The State Of Product Photography | 91

Can I still make a living from product photography in 2023?

Should I be worried about AI taking over and stealing my job?

Should I start my own product photography company or work for someone else?

There's a lot of uncertainty floating around in the photography world right now. Photoshop Generative Fill and Midjourney threaten jobs, and it feels like the market is saturated.

By the end of this newsletter, you'll feel better than ever about your prospects in this industry.

Let's get into it.

The Market is Not Saturated

Despite fears and concerns in the community, let's set the record straight: the product photography market is not saturated.

When you hear people saying "the market is saturated," they're expressing their own insecurity.

They're worried they can't keep up with the influx of new talent hungry and determined to secure clients.

But, the truth is, for every established brand with a consistent photographer, dozens more lack great photography.

This is where you can step in, pitch your services, and help transform their brand identity.

It's like an iceberg; you only see the already polished brands on social media. Beneath the surface, countless brands need you to step in and elevate their visual presentation.

The AI Question

AI has been a game-changer across many industries.

It has brought amazing capabilities like generating images from scratch, transforming mediocre photos into fantastic ones, and more.

It's logical to ask: how will this impact product photography?

The key is to use AI as a tool rather than viewing it as a threat.

With tools like Midjourney and Photoshop Generative Fill, it feels like AI is just around the corner from taking our jobs.

AI won't take your job. Someone using AI will.

I bet you've heard someone say that in the last three months. And I strongly agree. AI is great, but it won't replace you any time soon.

AI is not just limited to generating images. Using ChatGPT to come up with photo styling ideas and client outreach emails can be a powerful way to use AI in your day-to-day life as a product photography business.

Employee Vs Business Owner

If you're employed by someone else, there's a risk of being replaced by AI. But if you're running your own business, you're in control. You can decide how to incorporate AI to streamline your processes, improve your outcomes, and enhance your competitiveness.

So, what's the solution to AI-induced job insecurity?

Become a business owner.

Running your own business offers not just job security but also the potential for higher income, thanks to the ability to create predictable revenue streams.

Once you have a solid sales pipeline, you know the number of clients you'll be working with every week, month, and quarter.

This isn't just about surviving; it's about thriving in the field. With the right strategies and resources, you can create a lucrative business in product photography.

Product photography is alive and well. It's not a saturated market, and there are countless opportunities to explore. AI doesn't have to be a threat; it can be a tool for your success. And by stepping up from being an employee to becoming a business owner, you can secure your career while increasing your earnings. Embrace these realities and get excited for the future of product photography.