commercial
Excited to start the new year with big news! I’m now represented by Carolyn Somlo Talent! Looking forward to growing my client reach, projects, and traveling all over! Work is now live at her site http://www.somlotalent.com/ Along with other amazing photographers and directors. Reach out to us for your next project!
B.T.S. with Felicia and Carolyn on set!
I love what I do because you never know where your next food project may take you! The Violife brand 100% Vegan is a fun, tasty, and fresh product hitting the shelves in the USA! I’ve been working with the T&C team creating colorful social assets featuring their products used in recipes. Each month we have been shooting different recipes that may correlate with an upcoming FOOD holiday or special event. The recipes are tested and concepts are sketched out for each recipe. Lisa Russell helps with styling, art direction and sourcing props for each setup. Each recipe gets a hero still image and a supporting stop motion. So fun to watch these shots come to life. Make sure to follow along @violifeus
This personal series I conceptualized and shot captures the real food and real orders of everyday customers that shop at Wawa. I wanted the food to feel heroic so I incorporated bright colors that play off the brand as well as strong lighting to cast shadows and highlights giving the food dimension, and shooting at a lower angle to make the food feel big. This was so fun to go through each order and compliment the drink choice with food. Being from the Philadelphia area I know what Wawa is all about! Hope you enjoy these fun photos.
Excited to share I’am now apart of Workbook! It is the place to get your work seen by top agencies in the industry! I’m excited to share some of my latest work and projects here. The involvement of Workbook’s staff making sure I showcase the best work and projects shows how dedicated they are to their artist. I hope you will take some time to check it out. Let’s work together!
https://www.workbook.com/portfolios/perretti_photography
Felicia Perretti is a commercial food and beverage photographer and director based in New York City. She works nationally with food and beverage clients in advertising, packaging, editorial, and video. She has worked with food and drink in all shapes and knows how to craft the right team to get the job done! Her passion for food and beverage shine through on set as well as outside of work in her everyday life. Whether it’s trying new restaurants, traveling, or cooking with her husband Joe. Send her an email or give a call to discuss your next project, she would be more than happy to chat!
Dream job!! Working with beer, but not just any beer; Victoria. What a great easy drinking beer in the summer with the right balance of malt taste. The team at Upshot had a beautiful deck put together for this shoot and I was so excited to bring these shots to life for them. The bright sunlight feel with the long cast shadows created a amber glow for the beer that was beautiful to capture. In the studio we had to create an environment that you may dream of drinking this beer in. Paola Andrea did not disappoint with her creative approach to the stucco walls and palm leaves that filled the frame. To finish off the shots a hint of food and refreshing look to the beers Kate Buckens brought her “A” game! Also one of our pour shots we had talent Rafael Medina of Bella Agency do the honors. Great shoot all around. Can’t wait to see the shots out in the wild. Working remotely with the agency through the ZOOM platform once again worked well for everyone.
Back in the studio with our favorite client Gorton’s Seafood! Hook Line and Savor family of fish is doing so well they have extended it and we were shooting their newest flavor; Everything! Just like the bagel, that was so tasty! It had a great crust and Helen the food stylist came up with perfect herbs and flavor Q’s that went along well. In addition to shooting that we got to shoot a new packaging shot for their Pub Style Cod. This was beautiful with the rustic wood surface and earthenware plate. The cod was paired with steak fries and a crisp golden beer. That was new for me incorporating a beer into a packaging shot, such a perfect idea! It came together really well. The lighting was a broad and soft approach as if there was window light being used. Beautiful shot to end the day with. Great working with the team!
This shoot was a great way to kick of the summer! Magma Products, the leading industry maker of grills for Marina and Camping enthusiasts. The brand was going for a new and updated look so we were able to create high end imagery bringing together the lifestyle these grills appeal to. It was such a cool and challenging shoot because not only did we bring the tropics to Manhattan we brought a boat to the studio! We had a custom built boat ledge made fitted for these grills as they would attach to a boat in real life. This ledge came out so nice we had it sent to the client in California after the photo shoot. This was one of our first shoots back inside since COVID hit; Everyone that was able to attend the shoot was comfortable in the environment. We had plenty of space to socially distance, masks required, and PPE on hand. Can’t wait to see the final pieces out in the wild!
