What Makes a Branding Photoshoot Successful: Product Photography

We love product photography here at Janelle Rios Photography & Media. It takes many steps, patience, and loads of communication to succeed. Read more below to see what we do to ensure a successful product photography branding experience for our clients.

Local makers are some very hard-working professionals! Here in Northern California, many craft beautiful items from jewelry to small batched sweets, candles to all-natural soaps, and everything in between.

We hit the ground running when we get the opportunity to help our maker clients brand their products. 

We’ve developed a detailed set of steps to ensure successful product photos that the client wants and needs for their website, online selling platforms, and social media! Read on to see what that entails, and see examples of recent product photoshoots!

Let’s Start at The Beginning

Inquiry is the first step. When we get a request by email or our website inquiry form, we immediately set up a meeting with the client.

In this meeting, Janelle will go over what was noted on the inquiry form and talk more about their needs. As the lead photographer and most experienced, Janelle knows what to ask and can answer any questions the client may have! This is a great opportunity for the client to know if we are a good fit for them as well.

After this meeting, Janelle will work with Andrea to put together a “pitch” for the client. This pitch will include inspiration photos, color palettes, props, and anything else needed for the photos. 

At the second meeting, the client will get a chance to see what we’ve cooked up and envision for their products. This is the chance for the client to communicate how they feel about the ideas, and offer any changes they want made.

Once the client approves the pitch ideas, signs the contract, and pays the deposit, then we get started on the project!

As you can see, the initial step is ALL about communication. We never want a client to agree on something they are not comfortable with, so this is why we set up two meetings (or more, if needed!) so we can ensure we capture your vision right.

Leading up to Photoshoot Day(s)...

Gathering props can take some time, depending on the product(s) and what the client wants.

We do have a plethora of props and backdrops in our bag already and love to improvise when necessary. Sometimes we have clients who have specific props they want us to include in their photos, which we love and encourage to make the final product photos even more special.

It takes us up to (4) weeks to shoot, edit, and deliver the final photos (depending on the current schedule). We can’t start that process until we receive the product(s), so receiving final photos relies on good communication and quick shipping!

Let’s Take Some Photos!

Now that we have received the product(s), gathered all our props, and discussed all the details with the client - we’re ready to photograph!

Our process can take anywhere from one day to multiple days! It all depends on how many photos and/or videos the client has requested, and the type of photos.

Type of photos, you ask? For product photography, we offer flatlay, feature, and lifestyle! To get to know these product photo branding types, read our previous blog.

Show Us Examples!

We’ve been fortunate to have done some cool product photography for local California makers. The four below are some of our favorites!

Mendocino Candle Company

By far our largest product photography project to date, this one is very special to us. The owner, Jessa, is wonderful to work with and had a clear vision that we were inspired by.

She had us do a complete portfolio for her two large collections, doing flatlay, feature, and lifestyle photos and videos. It was a multiple-day project, but the results are gorgeous. Take a look!

Berry + Thyme

Locally made jams are a thing of beauty, and these from Berry + Thyme (Sacramento) are delicious. We put these jams on toast, waffles, biscuits, cocktails, and more! 

Take a look at this photo below and see what props we used to showcase the jam's tasty flavor profiles.

Brown Rice Bakery

Local cottage bakery in Sacramento that specializes in gluten-free and vegan baked goods? Say no more!

Brown Rice Bakery makes delicious treats, especially for those with dietary restrictions and needs.

These flavors inspired us! Take a look at this final photo of their chocolate chip blondie!

The Dappled Wood

Handmade jewelry is special, so we were thrilled to capture The Dappled Wood’s earrings seen below. The modern shape and black-and-white colors of these earrings are so inspiring and beautiful!

Take a look!

Inspired? Let’s Chat!

Product photography is fun for us, and we love to make our clients' vision come to life! 

If you are a maker and have a product that you’d like to have professional product photos for, contact us today.