Understanding the Client’s Vision
One of the first and most important steps in commercial photography is understanding the client’s vision. Every brand has its unique identity and target audience, and the photos must reflect this identity. Sadiq emphasizes the importance of communication during the planning phase. Whether the client needs product photography, corporate headshots, or lifestyle imagery, the photographer must fully understand their expectations.
Sadiq spends time learning about the brand’s story, values, and messaging. This allows him to create visuals that not only look beautiful but also align with the brand’s mission. For example, a luxury brand might require sophisticated, high-end images, while a tech startup might want modern, sleek visuals that convey innovation.
Lighting: The Key to Great Commercial Photography
In photography, lighting can make or break an image. Commercial photography requires precise lighting to highlight the product or service in the best way. Sadiq is a master at using both natural and artificial light to achieve the desired effect. For product photography, soft lighting is often used to reduce harsh shadows and showcase the product’s features. In contrast, dramatic lighting might be used for artistic or lifestyle shots to create a particular mood or emphasize certain elements.
Sadiq advises experimenting with different light sources, such as softboxes, reflectors, and LED lights. These tools help shape the light and control the shadows, giving the photographer greater control over the final look of the image. For outdoor shoots, he often uses natural light, which can be diffused or enhanced using reflectors to balance the light.
Composition Techniques to Capture Attention
Composition plays a crucial role in making a photograph visually appealing. In commercial photography, composition is used not only to create beautiful images but also to guide the viewer’s attention to key elements of the photo. Sadiq uses tried-and-true composition techniques such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry to craft balanced, engaging images.
For example, when shooting a product, Sadiq might place the product slightly off-center, following the rule of thirds to create a more dynamic image. In lifestyle shots, he uses leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye to the subject, whether it’s a person or a product. This creates a natural flow in the image, making it more enjoyable to look at.
Post-Processing for a Polished Look
Post-processing is an essential step in the commercial photography workflow. While taking great photos is important, the final touch is often added during editing. Sadiq uses professional software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance his images. In product photography, post-processing is used to perfect details like colors, contrast, and sharpness. Removing imperfections, adjusting lighting, and refining textures are all part of the process.
For branding photography, color grading is often used to maintain a consistent look that aligns with the brand’s aesthetic. Sadiq’s careful attention to post-processing ensures that his photos are not only visually striking but also polished and professional.
Building a Connection with the Audience
Commercial photography is not just about taking pretty pictures; it’s about building a connection with the audience. The ultimate goal of these images is to sell a product, service, or brand. Sadiq’s approach is to create images that evoke emotion and tell a story. Whether it’s a simple product shot or an elaborate lifestyle image, the photo should resonate with the audience and make them feel something—curiosity, desire, or inspiration.
