REVLON Photo Shoot - Product Photography - cosmetics
I was approached by Sandra ( stylist ) if I would be interested in taking photos for a new line of products for REVLON. I had few years experience in commercial photographic studio and I was excited to do this location photo shoot. Sandra briefed my about the products and what we need to do that day. It was a very busy day as we had to around 10 still life photos, 3 model pictures with cosmetics and products with some ingredients on top of it. The studio/ location house was tiny but everything including lunch was ready and spirit for producing some great pictures was high :)
A success of any shoots depends on few things which need to happen at the same time: early preparation, right people , good vibe during photo session.
By early preparation I mean all the conversation, endless emails and chats over the phone with clients, mood board, brief , time schedule, props, models, make up , equipment etc. If this is in place it is so much easier to produce images which will satisfy our client because we already know what we need to do , what lighting to use , what is the clients taste. This does not stop a photographer to be creative or have an artistic flare , but being prepared means that we care and are professional and we can cope with given tasks.
Right people - It is obviously good to work with friends and people we know , but everyone should do what they are good at- a photographer should know all the lighting techniques but often how to style and photograph different objects from glass to shiny mirror objects, cosmetics , stylist if present is in charge of placing objects on a set , making sure that they are all clean and dust free with no finger prints and with logos facing a camera. Make up person, art director, hair dresser they all are crucial to produce a final image.
Clients quite often in the era of e-commerce when everyone can sell staff on amazon have no experience in arranging photo shoots. Their only concern is the final price which often leads them to unexperienced amateur photographers who will satisfy them financially but with little knowledge and experience.
Finally I have mentioned that good vibe is so important to take great pictures. It is true - we always perform better in a friendly environment - so it is crucial to keep everyone motivated and in good spirit , often playing music helps to relax:) This is one of the tricks which every professional photographer knows.