Food Styling: Lisa Homa
Space: Go Studios
Prop Styling: Deb Donahue
Boat: Set Shop
Growing up there were some brands you just dream of working with. Having the opportunity to work with Campbell’s came true! Lisa Russell brought me on as the photographer for this project. We had the opportunity to work with their snack division on some social content photography. This was so fun putting together stop motion and recipe photos. We got to work with The Snack Factory and Synders Pretzels. The recipes were great for upcoming holidays and the stop motion pieces were a playful way to use the brands. The photography had punchy color and light. Propping was great and helped elevate the brands. The Campbell’s team was very hands on and made the whole production run smoothly. In the end we walked away with great photography for them.
Can’t wait to see the images out!
What a crazy moment we are living through of moving virtually only and social distancing. The process doesn’t have to be ugly, but an opportunity to be creative! I’ve used Zoom myself and was excited to learn I could change my background. This little tip puts a smile on my face and brings some personality to the online meeting that can only be felt in person. I express myself creatively through photography and I feel others should be able to do the same.
I’ve pulled just a few of my favorite foodie images together that you might enjoy for your next Zoom meeting. Just let me know and I can send it over! Bell Well!! -Felicia
Food Photography by Food Photographer Felicia Perretti, New York, Chicago
Food Photography by Food Photographer Felicia Perretti, New York, Philadelphia
Food Photography by Food Photographer Felicia Perretti, New York, Chicago
Food Photography by Food Photographer Felicia Perretti, New York, Chicago
Food Photography by Food Photographer Felicia Perretti, New York, Chicago
Food Photography by Food Photographer Felicia Perretti, New York, Chicago
Food Photography by Food Photographer Felicia Perretti, New York, Chicago
A favorite and challenging thing to photograph is chocolate. My team and I are always up for the challenge and love the sweet shots we walk away with! John and Kira’s a gourmet chocolate client of mine wanted to create some new imagery for their catalogue and website. The look and feel for this project was to convey moodiness and drama using the chocolate. Telling their story through high end imagery and propping is always our goal. The chocolate itself is always the hero! Working with Lisa Russell and team we were able to capture a beautiful variety of their chocolates over 2 days. We had layouts to reference while we were shooting to make sure they fit within. Having the client and chocolatier on set is always a plus because they get to help bring the photo concepts to life and they know their product best. Of course we taste tested along the way and their chocolate never disappoints.
It was great to have them on set and I can’t wait to see our final shots out.
I recently got to work with CANTEEN on a Honey Nut Cheerios campaign, Director Etienne Proulx on the video side and myself on still photography worked to capture beautiful shots of the products. I was able to shoot beauty shots of their Honey Nut Cheerios in a branded environment. We had a hand model for the 2 days, who allowed for more dynamic shot options. In addition to shooting stills, we came up with really creative stop motion concepts, being playful with the cereal. This was a great job to be apart of, can’t wait to see this out!
Client: Honey Nut Cheerios
Studio: Be Electric http://www.beelectric.tv/
Agency: 72andSunny
Set Build: Swell - Makoto Aoki http://swellnewyork.com/
https://www.shutterstock.com/blog/march-fresh-new-content-love
What a fun week working with Gorton’s Seafood again and food stylist Helen Jones. We got to photograph some of Gorton’s signature fish products with new photography and updated design. Overall the imagery was beautiful, fresh, and natural feeling. A great product you can enjoy for dinner or even lunch. Can’t wait to see the final shots in stores! Check out our B.T.S. from the shoot.
