Product Photography

[*Sam*]

I've recently been asked to take and edit a number of product photography pictures for an ecommerce website so that they can show off their stock and it's something I have looked at doing briefly before, but have always focused mainly on portrait work. However, after doing this shoot, I've realised that it's something I would really like to get into properly and want to start building up a portfolio. Unfortunately, the photos I just produced can't be used in my portfolio since I agreed I wouldnt when asked to take them.

So, my question to you all is how could I get business from online stores selling small products? With never really focusing on product photography as a business, I don't know how best it would work. Would I get business' to send me their products through the post? And if so would they be happy doing so? I think building a portfolio shouldn't be too difficult since I can do discounted work until I have a solid base of examples but once I get this I need to know whether you think it's a viable business or not. I currently live in Manchester if this helps at all.

If anyone needs any products photographed and doesn't mind them being included in a portfolio then please, by all means drop me a PM.

Many Thanks,
Sam

[MyMela]

It sounds like a viable business to me - but you should definitely start local. I don't think there are a lot of online retail companies out there who are going to go through all the trouble of mailing products when they can easily find a product photographer who lives in their area.