Commercial Photography Basics & How to Make Money with Your Shots

Commercial photography is about creating images that sell a product, service, or brand. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about solving a client’s problem with a picture. When you understand the brief, you can deliver photos that drive sales and keep clients coming back.

First, ask the client what they want to achieve. Do they need lifestyle shots that tell a story, or clean product images for an e‑commerce site? Knowing the goal shapes your lighting, composition, and even the time you spend on post‑production.

Essential Gear for Commercial Shoots

You don’t need the most expensive camera, but a reliable full‑frame body gives you flexibility in low light and shallow depth of field. Pair it with a fast prime lens (35mm or 50mm) for sharp subject isolation, and a macro lens if you’re shooting small products.

Lighting is the real game‑changer. A simple three‑point setup—key, fill, and backlight—covers most scenarios. If you work on location, portable LED panels or a sturdy flash kit can match studio quality without the bulk.

Don’t forget light modifiers. Softboxes smooth harsh shadows, while reflectors bounce light into the shadows you want to lift. A sturdy tripod ensures consistency across multiple shots, especially for catalog work where every angle must match.

Selling Your Commercial Images

Once the shoot is done, the real work begins: delivering images the client can use right away. Export files in the format they need—usually high‑resolution JPEG or TIFF for print, and compressed JPEG for web. Include a clear license agreement that outlines usage rights and duration.

Pricing can be confusing, but a simple approach works: charge a base fee for your time and equipment, then add a usage fee based on how the client will use the photo. A banner ad on a homepage costs less than a nationwide billboard, so scale your fee accordingly.If you want extra income, consider licensing your images on stock sites. Upload the best shots, tag them accurately (e.g., "commercial food photography"), and set royalty rates that reflect the market.

Building a strong portfolio is essential. Show a mix of product shots, lifestyle images, and brand campaigns. Keep the website fast, mobile‑friendly, and organized by industry so potential clients can find relevant work quickly.

Marketing your services can be as simple as posting behind‑the‑scenes videos on social media, writing short case studies, or offering a free consultation to new prospects. Word of mouth still matters—ask happy clients for testimonials and referrals.

Finally, stay updated on trends. Brands now love authentic, user‑generated style photos, while others still need polished, high‑gloss images. Adapt your approach, test new lighting setups, and keep learning new editing techniques to stay competitive.

Commercial photography blends creativity with business sense. By mastering the gear, understanding client goals, and pricing smartly, you can turn great photos into steady income. Ready to shoot your next commercial project?