Good Taste

By Ann Wilkinson

Many of us on POE have chosen photography as their means to a living. Or, perhaps it chose us. Having just completed a product photo shoot this weekend for an Etsy seller, I was thinking about the structure of product photography jobs. Like any portrait or event shoot, any product photo assignment is different every time. That’s what makes it fun. Here is an interview with a fellow POE member, Anita Roach. You can see a small portion of her work at www.thrivestyle.etsy.com, and Anita and I have also recently become partners in a new photography venture, A-Squared Photography. Visit our growing website at: www.a-squaredphotography.com for more information.

Anita shot these images for a client of hers and then used these photos (and many more) to create the client’s website and company branding.

Q) Anita, you mention you took these shots for your client in order to design their corporate identity and to set up their website. How did photography factor into the project you did for this company?

A) This work was for a start-up caterer. Obviously, in the food industry, as in all product-related companies, good photography is paramount to connecting with your audience. In the end, these photos tell clients all they need to know about the caterer – her style, the type of food she serves, and what clients can expect at their own event.

Q) What kind of lighting did you use for this shoot? It’s got a very intimate, candlelight kind of look.

A) This shoot was actually done at the client’s dining room table. I am not a fan of artificial light and flash. In addition to the light from her chandelier, I used a typical “garage” spot light…you know, the kind you get at Home Depot.

Q) How involved were you in the styling aspect of this job?

A) While I took initial direction from the client as to what they wanted, I was the food stylist as well as the photographer. I am a one-woman show, really. I also wrote all the copy for them as well.

Q) What skill set defines a good product photographer?

A) I think the great part of being a product photographer is that you get to do something new all the time. One second you are styling Swedish food, and the next it might be soap or jewelry. Each product requires its own unique twist. Being creative, flexible and willing to be the chief cook and bottle-washer are key.

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A world traveler and self-taught photographer, look for Ann wandering around city streets and tromping through woods and hiking trails with her camera. After owning an international transportation business for many years, Ann has found her creative spirit again through the lens. See more at Ann's shop and her website.