Random Thoughts: Product Photography
For the most part, I'm the model in my product photography. Now, this was initially because I had zero funds to hire anyone to model from me. I don't know about now, but around that time TFP (trade for photos) was heavily utilized by makers to get free modeling and photos to utilize in their shops. It always rubbed me the wrong way, so I never wanted to go that route. I always figured if I found someone to really collaborate with, it could go wonderfully. But that didn't happen in my early shop days. I occasionally had friends model for me, but they were one-of-a-kind items that once they sold, the images weren't really utilized. So I'm modeling most of the current items available in my shop.
Now, one of the reasons I've kept up with being the model myself rather than making an effort to hire anyone at this point is that I want there to be some good pictures of myself. No one takes pictures of me otherwise. This way, I have nice shots of myself over the years. It's a little crazy looking at the progression of the last twelve years through those product photos. I've even gotten some nice ones that I've had printed out as gifts for family.
Another reason I keep being my own model is that my photo sessions are absolutely non-planned and fully thrown together on a whim. Trying to coordinate with others is not my forte. Typically if I attempt to plan any kind of get together, everyone bails within the last few days leading up to it. Not good for planning photo shoots. I'd also have to have enough new inventory on hand to make it worthwhile, which is pretty difficult for me to do. Orders, shows, and life happenings keep new items from being made quickly. It's a trickle of sometimes I can get a few brand new pieces made once every six months or so now.
And I'm out of time for my random thoughts. Rawr!
Now, one of the reasons I've kept up with being the model myself rather than making an effort to hire anyone at this point is that I want there to be some good pictures of myself. No one takes pictures of me otherwise. This way, I have nice shots of myself over the years. It's a little crazy looking at the progression of the last twelve years through those product photos. I've even gotten some nice ones that I've had printed out as gifts for family.
Another reason I keep being my own model is that my photo sessions are absolutely non-planned and fully thrown together on a whim. Trying to coordinate with others is not my forte. Typically if I attempt to plan any kind of get together, everyone bails within the last few days leading up to it. Not good for planning photo shoots. I'd also have to have enough new inventory on hand to make it worthwhile, which is pretty difficult for me to do. Orders, shows, and life happenings keep new items from being made quickly. It's a trickle of sometimes I can get a few brand new pieces made once every six months or so now.
And I'm out of time for my random thoughts. Rawr!