to end, as I do with all your videos. Thank you for the presentation, and thanks for the cheat sheet. All of your content is excellent, and I am always waiting for your next video. Have a great day.

[@ChrisPieta]

What a way to start the day! Thanks for your kind message. It motivates me.

[@focusingforward]

Video and audio are on point! Thanks for the video 🙏🏼 I’m apart of the PPA in my city and often times I feel like I can’t be taken seriously if I don’t use complex set ups to get a shot. Not to say that that feeling reflects reality but I appreciate the reminder that multi-light setups don’t equal great photos. 🙏🏼

[@ChrisPieta]

Thanks Suzanna! Yeah from my own experience I've felt like there are a lot of photographers that think just because they complicate things and have the greatest gear, they're automatically amazing.

[@focusingforward]

@@ChrisPieta I've noticed that most, not all, of the people I know like that don't do photography as a living.

[@tannermoulton6230]

Very helpful information! Thanks for putting in the effort to make these videos. The FX30 is a good choice, especially to be fully running your videos on, solid pick!

[@ChrisPieta]

I'm happy that you're getting value out of the vids! Super happy with this camera :)

[@cyscoe]

Fx30 looks dope bro good video as allways

[@ChrisFloyd]

Thanks Chris!!

[@ChrisPieta]

You bet!

[@tonykeogh6139]

Sounds to be a lot of great inside information in this video. I’m coming at things from the other side. We have an e-commerce business and it’s now become one of my roles to take our product photography up a few levels. I’ve got decent equipment and since our warehouse move at long last now have the space. I just need to get my head down and get on with it. Exciting times ahead.

[@ChrisPieta]

I'm excited for you to delve into the world of product photos!

[@KOSglory]

Another great video. Don't know much about that camera but I'm using a Canon RP. Hopefully I can get some good shots like you.

[@ChrisPieta]

Appreciate you!

[@CortexTelevision]

This is an issue I’ve been struggling with as well. I have a 9 to 5 and wondering how I can create a photo package for potential clients over a weekend. You mention offering a 10 photo package to clients in other videos. I’m guessing you have a list of go to photo setups you include in every package. How long does it take you to plan, shoot, and edit those? If speed is the name of game, I’m guessing you don’t do a lot of Photoshop composites and instead, rely heavily on Lightroom presets.

[@ronlemelinphotography]

great camera the FX. I shoot with the Sony A74

[@ChrisFloyd]

FX30! Congrats! Nice box!

[@ChrisPieta]

Let’s go!! Thanks for watching till the end!

[@paulinemazur8963]

Thank you

[@ChrisPieta]

Appreciate you watching Pauline!

[@filipet.4551]

I plan on buying the FX30 in a year I mainly i do product video should i switch to photo if i want to win money or do both?

[@ChrisPieta]

Stick with video. Both are great to be in. It’s good to be niched down

[@_douglasfranco]

When starting out on product photography and after doing a good portofolio, do you think it's better to reach out to companies in other countries , should I try localize my work or does it not matter much as long the pitch/value and work are good ?

[@ChrisPieta]

I don't think it matters

[@_douglasfranco]

@@ChrisPieta Wow , thanks for this quick response Chris. I'll work on making a good portifolio to reach out to clients then xD

[@kelseyray1311]

I've got a starting portfolio doing product and brand photography but I'm wanting to branch into e-commerce photos...I just don't know where to find these types of clients, that don't already have an amazing photographer.

[@ChrisPieta]

That's a common setback a lot of the students inside Creative Biz Launch used to face! Luckily there are thousands of brands out there. Some have great photos but recently lost a photographer... you never know until you ask.

[@maggseb]

I have no idea what I think of your camera. I was hoping you would make a video on cameras to guide those of us who need, on how to buy a camera.

[@fireballfireball7573]

That my next Camera FX30

[@ChrisPieta]

Yessir! Gamechanger

[@Almendarezwilliam]

How is fx30?

[@ChrisPieta]

I'm really liking it! Still playing around with the color grading and will improve that over time! Helps a lot with my workflow. I can just have it mounted in the same spot and just hit record.

[@meagerknight1653]

Before getting legitimate clients, how does one acquire fake products to shoot and display their website?

[@dd1maher]

What is the best platform to creat a website?

[@ChrisPieta]

I use squarespace because I’ve found it simplest for portfolio. Been with it since 2018. Here’s a signup link to support the channel: squarespace.syuh.net/6b2ZQb I’ve also heard good thing about wix but have no firsthand experience

[@dd1maher]

@@ChrisPieta do you happen to know the name of your Squarespace template? Thanks TIA

[@mclive7937]

I think the FX30 provides a solid image!

[@ChrisPieta]

Appreciate you watching till the end!

[@mclive7937]

@@ChrisPieta I appreciate the content. Keep going my dude!

[@mind.blownfacts]

Bro what light you use?

[@ChrisPieta]

Godox AD400 Pro for photography. Aputure 300d for video.

[@film317]

Hey Chris! What are you using to hold the round diffuser? Thanks!

[@mind.blownfacts]

Hey chris i buy godox sl60w for product and food photograohy what do you think its good?

[@julietruitt2552]

How would you recommend getting my name out there and growing quickly as a brand new product photographer?

[@ChrisPieta]

Hey Julie, I have a free workshop that helps with this: www.creativebizlaunch.com/free-video-training As well as a paid program that walks you through step by step and helps you shortcut this process: : www.creativebizlaunch.com/cbl-interest

[@PLANETWATERMELON]

Mmmm, not the FX 3? Like I'd notice the difference.

[@ChrisPieta]

would rather spend the $2k on paying my team or investing in my education via a course!

[@PLANETWATERMELON]

@@ChrisPieta Of course. I was kidding.

[@jameslloydcole8783]

For 4 minutes straight, you repeated the same point, over and over again. My god, get to the setup. 💤

[@ChrisPieta]

You’re complaining about free content

[@funkymoped537]

@@ChrisPieta He's complaining about shit content! :D