How to Get Started in Commercial Photography

A Guide for Aspiring Professionals

Breaking into commercial photography can seem overwhelming, but it’s one of the most rewarding paths for photographers looking to combine creativity with business. Whether you're capturing images for a local boutique or a multinational brand, the commercial world offers exciting opportunities to showcase your skills. To help you navigate this field, I’ve created a 1:1 personal coaching program designed to teach you everything you need to succeed—from pricing and buyouts to acquiring clients and planning shoots.

Here’s a taste of what we’ll cover in my coaching sessions and a few tips to get you started:

1. Understand Buyouts and Usage Rights

Unlike private photography sessions, commercial work involves licensing your images for use in advertising and sales. Brands generate revenue with your photos, so it’s essential to charge accordingly.

What are Buyouts?
A buyout grants the client rights to use your images for a specific time, location, or media type. For instance, a small brand might need rights limited to social media, while larger companies may require a full buyout for global campaigns.
How to Price Buyouts
Consider the company’s size and the potential reach of your images. Smaller brands may pay a flat fee, while larger corporations might pay an additional percentage of your production cost for extended usage rights.

In my coaching, I’ll teach you how to confidently negotiate these fees and ensure your work is valued appropriately.

2. Preparing for a Commercial Shoot

Planning is key to ensuring a smooth shoot. Here’s how to get started:

Create a Moodboard: Collaborate with the client to define the visual direction, whether it’s clean and modern or bold and edgy.
Product and Styling Prep: Ensure all items are in perfect condition (clean, steamed, and polished).
Models & Locations: Match the client’s brand identity with the right faces and settings.

During our sessions, I’ll share how to streamline your workflow and create detailed shoot plans that meet client expectations while leaving room for creativity.

3. Pricing Your Work

Pricing can be tricky, but here’s a foundational approach:

Break Down Costs: Separate your pricing into categories: shooting time, post-production, and usage rights.
Offer Packages: Include tiered options, such as basic product shots, styled sessions, or premium shoots with full creative control.

For example:

Basic Package: 5 product images shot in-studio.
Mid-Tier Package: 10-15 images with hand or body models.
Premium Package: Full-day shoot with a creative team and location work.

We’ll dive deep into pricing strategies during coaching, so you feel confident presenting your value to clients.

4. How to Find Commercial Clients

Building a network of clients doesn’t happen overnight, but these strategies will help:

Personalized Cold Emails: Create a list of target brands and reach out with tailored messages showcasing how your work aligns with their needs.
Build an Impressive Portfolio: Focus on shoots that reflect your style and appeal to your ideal clients.
Collaborate Locally: Start with small businesses or regional brands to gain experience and testimonials.

Together, we’ll craft an actionable plan to help you connect with the right companies and pitch your services effectively.

5. Develop a Consistent Style

Your unique aesthetic is what makes you stand out in the competitive commercial photography industry. Whether it’s moody and atmospheric or clean and minimal, consistency is key. Clients want to see that you can deliver a cohesive look that aligns with their brand identity.

Ready to Elevate Your Career?

If you’re serious about getting into commercial photography, my 1:1 coaching program will guide you through every step.

It’s an online call that can be booked from everywhere in the world.
My teaching will cover 1 hour of theory input & a 30min Q&A session with all of your questions.

You’ll learn: