2021 SPRING: 20: ASSIGNMENT TWENTY: A PRODUCT SHOT YOU ART DIRECT

This week is one you will enjoy. A bit of a respite from demanding layouts and such.

YOU choose the product to shoot, and YOU shoot it your way. Make this something that you want to do for your book. If you are an editorial shooter, do a killer editorial shot that shows context and tells a story. If you want to do a pure product shot, more commercial, then do that.

Take this as an opportunity to do a shot that may be something that would be an introduction to the product you are presenting. Take your time and think it through.

What is the product for?
Who would be interested in this product?
How could the image you produce make their target audience want to buy it?
What visual puns could work on this product?
What can light do to enhance the functionality and beauty of this product?

The answers to these questions will help you decide how to make the shot you want.

A few rules:

It must be a product that can be shot on a 4′ square table. 2′ x 2′ – so no washing machines, or automobiles or tractors. Think Breadbox, Cuisinart, Toaster, Laptop or something similar.

Image must be in color

Good luck and good light… I cannot wait to see what you all come up with.

Below are a few very good videos on shooting product.

NOTE: THESE ARE PRODUCT SHOTS IN THE “NOT EXCITING” PRESENTATION.
But while the images are not terribly exciting, the info is very good regarding light and some production.

PLEASE MAKE YOUR SHOTS MORE INTERESTING THAN A SHOE ON WHITE. PLEASE.

AND PLEASE: NO WATCHES, JEWELRY, FOOD, OR LIQUOR. HARD GOODS ARE GREAT.

Some examples of excellent product photographers:

Josh Dickenson has a very unique style.
Jon Paterson uses hard light and geometry.
Jenna Gang has a very hip and cool style.
Yechiel Orgel makes it look simple.
Zachary Goulko has a clean, classical approach.
Mark Serr is a minimalist shooter with a modern style.
Peter Bellanger makes cool photos of product.