Understanding Commercial Photography Studio Management Software

In today’s fast paced world commercial photography studio management software has become a necessity for the professional photographers. Since most professional photographers own proprietary firms with a small staff, they frequently face the problem of resources while delivering the final photos to the client.

Although innovations in the photography industry have reduced the work burden, there is still scope for improvement. Some innovations such as the Photoshop software and other photo editing software have made the work of creation quite easy. The launch of commercial photography studio management software has enabled the photographers to streamline their business operations in a professional way. This software helps in the management of data of different clients and saves valuable time. Nowadays a number of companies have launched studio management software. While considering such software, make sure that it has the following features.

The first one is the contact and calendaring tools. For any business to flourish marketing and lead generation are important. It is essential to properly manage all the contacts to get a leap ahead of the competition. For instance, most of the commercial photography studio software programs offer a system for input of leads and their classification. Some also allow scheduling for follow ups and other advanced features. Any software, which can seamlessly combine the calendar tool along with the scheduling tool, will boost the efficiency of the business.

The inclusion of finance tools is also important as most photographers are engrossed in the art of taking photographs and most of the times ignore the financial aspects of the work. Any business in which the financial domain is not properly checked or is ignored then surely the business will be doomed. Any studio management software should offer a set of specific finance tools, which allow tracking of all the financial data. Some of the essential tools include basic accounting tools to track revenue and expense, along with other tools for creating invoices and receipts. Some studio management software also includes the ability to make detailed proposals and financial estimates for the prospective clients.

Another important feature of this type of software is project and client management facility. It is a known fact that most of the financially successful photographers are not that good in terms of photography skills and most of the highly skilled photographers are not financially successful. The reason for this is that financially successful photographer managed his finances well, while the highly skilled photographer may not be able to manage his finances. The client and project management feature of the studio management software allows the skilled photographer to concentrate on the art of photography leaving the work of client and finance management with the software.  

Some studio management software allows photo and gallery storage. Some online software platforms such as Flickr and Shutterbug allow photographers to create photo galleries and store photos. Other photography studio management software not only allows the creation and storage of galleries but also allow sharing with clients. Other tools to look for in any studio management software include financial record, lead tracking, lead generation tools, web site builders and referral tools.

Challenges in the Commercial Market for a Product Photographer

Product photographers are the specialized persons who possess expertise in certain typical areas like travel, cosmetics etc. where the product photography is said to be the backbone of the business.

Realizing the fact the product photography is though available for almost all the fields yet availed by a very few industries, the persons engaged in such a profession have to face certain unique and genuine challenges pertaining to their business.

The profession demands a high level of concentration, dedication and focus oriented persons and it is natural once a person equips with all of these he would look forward to get his work properly rewarded as well as compensated.

The first and foremost problem or challenge which a product photographer faces is that whom to approach for selling or getting associated with in furtherance of his work, because underestimation, less valuation are few of the initial fear in the mind of a product photographer. This problem can be combated while making a campaign-based study and analysis of the market and the players thereof.

Secondly, once you get a client the next thing which would strike is that what pictures would be purchased by the prospective buyer and also how much would he be paying for that and would that be enough to square his efforts while clicking particular product snap. This is one of the most common challenges faced by product photographers and this can be handled by categorizing your work in different classes such as indoor pictures, outdoor pictures etc. this would give the client a positive impression as to seriousness in work and dedication thereto.

Your path in the product photography gets much easier once you start making clients. The best way to maintain clients and utilizing them for your benefit is to regularly visit them and also noting down their need at particular point of time and also to supply them as per their need. This is dual beneficial approach where your clients remain satisfied with you and at the same time you might also be recommended for others as well.

Putting your pictures into a collective exhibition or individual one as per your convenience is a nice option to establish a client list and accordingly redeeming it for yourself. Exhibitions are the place where only true lovers of art come down and show their interest in quality work. It opens gate of opportunities for you, as these people either hire you or would refer your work to someone who actually can see and redeem your work.

The problems or challenges for the time being might prevail even after applying the above mentioned solutions, the ultimate solutions remain is that to advertise yourself and make available your pictures to the world. A healthy help may be taken from the local newspapers, local business websites and other yellow pages services. Even if it doesn’t bring clients to you but it would definitely bring your name and work into the eyes of the masses.

At the same time, it is also to be promulgated that you should keep yourself updated and well equipped with latest techniques so as to remain in the hunt for success. These challenges are never permanent in nature; they come to you, test you and leave you with experiences.

Smashing Tips for Successful Commercial Product Photography

For photographers, shooting pictures in a studio is challenging. It is also a very rewarding experience. Dedicated pros have developed smashing tips to present successful visuals. How does the success formula work?

Today the glossy pages of glamour magazines or even color supplements of tabloids are replete with fabulous visuals. As a reader you may have admired a handbag shot in a spotlight or a wristwatch staring out of the pages, waiting to be purchased. This is a remarkable work of commercial product photography. It has become an essential requirement for the print and web media. Several photographers specialize in shooting specific products like jewelry or clothes or electronic items. But how do they manage the uniform gloss factor? There are three broad elements-perfect lighting, setting and image quality that determine the entire shoot. To keep these three elements in order, some tips are used for successful results. These include other factors, which are discussed below.

The shooting equipment is by far the most crucial gear. The right camera, lens of 2-3 kinds, tripod, reflectors and spotlights are mandatory. They make up the studio infrastructure. Without these elementary gears even a professional shutterbug is handicapped. For example, lens should have a good zoom factor. In case, still commercial photography is being done, a camera can be placed in one spot on the tripod and the zoom will capture the angles. The photographer does not move at all. A fast lens of f/3.5 is used for highlighting the canvas behind the products. It also takes of the lighting placed around the main subject.

Studio photographers understand the importance of virgin white backdrops. This is so useful for commercial product photography. White allows the viewer’s attention to remain on the products rather than on the canvas behind. As white throws the light around the pictures are prone to extra brightness. Hence while shooting the lights placed should aid in the crucial ‘white balance’. Another reason why the white background works is that when the pictures need to undergo image editing. It creates smoother clipping paths. You can try a black canvas too, but the results of the white canvas are far more superior.

Lights are an integral part of the entire shooting process for items shot in a studio bay. There are different kinds of lights that are a part of the equipment. For example short focus lighting brings out the sparkle of a gemstone or a pair of earrings. Smaller objects like diamonds and stones are normally highlighted for their properties in this manner. Poor lighting can undermine the value of the items. Such visuals do not attract users on the website too.

Other factors also contribute to the success and value of commercial product photography. The creation of the right mood or environment while shooting is a clincher at times. Imagine having a dull or too bright backdrop for a designer garments project. It can instantly kill the entire hard work of the client. A professional shooter will be sharp and try to create an ambience suitable for the designer garments. This is where the personal creativity of the shooter comes in for 100% accomplishment. Ready for a clicking some smashing shots with these smashing tips?