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Educating Yourself on Marketing Trends – What is a Creative Director

Educating Yourself on Marketing Trends – What is a Creative Director

Educating Yourself on Marketing Trends – What is a Creative Director

Welcome to the Crystal Clear Podcast where we strive to empower the everyday creative boss to elevate and grow a business that matches your creativity and passion for creating products.

 

Things mentioned in this podcast episode:

 

What is a creative director and how can having one help you with your photoshoots? In this episode, I break down what a creative director is, how having one helps you with planning your photoshoots, and how important it is to stay on top of the current marketing trends (something else a creative director will help you do). 

Creative directors and marketing trends:

Here I will break down four different ways that a creative director can help you when planning your photoshoots and staying on top of the current marketing trends.  

  • A creative director will advise on types of content that are working (and what’s not) allowing you to get the best photos for the content you need
  • A creative director will advise on styling and trends that will get your images noticed
  • A creative director will help with understanding and developing awareness around the needed requirements when marketing, running ads and what formats are needed for various platforms ensuring the images you need are styled and sized correctly
  • A creative director will ask about certain details like orientations needed, space for text or whether it is a banner or website styled image that needs to fill the space. if it’s a wholesaler or for something like Etsy or Shopify where you can get away with styled images for products over catalog images. This helps to ensure you are getting exactly what you need once the photoshoot is over.

Get started with your product photography consult to dive into the way we can design a shoot that fits your brand, marketing goals and immediately helps to increase your visibility in the busy online world!

If all of that overwhelms you then reach out to me and let’s talk about the ways I can help you as a creative director.

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About Crystal

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

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Do’s and Don’ts of Product Photography – Part 2

Do’s and Don’ts of Product Photography – Part 2

Do’s and Don’ts of Product Photography – Part 2

Welcome to the Crystal Clear Podcast where we strive to empower the everyday creative boss to elevate and grow a business that matches your creativity and passion for creating products.

 

Things mentioned in this podcast episode:

 

Are you looking to DIY your product photos or looking to hire someone on but aren’t sure what to expect? This is the episode for you. In part 2 of the Do’s and Don’ts of Product Photography I share with you more tips and tricks to getting great photos to use in your marketing for your products.

Do’s and Don’ts of Product Photos:

 

  • Do learn how to use your camera – learn all of the different settings, what they do and how to use them!
  • Don’t just use white backgrounds – this is especially important if you are using your images to promote on social media. The white background is used so frequently that it doesn’t stand out anymore.
  • Do change up your angles – get on the same level as your product and try different angles.
  • Don’t forget to care for your equipment – this means cleaning your lens regularly, maintenance on your camera, and don’t drop it!
  • Do get in close and show the details of your product – people want to see the details that make your product unique.
  • Don’t forget to use scenery that makes sense to your product – you want the make sure the scene you are setting makes sense for the product that you are
  • Do use shoot vertical images – this is especially important if Pinterest, Insta Stories, IGTV or Tik Tok is something you are interested in stepping up in 2021
  • Don’t use in-app filters – this downgrades the quality of your images, use a lightroom preset instead!
  • Do invest in education until you can afford to outsource – find a course on the things you are looking to get better at
  • Don’t forget to grab the Creative Director Secrets – this will help you plan your photoshoot like a professional

 

The Creative Director Secrets will help you plan your photoshoot like a professional. This is great if you are new to outsourcing and want to make sure you get all of the images you are looking for. This is also a great tool if you are DIY-ing your photoshoot.

Like this episode?

Comment, share on Pinterest, or even snap a screenshot and tag me on Instagram! I’d love to hear what you think about props for product photography.

Keep Listening

About Crystal

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

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New Background Trends & Product Photos with Stile and Co.

New Background Trends & Product Photos with Stile and Co.

New Background Trends & Product Photos with Stile and Co.

Welcome to the Crystal Clear Podcast where we strive to empower the everyday creative boss to elevate and grow a business that matches your creativity and passion for creating products.

 

Things mentioned in this podcast episode:

 

Bethany from Stile and Co. joins me on the podcast to chat about the importance of good backdrops when you are photographing products and food. Bethany and I chat about the current photo trends we are seeing and the most popular styles of the year. Bethany also shares an exciting new product she is launching that will be a game-changer for photographers!

Meet Bethany:

Bethany is the owner and creator behind Stile and Co. where she creates realistic and portable flatlay backdrops for food and product photographers. She began her career in commercial photography and quickly realized there was a market for backdrops that were lightweight but also detailed and realistic in photos. Since starting Stile and Co. in 2018, she has sold to all 50 states and several different countries. This year Stile and Co will be launching new Magnetic Backdrops to provide a rigid option for our customers.

Things mentioned in this episode:

  • Bethany talks about Stile + Co. She shares with us the passion behind starting her business and who she helps. 
  • How styling mats help product photographers and bloggers.
  • New photography trends in 2021
  • Leading trends for backdrops this year and a new product Stile + Co. is releasing (hint: magnetic backdrops)

Magnetic backdrops make using backdrops super easy. Head to Stile + Co. to check them out! Use code CRYSTAL20 for 20% off from March 1st – March 7th. If you are finding this after March 7th you can use code CRYSTAL10 for 10% off.

