• Client Brief & Moodboards
  Before sunrise, I revisit the client’s brief: their brand story, target audience, and the campaign’s core message. I sketch quick moodboards or Pinterest collages to visualize color palettes, lighting setups, and shot compositions.
  
  
• Equipment Check
  I lay out my gear: camera bodies (usually a full‑frame DSLR and a mirrorless backup), prime and zoom lenses, LED panels, softboxes, reflectors, batteries, memory cards, and light stands. A quick checklist ensures nothing gets left behind.
  
  

2. Arrival on Location: Setting the Stage

• Scouting & Light Tests
  Whether it’s a sleek product studio or an on‑site retail environment, I arrive early to scout angles, evaluate ambient light, and test my own lighting rigs. This step uncovers potential challenges like reflections, uneven surfaces, or power constraints.
  
  
• Building the Set
  In a studio, I adjust backdrops (white, colored, or textured), position tables or risers for products, and drape diffusers. On location, I retrofit portable softboxes and LED panels to complement existing fixtures.
  
  

3. The Shoot: Capturing the Perfect Frame

• Directing the Scene
  For lifestyle or model‑assisted shoots, clear communication is key. I guide talent on posture, expressions, and interactions with products—ensuring every frame feels natural and on‑brand.
  
  
• Technical Execution
  
  
  • Camera Settings: I balance ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to achieve tack‑sharp focus and the desired depth of field—often shooting tethered to a laptop for instant review.
    
    
  • Lighting Techniques: From high‑key white‑background shots to moody low‑key setups, I tweak power ratios, modifier placement, and gel colors to sculpt each subject.
    
    
• Creative Variations
  I capture multiple angles—wide establishing shots, tight detail close‑ups, and mid‑shots—to give the client flexibility in marketing layouts and social media formats.
  
  

4. Midday Break: Review & Recharge

• Quick Edit Preview
  I transfer selects to Lightroom or Capture One, do basic color and exposure tweaks, and share a few previews with the client (if on site) to confirm we’re aligned.
  
  
• Gear Maintenance
  I swap memory cards, recharge batteries, and clean lenses. Keeping gear in top shape prevents hiccups later in the day.
  
  

5. Afternoon: Wrap‑Up & Wrap‑Down

• Final Shots & “Just in Case” Frames
  Before I pack up lights and backdrops, I shoot a handful of safety frames—slightly different compositions or alternative lighting setups—so the client has extra options.
  
  
• Pack‑Out Logistics
  Carefully breaking down stands and rolling up cables ensures a smooth exit, especially important when shooting in someone else’s studio or a rented space.
  
  

6. Evening: Post‑Processing & Delivery

• Culling & RAW Development
  Back at my workstation, I sift through hundreds of RAW files, marking 20–30% as keepers. In Capture One, I fine‑tune color balance, contrast, and sharpness, preserving brand‑specific color profiles.
  
  
• Retouching & Motion Graphics
  For product shots, I remove imperfections—dust specks, wrinkles, reflections—in Photoshop. If the brief includes animated elements, I export stills into After Effects or Premiere Pro to add subtle motion graphics, overlays, or text animations.
  
  
• Client Review & Feedback Loop
  I package proofs in an online gallery, invite comments, and iterate quickly on revisions: adjusting crop ratios for social media, optimizing for web versus print, or tweaking color saturation.
  
  

7. Lessons Learned & Tips for Aspiring Commercial Photographers

1. Pre‑Visualization Is Everything: Sketch or storyboard your ideas to minimize on‑set guesswork.
   
   
2. Master Your Gear: Know your cameras and lights so well that adjustments become instinctive.
   
   
3. Communicate Clearly: From clients to stylists and talent, everyone should understand the vision and their role.
   
   
4. Build a Safety Net: Always shoot extra frames and backup your files immediately.
   
   
5. Stay Curious: Experiment with new lenses, lighting modifiers, or editing techniques to keep your work fresh.
   
   

Final Thoughts

A day in the life of a commercial photographer blends artistry with logistics, technical know‑how with interpersonal skills. It’s demanding—but incredibly rewarding when you see your images bringing a brand’s story to life.