Photographic Experiments. Why do it?

Near the end of 2023 I came to the realization that I don't do enough testing and experimenting in my photography. Previous to this, I spent 2 years attempting to improve my photography of wine and beer products. The idea was to show off my skills to those who make such goodness, with the goal of getting hired.

It worked. To a point. I did take on 2 clients. One more so than the other. I shot all of their products for their new website. They were quite happy and I was paid well for the service. As time went on, I was doing less and less wine and spending more time looking at different subject matter of which to test my skills and build my portfolio.  Eventually, I wasn't doing any wine shoots at all. They had all they needed from me. The well had dried up.

A few different clients did come along, but nothing that I would call a steady workflow. This is where the experimenting comes in. I looked at my situation and knew that a change was in order, so I started trying to shoot at least 2 new objects each week for a month and a half. Since I had a connection with the local sporting goods store, (down the street) I started shooting some of their products. My skills have grown again, as has my portfolio and my online presence. I felt refreshed and invigorated again. This is why I do this. Shooting product feels "right" to me. Sure, I could do portraits. But it's not the same as spending hours planning a shoot for a product and going through the process of making it all come together. On my own. I've no crew or assistants or in-house technicians. It's just me. If the shoot flops, it's on me. If the retouching is shoddy and people wince at my photo, it's on me.

I experiment with shooting a variety of products because it feeds my need to shoot images and make art. I feels "right". This is why I do it. Oh, and it pays well. Another good reason to always be testing and experimenting. Enough said.