Connect with Bethany:

Like this episode?

Comment, share on Pinterest, or even snap a screenshot and tag me on Instagram! I’d love to hear what you think about props for product photography.

Keep Listening

About Crystal

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

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Launching a New Product? Here’s 3 Types of Photos You Need!

Launching a New Product? Here’s 3 Types of Photos You Need!

Launching a New Product? Here’s 3 Types of Photos You Need!

Launching a New Product? Here's 3 Types of Photos You Need!

Welcome to the Crystal Clear Podcast where we strive to empower the everyday creative boss to elevate and grow a business that matches your creativity and passion for creating products.

 

Things mentioned in this podcast episode:

 

Launching a business is tough but taking your business from in-store to online with a small audience can be even tougher. Where do you start, how do you market but most importantly what images would you need to get going? On today’s episode I dove in to 3 types of images that you want to consider for your product if you’re planning to launch anything new here in 2021!

Continued…

 

Here are the 3 types of photos your product business needs:

Catalog On White Background

This serves a double purpose: Not only do they create a clean look on your storefront, but they also are becoming a requirement for almost all wholesalers (even companies like Amazon). Depending on where you plan to aim your initial marketing efforts these images are key to starting your business.

Lifestyle with Models

These styles of photos have taken off this year. Having a model is a must have to take your business to new heights and to compete in what has become a HUGE market (thanks to Covid). Lifestyle Models provide the opportunity to reflect the diversity in your business. In addition to this, models allow for the chance to tie emotion to your ads that help your ICA connect to the transformation your product provides.

Texture & Ingredients

This is my FAV! Another amazing trend from the last 6 months has been detailing the product texture and product  ingredients. With more and more brands leaning on organic and natural ingredients they want to show it off too. Embellishing on the texture helps connect the “feeling” factor to the product; presenting the ingredients as things they can recognize establishes trust in the product.

Fight off the overwhelm with direction! A Creative Director, like myself, focuses on helping map out your photoshoot to achieve your desired images, brand recognition and most importantly impact on your ideal client. Ready to invest in product photography? Let’s chat! I offer, in fact, I insist on a free consult call to discuss your brand, what images you may need and design photoshoot options that works best for your business.

Like this episode?

Comment, share on Pinterest, or even snap a screenshot and tag me on Instagram! I’d love to hear what you think about props for product photography.

Keep Listening

About Crystal

Corporate America had me at hello for 10 years. And just when I thought I was where I was supposed to be, God changed the narrative and helped me find more time for my husband and two beautiful girls through my own photography business. Now, I live for all things styled photography and serving the business community exclusively through styled imagery and personal brand photography.

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3 Things to Have on Hand for Your Product Photos

3 Things to Have on Hand for Your Product Photos

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3 Things to Have on Hand for Your Product Photos

Doesn’t it make you feel better when you know you’re prepared for any possible outcome?

N

ot only does this make our lives easier in case unexpected problems come up but it saves us time trying to search for the things we need during the most precious moments in our business.

 

So, if you’re currently taking on the role of the photographer in your business, here are 3 things to have on hand for your product photos. These are the key things we find most important and likely always needed, even if you don’t know it.

Steamer

 

This is a must for all things fabric. You can use a steamer for several different things including a backdrop, clothing products, pillows, basically anything that can wrinkle. Steamers are an essential tool that I have on hand at the studio. It’s also great for any models bringing in clothing that may need to be quickly prepped. A steamer takes up little storage space and can get the job done quicker than ironing would. You can check out the one I use here.

 

Sticky Tack

 

My second go-to at the studio is sticky tack. This is magical and the best thing to have for those round shaped jars, products, and props that tend to run off while we are shooting. It’s a quick, easy, and cheap solution to styling angles, fun layouts, or anything that appears impossible to achieve.

 

If you’re not sure what sticky tack is, it’s a piece of removable, sticky substance that you can attach on your products or props to help keep them in unique poses or on uneven surfaces. The trick is to use just enough to hold your product in place, but not too much where you catch it on camera. Here’s my favorite sticky tack to use!

 

Acrylic Cubes

 

Last and most important for flat lays – Acrylic Cubes! These are magical little pieces that add some extra depth to your flat lay photos. You can use them individually to lift props when styling shots or stack them on top of each other to add some extra height. Acrylic cubes are great for getting creative and prove best for displaying and raising products to the right level. With various sizes, you can easily hide certain parts of your image or use it to outright style your photos. This is the set I use in my studio.

 

Conclusion

 

You never know when you’ll need to add something a little extra to your shot, so having these 3 things nearby can truly help. If you have any questions or simply need ongoing monthly support, I’d love to connect. We can schedule a consultation call to identify the best options for you. You can also find me on Instagram!

 

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About Crystal

 

Crystal is the Creative Director, Photo Stylist, and Commercial Photographer behind Crystal Clear Creative Studios. From increased sales, visibility, and trends to conversions and full production, Crystal and her team, experts on the subject matter, provide clients with confidence to take your photography and videography needs off your plate. We support you in your growth with the creation and implementation of transformative ideas.

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