The Difference Between Advertising Photography And Commercial Photography

A commercial photographer can be an advertising photographer and an advertising photographer can be a commercial photographer, but they are not synonymous. And as nonsensical as this sounds, it's true. They can be both, they can be either or, but they cannot be interchanged.

Generally speaking, commercial photography is a specialized branch of advertising photography, while advertising covers a broader range of product promotion. Most photographers take the difference very seriously. If you were to ask a Toronto commercial photographer for advertising photography, he might end up referring you to someone else.

Or he'd be insulted.

To avoid blunders like this, allow me to break down the difference.



COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY – IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PRODUCT

This subheading summarized commercial photography perfectly. Commercial photographers take pictures of buildings, models, merchandise, artifacts, and the like, usually with promotional intentions.

However, with commercial photography, it is all about the product. The entire photo shoot is devoted to the merchandise being captured. The lighting, styling, background, and editing are all arranged in a way to really make the product stand out.

ADVERTISING PHOTOGRAPHY – IT'S ALL ABOUT PROMOTION


Commercial photography falls under advertising photography, mainly because it uses a narrower array of techniques than those in advertising. In advertising photography, the product is still emphasized (since that's what has to be sold). However, the advertising photographer also has to sell concepts, ideas, and lifestyles.

To put it in simpler terms, the advertising photographer has creative freedom to interpret and decide how certain merchandise, people, and services can be sold. While commercial photographers find new ways to make a product stand out, advertising photographers find ways to integrate that product in an average person's lifestyle. He has to find ways to make the product sell.

As of 2011, an estimated 80% of all advertising campaigns use pictures. The advertising industry itself may be dying out (according to some), but it looks like the need for quality pictures and photographs are higher than ever. This digital age relies heavily on imagery. So the next time you're looking for an advertising photographer Toronto has several excellent ones. Don't just go to your neighborhood commercial photographer and assume he/she can do it.

Location Photography: 5 Must-Do Steps To Capture A Street, Village, City or Any Scenery

A picture can tell a thousand words, convey a wide array of emotions, and sell different products and services.  In the world of photography, one of the most challenging yet financially lucrative fields is “location” photography. Location photography is defined as “going to where the subject is, instead of the subject coming to your studio”. Taking location photos however, can be quite daunting, due to a couple of external influences. Here’s how to effectively capture a street, village, city or any scenery.

1. Choose A Location



The first step towards creating a collection of lovely, provoking and insightful images begins with choosing a location. Once you’ve made a shortlist of potential locations, think about what defines that place or setting, and what makes it unique or different from other places or locations. Try thinking of the sites that have been visited already, and make a note of its defining features and characteristics.

When determining and choosing locations, also make sure you keep a log of all the potential uses that such space or location will have. Bring along your digital camera to fully document the area, and keep a file of all the images, as well as itemize all the locations where you took photos of.




2. Pinpoint The Area’s Landmarks



The next step would be to identify the most notable and important landmarks within your chosen location. Regardless of whether your chosen area is big or small, the potential landmarks could be any important building or setting that has historical, commercial or cultural significance. You could walk around and take note of classic architectural landmarks like castles or court houses, as well monuments and statues, and even modern office buildings.



3. Create A Target List

Before getting your camera out and taking photos, professional photography Toronto experts stress that you need to plan on how to achieve your location shoot. Do this by creating a list of potential subjects that you think are good to capture.  You can create a map or route too, so that you can easily make your way to the chose destinations. This will provide you with lots of ground to cover on the day of your shoot, and give you the opportunity to get the best shots, too.



4. Keep Calm & Take Your Sweet Time

When doing a location shoot, veteran location photographers suggest not to rush around, as well as not to worry that you’re going to run out of time in capturing everything on your list. Allow yourself to soak up the sights and sounds, as well as consider how to best capture each individual photo.

It would also be helpful if you choose a location which “brings out the inner artist” in you. For example, if you choose an entire building, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the building’s most beautiful details. While the whole structure may not be totally used, you may only need a little doorway, alley or signage to create that perfect picture. 



5. Consider The Angles And Viewpoints

Once you’re out shooting, make sure you analyze and fully consider a wide array of angles and viewpoints. Remember not to shoot all the photos just from the eye level, or else you’ll end up with a collection of shots that look the same.

Once you’ve mastered the art of location photography, it’s now time perhaps to profit from it. According to commercial photography Toronto veterans, exploring different locations, and keeping your eyes open for any exciting photographic opportunities are a must. You could create a portfolio too, and then, perhaps, get in touch with advertising, stock photography and news agencies. Who knows, you might get lucky if they’ll like, and buy all your photos!