If there’s something I’m really passionate about in New York City it’s a good bagel! Once I came upon B.B.C.C. I knew I was hooked. I’ve had my fair share of bagels and hit up the “hot” spots but a true kettle boiled bagel was the answer. NYC knows that’s the only way to make a bagel and anyone that has had a bagel this was they wouldn’t forget it. Here’s a couple brief articles about the science of it:
https://www.thekitchn.com/food-science-why-bagels-are-bo-86711
I really am writing this because it was so exciting to work with them to create a amazing bagel piece I could use for my portfolio but something they could also use for their advertising. I arrived ahead of the shoot to sit down with the owner to discuss my idea and vision and to make sure he was on board. Once that was settled I had some interview style questions to ask that would be sliced over the visuals in the end. When we agreed on a date my team and I shot for the good first half of their shop being open capturing the beautiful kettle boil process, their coffee being made, some of their signature sandwiches, and of course the happy customers. It was all about the beauty in the food so we had our cine prime lens on the entire time. In addition to that we had a tungsten light back lighting the steam and certain shots. Also we staged some shots at the front of the store and incorporated the natural light coming in. It was a fun day and flew by! The final product came out great, see it in my motion portfolio
Happy New Year! 2018 was a great year filled with growth, challenges, and successes. Working as a commercial photographer has evolved over the last few years and will only evolve more aggressively with technology’s peak in the industry. It’s great to revisit past projects, and lost bids because you can see how the work has improved, what other skill sets have been gained, and others that may need work. This business is about constantly growing so any opportunity to improve a skill is a positive thing. Also traits fine tuned should be looked over and maintained.
Similar to my past blog series “Diary of A Commercial Photographer” I’m reiterating the same thoughts and ideas that go through my head from the beginning of my career to now. The wheels are always turning, sketches for the next project are always happening, and always making sure I’m relating to my audience. It’s important to build those relationships, and today those relationships are friendships. Whether I’m working with a art director, graphic designer, or stylist we come together to problem solve and make amazing art!
That is always my goal in my career and I can’t wait to see you in 2019
What a fun project to see grow from beginning to when it hit shelves! When I get to work with new clients on packaging it’s really my favorite thing to do! You get to shoot the product and immediately see it in the design layout through tethering the camera and see the project come to life. It’s really great when the product is of high quality and taste; which of course this was! It’s a new product line Gorton’s was working on. Delicious allergy-friendly recipes and quality of fish. It’s a step away from their traditional cut and styled fish you may be custom to seeing in stores. This had a more authentic approach in the styling and props. We got to use bright light that created more shadow and depth, the packaging was overhead, and the fish fillets we used were broken open showing the meaty fish flakes inside. Yum! The three types of fish were beer battered cod, black bean crusted haddock (personal favorite), and a citrus ginger salmon. They all had a crust to them and side sauce used to drizzle over top. Make sure to find this in the freezer section next time your shopping. Check out the B.T.S. from the shoot!
See their website too! http://www.hooklineandsavor.com
Make sure to read their story! http://www.hooklineandsavor.com/about.html
Closing thoughts…
Get comfortable because marketing isn’t going anywhere. Beyond that you always want to be pushing the boundaries with your work. You cannot get complacent in this business or you will drown. I don’t want to scare anyone but you have to be on your toes always seeing what’s new out there, what you can be doing better or different. I feel that’s part of the fun! It keeps things exciting and it makes for a fulfilling career. This industry is full of changes so keeping an eye and ear out for it will only prepare you. I look to continue to grow and add to my business. Always be networking with new prospects, and enjoy the ride!
What a amazing project this was to work on with Conagra. Packaging work is some of my favorite work to do because there’s so much attention to the little details, and it can make or break a design. My team and Conagra’s agency out of Canada photographed the re-design of Odom Tennessee Pride’s breakfast and sandwich offerings sold in the frozen food section. The re-design was modern with a white wash wood surface and up to date propping and lighting to bring the food to life! It was a big project shot in 2 parts but we got through it. Excited to share what we put together so keep a look out for the items at your local supermarket.
You can see some of the final designs here: http://www.perrettiphotography.com/commissioned/
I’ve been doing this for close to 10 years. To some that’s a long time, and to a lot, I’m just getting started. Either way you can learn a lot personally and professionally working for yourself. In the photography business you have to be prepared for a lot of loses and learn from mistakes. For every “No” you will get that YES! It’s a very hilly battle with competition, slow periods, and even insanely busy times. For all the chaos you still need a plan. Without a plan or goal in mind you will just be spinning wheels.
