How to become a good Catalogue photographer?

Shivam Bhutani Photography

There are many paths in Catalogue photography. We have gone down the route of catalogue photography, and whilst we are nowhere near where we want to be in officially, we thought we had shared some points that can go a long way to making it as a professional cataloguephotographer.

1. Get a Studio

Having a studio space is so important. When someone call, the first question is often “Do you have a studio?” Clients see this as an extra cost if you are looking for photo studio on hire, even sometimes it’s often built into the photographer's fee. If you have a studio you don’t rely on others and take on last minute shoots without the stress of having to find somewhere that’s available to rent. They also help to keep your sitting room, kitchen, bedroom, hallway, car clear and garage of photography kit.

2. Be Kitted Out

Having the best up to date DSLR’s and lights in the world is not really a requirement anymore. The picture quality of DSLR’s has surpassed most people watching options today. However, if you click pictures on a certain DSLR you need to have at least two others of them. That’s way, if one goes damaged during a job, you can carry on clicking the exact same files using the spare.

3. A Diverse Client Base

Having few clients who pay much amount is a risky move. If one of them loses their budget or goes with another photographer, it can leave you financially vulnerable. Having a mix of low volume and high pay clients through to low paying high volume clients helps in stability and a healthy cash flow. 

4. Agent/Manager

We had our teammate photographer about four years ago. We are with him now in Delhi and it makes a huge difference to the way we work. Having an agent there in Delhi allows you to play bad cop/goodcop, and moves you from difficult conversations about fees, and take some high definition product catalogue pictures rather than chase fee and discuss diary constraints with clients.

6. Networking

With the help of Social media, you get noticed easily by showcasing your portfolio, but nothing beats to meeting people in person. Once anyone has met and liked you and your photography skills, the chances of you getting work of photography are much higher than if someone shows interest on your latest Instagram post. If calling it "networking" makes you feel like you are doing business think of it as making new friends. People buy people. 

 7. Research

Knowledge of latest trends and companies using ad campaign is important. When you meet with your client and talk about what things are going on and with whom they getting same pictures at low cost, you need to research that why the market is moving in that direction.

8. A Strong Portfolio

For a professional Catalogue photographer you need a strong portfolio and it’s hard to find high end commercial work. Click something you love and run with it. There will be a client out there willing to give you good amount for your skill set.