You might not know that the turnaround time required for product photography in Sydney doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on several factors such as the project’s scope, the product’s complexity, number of products, post-production and the amount of pre-production planning involved.
This guide will give you a clearer understanding of the average lead time for white background product photography in Sydney.
Our Turnaround Times for Product Photography in Sydney
In general, at Adrian Harrison Photography, turnaround times are usually about 1 week for small to medium projects.
We do offer Express packages where images can be turned around on the same day.
Larger projects can take a couple of weeks.
Clients often tell me that other product photographers in Sydney have taken 3 weeks and up to 3 months to deliver final images. It’s a much faster process here.
Understanding Product Photography Timing in Sydney
Product photography isn’t just about snapping a pic; it’s an art form that requires a unique skill set. If it were, then everyone would be able to do it themselves. You need a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of lighting, and a knack for making everyday objects look extraordinary.
Businesses in Sydney recognise the importance of high-quality product photography for their products. They know it’s these images that grab the consumer’s attention, drive sales and build brand identity.
Influencing Factors
Project Scope
Diving into the specifics, you’ll find that the scope of the project significantly affects the time it takes to complete product photography in Sydney. A large project involving multiple products or complex setups can take days, even weeks.
On the other hand, smaller projects with a single product or a simpler setup could be completed in a matter of hours.
Some of the factors that affect product photography scope are:
- Number of products
- Number of images required per product
- Lighting of the product
- Size of the product
- Type of product
- Pre-production planning of the shoot
- Creative direction planning
- Studio or location photography
- Prop requirements (sourcing and styling)
- Are there models needed?
- Product preparation
- Retouching time and complexity
- Product mix (all similar products or do they vary)
Let’s look at a few of these factors in more detail.
Pre-Production Planning
In product photography, another key factor that influences the duration of the shoot is the amount of pre-production planning you’ve done. This is when you’ll make critical decisions about the shoot, such as choosing the location, setting up the lighting, and deciding on the product’s positioning.
You’ll also need to create a shot list, which is a detailed plan of each photo you’ll take. If you’ve done your prep work effectively, you can significantly reduce the time spent on the day of the shoot. However, if you’re unprepared, you’ll likely face delays and complications.
Product Type & Mix
Your product’s complexity plays a pivotal role in determining the time it’ll take to photograph it. Simple products like a pen or a notebook may take less time to shoot. But if you’ve got something with many features or intricate details, like a piece of jewellery or a large product, it’ll take longer.
The photographer needs to capture each element clearly and from multiple angles. And each angle will often require lighting and background adjustments, which adds to the time.
Additionally, when it comes to how long product photography takes, product mix plays a big role. For example, if you were to photography 20 similar products, like a pen for example, that would be much quicker than a mixed bag of products. Each product usually requires a unique lighting setup to make it look its best.
Photography Execution Timeline
After all your pre-production planning, it’s time to delve into the actual execution timeline of your product photography. This phase can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the shoot, the number of products, and the variety of shots needed.
Firstly, setup and lighting adjustments will consume a chunk of time. This ensures your products are showcased in their best light.
Following that, the actual shooting begins. It’s not a race; quality is key.
Post-Production: The Final Stage
Once the shoot is over, you’re onto the final stage of product photography – post-production.
For product photography in Sydney includes importing the images, backing them up, reviewing the product photos and selecting the best. Sometimes there can be over 1,000 images to review and cull.
The next step is where we’ll enhance the images, making sure they’re polished and ready for viewing. We spend a considerable amount of time here. In Sydney, post-production can take anywhere from a couple of hours, to to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the project.
The post-production work can take as long or even 10 times as long as the actual shoot. It depends on how many images there are and what’s required.
Key tasks include editing, retouching, and colour grading each image. You may also need to remove backgrounds which isn’t a “one-click” process like many people thing. It often requires a professional retoucher tracing around each product by hand. It’s a meticulous process, but it’s crucial for achieving high-quality results.
Average Timelines in Sydney
You’re probably wondering, ‘What’s the average timeline for product photography in Sydney?’
Some clients have told me that sometimes they wait 2-3 months for their product photographer.
Well, typically, a product photography project in Sydney takes anywhere from one day to deliver to 1-3 weeks. On average, 1 week is our turnaround.
It all depends on the complexity of the shoot, the number of products, and your specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cost of Product Photography in Sydney?
Our costs for product photography in Sydney varies greatly. It depends on your specific needs, and the complexity of the shoot. Costs start at $350 + GST. You’re usually looking at $30-$90 per final image for products on a white background, but it depends on what’s required.
How Do I Choose the Right Product Photographer in Sydney?
Choosing the right product photographer in Sydney involves researching their portfolio, checking client reviews, comparing rates, and ensuring they understand your brand’s vision. It’s about their expertise, not how long they take.
Can Product Photography Be Done in a Studio or Does It Have to Be on Location?
Product photography can be done both in a studio or on location. It’s all about your preference and the kind of look you’re going for.
How Does Weather Affect Outdoor Product Photography in Sydney?
In Sydney, weather greatly impacts outdoor product photography. Rain can delay shoots while sunny days can cause harsh shadows. But don’t worry, a skilled photographer knows how to adapt to these challenges effectively.
Usually, for products shot on a white background, we’ll shoot these indoors and bring our own lighting.
What Are Some Tips for Preparing Products for a Photoshoot in Sydney?
To prepare products for a photoshoot in Sydney, you’ll want to clean and polish them first. Consider the lighting and backdrop. Test different angles, and don’t forget to bring backup products just in case.