For the success I’ve had, It comes from my commitment to shooting new work and marketing myself to the right audience. Companies like Agency Access, FOUND, and Yodelist don’t make this stuff up when they always tell us to market ourselves. It’s actually true and it works! When I talk to photo students in college marketing is always my favorite subject to talk about. In school you are learning the craft and becoming skillful in taking pictures, but how are you going to present that to the world? That’s where marketing starts. Before I even get into specifics (which there is not 1 answer for) CONSISTENCY IS KING. If you think your going to do it, you might forget about it in a month, then 6 months goes by, “wait what did I forget to do?” Maybe you got busy, or lazy, who cares, you have to do it or nothing in the long run will happen for your business.
Let’s step back and honestly think about this, who markets? Why? Easy example: Coca Cola. Everyone knows who they are and what they are about. How do we know? Because they are always marketing their product! I bet even more than before because soda sales are going down. Coca Cola has been a staple product for decades and you don’t see them slowing down in their marketing. They want their product on the top of your mind without any hesitation. When you hear soda what’s the first brand that comes to mind? Maybe Pepsi.. But then Coca Cola! hahaha! Consistent marketing will grow your business.
For myself I have come up with a marketing plan that I analyze every year. This is no secret and anyone can do it, it’s just who can do it consistently. I have my plan broken down by month and I list out my To-Do’s for the month. I make phone calls, I send an e-newsletter, I post to social media, I test shoot or update my website, I update my blog, I check out my LinkedIn page, I send out a printed promo piece, and a couple other things here and there. I don’t send an email or printed promo every month. I take into consideration my marketing financials as well as my audience’s email space and know they don’t want an email from me every month! You have to find the balance of keeping your work at the top of their mind but not to over reach and annoy them. Having the marketing plan written out helps keep you on track. With all the above itemized out over the course of 12 months I print it out and tape it right to my door in my office. It’s there to remind me what I need to do for the month. This works for me, but I know some people need more than that to remind them. Put reminders on your phone or computer, whatever works for you. Also what I have on my marketing plan might not apply to you. It comes back to your audience and how they like to see new work or to be followed up with. Whatever that plan may be 1 really great rule of thumb is to have at least 3 modes of marketing outreach.
When your new to business the funds might not be flying in so being budget conscience with marketing at first is fine. Social media is free, so is Facebook, and LinkedIn. Printed promos, and e-newsletters will have a cost. If your still on your family phone plan then make some phone calls to potential clients. Any questions? Email me: felicia@perrettiphotography.com
Catchy title right?! :) I can’t say my post is actually from a diary but the idea of my real thoughts on the business in writing remind me of my diary I had when I was little. The "real deal" moments you had growing up that just had to get written down; documented, so you can look back and remember when… Since the recent closing of my college The Art Institute I know I won’t be able to visit the school and talk with photo students anymore. My post reflects my own experiences and opinions and were discussed with students at school.
I wanted to be a commercial photographer in 11th grade. I remember attending my local technical school that had an amazing commercial art program with the best teachers! They are still working there today and still inspiring students. They had a photo studio where I could shoot products, study advertisements, understand graphic design, and learn everything I could about photography. My first job at 13 was working at the local supermarket, so I was around food all day. Not a bad thing! :) When I would face off the shelves or be a cashier I would ring up items that had food photos on them. It was that moment I knew that’s what I wanted to do! I enrolled in college attending The Art Institute where it also had a commercial driven curriculum. During school I interned and assisted with commercial photographers in all genres and still came back to food photography.
Any advice I can give current photo students or someone looking to change careers, assist for as many currently working photographers as you can. This career is very much a learn on the job pace. You can’t just open shop without watching and learning from other pros, you are going to waste your time and money. The first impression you have on a potential client is your last impression so you want to make sure your best foot is forward. I know in today’s world everything is online where you can “learn.” There’s a huge difference in watching someone and actually being there and doing something, so don’t think there’s a quick fix or easy way out.
In addition to working under professional photographers you want to make sure and give yourself creative freedom. This is your career and it’s going to change a lot over time. You need to make sure and remember why your doing this in the first place. Let yourself be inspired by other photographers alive or deceased. Doing creative exercises like this will help you understand what you enjoy photographing. Have fun!
