Dick Smolinski Photography

10/07/2017

Photography is the story I fail to put in words. --Destin Sparks

08/15/2017

"Do you do lifestyle photos?" is the number one question we get asked. The simple answer is yes, we do. A good commercial photographer can arrange for models, scout locations, shop for props, help with design ideas, etc. All of those come with a price tag, and it often makes it cost prohibitive for Amazon private label sellers.

Lifestyle shots are great for showing your customer who might use your product, how it is used and the benefits they get with it. A good lifestyle image will convey to your buyers why they should buy your product.

There is no "one price fits all" pricing for lifestyle images. When asking for a quote, be prepared to explain the requirements you are looking for. Do you need a special location? A park? A kitchen? A beach? Do you have an age model in mind? A certain look? A baby? A pet? A grandma? What special props are needed? A high chair? A beach blanket?

This information is critical. If you want a shoot on a tropical beach, then hiring us in Connecticut in December is not going to work for you. Of course, the second question is always, "What do you charge?" Without knowing these details and how many images you need, it's impossible to quote.

There are solutions to creating the feeling of a "lifestyle" image on a budget. We often use tightly cropped images of a hand model using the product. This can be done in the studio and often fits within a budget better.

07/01/2016

Hiring a commercial photographer is different than hiring a portrait photographer. For many, the first time having a product photographed is a new experience. It's important to know that each image is created for you, to your specifications. Unlike portraiture, we don't shoot 50 poses and expect you to choose and buy the ones you like best. Instead, you tell US what to shoot ahead of time. This is an important distinction, as each photo often requires a special set - even if it is the same product. The photographer is paid for the work he does. Portrait photographers often make money on prints, albums, slideshows, etc. but commercial photographers earn their money for the time they spend creating your custom images.

02/22/2016

Creating an effective bundle for Amazon is one of the easiest ways to avoid competition on a listing, and still be within Amazon's terms of service. Using good photography can make your listing stand out. If you are offering product variations, consistency between the colors and patterns can make you really stand out.

In our studio, we understand that the little details matter. In this sock bundle, notice the consistency between the variations. The socks are all the same size, the same distance apart, and the colors are gorgeous.

Make your okay bundle great with outstanding photos!

02/05/2016

A designer friend once commented that Photoshop is not a software program, but a religion! This image was my first attempt at Photoshop, years ago, when I was still shooting film.

For PL products, many people want to just grab a stock photo and Photoshop their product into that image. Of course, it can be done fairly easily...but in order to be done right, the product needs to be shot at the correct angle with the same lighting or it will look fake.

For this image, I actually had our models "pose" for each potato face. This allowed me to get an incredibly realistic

look. The result is far more powerful than grabbing two unrelated images and combining them.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BDV5N2Y

Smolinski's image has been hailed by photographers worldwide as cleverly done and superbly-executed technically, from the lighting right through the faces. Not only does it catch the eye from a distance but one keeps looking at the various expressions on the potato faces. Brilliant, twisted, and ...

12/30/2015

Testimonial received today:

"Hey Teresa , I wanted to touch base with you and let you know how I am doing. We are one of the most expensive ### products on Amazon for our keywords and are on page 1 on most keywords. I ran out of stock and am having a hard time keeping ahead of the curve now as well. I thank you again for your pictures - I believe it is a major part of it!!!!"

12/29/2015

Lifestyle photos don't just happen. Want your PL item photographed in a gym or in a gorgeous kitchen? A commercial photographer's job is to make your vision come to life. Here are two rooms of a beautiful home we rent for photo shoots. (Rent? You mean you can't just shoot it in your kitchen?) It takes a lot of prep work to prepare a location for a photo shoot, in addition to coordinating schedules with the homeowner, models, and gathering appropriate props for the shoot.

We especially like this home because in addition to being beautiful, the owner has a wonderful flair for interior design and has many props for us to choose from.

11/19/2015

"We photographers, all of us, only take pictures of one thing: Light.

We choose different subjects - people, buildings, objects, landscapes - to reflect the light into our lenses, but it's the light that our cameras record.

Understand light and the rest will follow."

-- Greg Peterson

11/04/2015

So many people have messaged us wanting to see more! Here are a few more images from the shoot. Note that this product is pretty mundane - it's a black piece of plastic with a white sponge on top. Our client knew this, and went out of her way to send props that would help demonstrate her product in use. In this case, she sent stamps, ink pads, and a half-made greeting card.

Remember, YOU know your product better than anyone. You must communicate to your photographer the message you would like to send to your potential buyers. Sending well-thought-out props is so much more effective than saying, "I want to show my product in use."

11/03/2015

I often get asked to do a "lifestyle" image for private label products. Going on location can seriously impact your budget, but there are lots of things that can be done in the studio with a little thought and planning. Having a white background does not have to be boring, and can, in fact, allow the viewer to focus on your product without distractions.

Using a hand model is a good way to add life to your product. I've used a range of hand models over the years, from a baby's hand reaching for a Christmas ornament to an 85 year old craftsman sanding a wooden chair for a national brand's sandpaper packaging. Hand models also show the product in use and give the viewer a good idea of the size of your product.

Use hand models and props to tell your story.