When we think of creative careers, photography is one that will always stay relevant. The process of artistically using light, whether natural or artificial, to create beautiful, thought-provoking, and memorable images is an art of which many will forever be in awe. Because of the power of photography in documenting moments, revealing things people might not have seen, and expressing ideas for others to see, it’s an art form that many people around the world cherish.
However, in places like Nigeria, when people think about photography, they think about images that capture people, families, events, animals, landscapes and headshots, to mention a few. And while all these are valid, not many people’s minds go to products. Now more than ever, product photography has proven very valuable and needed. Product photography centres around capturing products to present them at their best, whether for the sole purpose of display or to put them out for sale. In today’s digital era, brands and companies use product photography to help potential buyers make informed decisions about purchasing their products. Whether with social media or traditional marketing, product photography plays a major role in marketing products online, with creative and excellent product photography that lets products shine on their own.
All these show that this line of photography is a viable career path that’ll always be in demand. But in a place like Nigeria, are there people exploring this unique line enough? How did they get into product photography? Did they acquire any special skills? We chatted with three Nigerian product photographers for answers to all these questions and more. Come with us as we explore what’s behind and in front of their lens.
Who Is a Product Photographer?
A product photographer focuses on capturing quality pictures of products for the purpose of marketing, advertising, and e-commerce. So, when you see those well-taken and appealing pictures of clothes, shoes, or even food on billboards or Instagram, think of product photographers. They specialize in presenting various products in the best possible light, ensuring they are represented well and appeal to various senses, mostly through visual means.
“A product photographer is a professional who majors in shooting products for marketing, advertising and e-commerce purposes,” says Fuad Osayemi, a product photographer and the creative director of Afrodiziac and Studio Tales.
We show the functionality of a product, while enhancing its beauty and showing potential users or customers why they need to buy the product. This involves styling the product, shooting it in the best light, enhancing the images and giving it that oomph it needs.
According to Aisha Ife, a Lagos-based portrait and product photographer, product photography involves presenting products in the most appealing way possible.
“The major essence in product photography is focusing solely on the product and making it look beautiful. In product photography, nothing else takes center stage except the product, “ she explains.
Nene, the creative director at Visually Nene Collective, defined a product photographer or commercial photographer as one who shoots a product in a visually appealing way for the purpose of advertising or marketing by brands. “In other words, we make your products look good enough to catch the eye and potentially sell it,” she adds.
Some product photographers work at the junior level by assisting with basic tasks and setups, while the senior and lead photographers set up shoots, manage creative direction, and ensure consistency and accuracy across projects.
Why Product Photography Stands Out as a Good Niche to Explore
Many people are surprised when they hear someone is interested in product photography. However, this professional path’s greatest feature is that a product can be nearly anything in contrast to its counterparts. So you can work in marketing as someone who wants to express your artistic and commercial side or work for a company that might require product photography.
Because product photography allows for flexible working hours, photographers can customize their schedules to suit their needs. Product photographers are not bound by the typical 9–5 office hours in standard occupations because many are self-employed. Rather, workers are free to choose their hours. Ifeoluwa Isaiah, a product photographer and pharmacist popularly known as Product Boy, tells us how product photography affords you unique freedom. “It is way more flexible than other types of photography and has lesser restrictions. You’re in control of your schedule and you can choose when you want to shoot,” he explains.
Another nice perk for product photographers is that they can work from home or their studios. This is really helpful, particularly for people who dislike large crowds or prefer to work alone. For introverts as well, who may find it challenging to work in hectic environments, it’s fantastic. They can concentrate on their photography without worrying about being around many people while they work remotely. According to Ifeoluwa, product photography gives him the liberty and dynamism to work, especially as an introvert.
I don’t miss out on jobs like my portrait photographer friends do. I deal with less people. I haven’t met most of the clients I shot for in person. So if you have an eye for art and are not extroverted, it’s a nice career path.
This shows that product photographers can collaborate with clients and brands worldwide with few restrictions. They can communicate with clients from any location, which creates numerous fascinating opportunities and adds intrigue to their work. Nene mentions that product photography is the only aspect that deals solely with the world’s business sector. “People buy with their eyes first. The most expensive product can look cheap with bad photography,” she says. “Product photography is the only way to make your products reach a wider audience, travel across borders first, without you or the product, initially, moving an inch.”
Vital Resources That Product Photographers Need
Contrary to what many might think, you don’t need a sophisticated camera or state-of-the-art gadgets to create high-quality pictures. In many photography lanes, including product photography, many customers just want your images to show the best in their products while making them attractive for valuable attention. Nevertheless, before starting actually to learn product photography, here are a couple of vital resources you need to learn product photography.
- Camera
A professional camera is great and recommended, but you can easily use a smartphone. Aisha emphasizes this point by telling us that while product photography requires some special tools that other types of photography do not, you fundamentally need a camera or something that takes good photos, like a smartphone.
To take detailed and excellent photos, ensure your smartphone has autofocus and a high megapixel count of eight or more.
- Lighting
When it comes to photography, lighting is everything. Product photography is no exception. For novices, natural light is quite beneficial. Start by experimenting with different times of day and locate a window or other well-lit area.
If you’re more daring, you can build your DIY lightbox for controlled and reliable illumination or look into inexpensive lighting kits. According to Ifeoluwa, this particular resource is a must-have for photographers as it can make or break your product shoot.
- Space
Whether a room or a table, fashioning your unique space as a product photographer is important. Ifeoluwa mentions that many studios in Nigeria often lack the resources to fulfill their needs, so it is paramount that you fashion your unique studio.
Nene also explains that aside from gears, you’ll have to invest in many props and a studio space. “Even if you start small as a product photographer, you’ll quickly outgrow your space,” she adds.
Make sure there are no distractions in the area you have set up. Aisha mentioned using unconventional tools like knife pallets, napkins and blowers, which is important. Distractions could be anything from children to pets to minor external factors that could disrupt your setup.
- Tripod
Imagine shooting a video of your fantastic product, only to have it come out blurry and dark. Tripods are useful resources in this situation. It prevents those unpleasant shaking images by stabilizing your phone or camera. And the best part is that you can buy reasonably priced tripods that work just as well; they won’t tear your pocket.
Think about the tripod’s height and size when you’re shopping. You want one that complements the product and the area you photograph. Make sure the tripod’s top section can hold your smartphone firmly if you’re using one. A pocket-sized tripod is great for little products since it lets you get up close and precisely capture every detail.
- Background
The background of your product photo can have a significant impact. You can use your preferred colours on a white or basic background. You can create it by positioning cardboard or a curved screen behind your item.
You can also consider putting your products in a real-world setting to provide context. Showcase kitchenware in a chic home, for instance. You can even put a human in the picture to demonstrate the product’s dimensions or usage. However, adding people or natural light can complicate your photo setting. So, when adding props, keep it simple.
- Bounce Board
Have you ever wondered how to use soft, soothing lighting to enhance the appearance of your product? The bounce board is responsible for it! Instead of harsh flashes, you may use a bouncing light, a straightforward technique that gives your goods a gentle shine.
It may sound a little technical, but it’s really simple. All you need is a piece of cardboard or something white and reflective. It should be positioned carefully so your torch’s light will reflect off it and onto your merchandise. It improves the appearance of your product.
