In Boston product photography has transformed into an industry that is incredibly competitive, and is driven by corporate needs and market trends. Professional photographers must be able to offer more than visual appeal. They must understand advertising philosophies, because their results need to act as a portion of a larger marketing campaign.

The trends in the industry change according to the ideas of the markets they target. Different markets are attracted by varying aesthetics. They are often influenced by the clothing, ideology and fashions of the day. With pop art being an important part of contemporary trends, the stark, primary palettes and flat surfaces from the era are forming part of today's monochromatic images.

Photographing products comes with its own challenges in terms of composition and lighting. A badly captured image is powerful enough to diminish the value of an item in the consumer's eyes. The availability of digital cameras is affecting the industry because amateurs are able to take high quality pictures with improved tools.

In response to the industry's flooding with novices, professionals are having to improve the products they deliver. The fierce competition has made it necessary for them to stand out against many others in the field. They are thus buying improved equipment, increasing their creativity and delivering better service.

Platforms for photo sharing and increased ownership of digital cameras is reducing demand for professionals. However, a change is occurring as corporate clients come to realize the advantages of using a professional with a range of skills and high end equipment.

There is an enormous range of diversity in the skill sets of professionals in the industry. Products range from food items to ready to wear, from mechanics and gadgets to high end technology. This can be demanding on photographers who try to fulfill every corporate need. It is often preferable to select professionals who specialize in photographing specific products.

The arena in which photographers are having to compete has changed greatly in recent years. Social media have become a crucial marketing platform. Facebook and other networking sites need to be approached creatively, and image gallery products are insufficient for this. Images used on such sites need to be particularly strong if they will capture the attention of an audience in such a visually rich marketplace.

Novices in the field can't compete with the results professionals produce when using high end lenses and cameras, lighting and studios. Clients are benefiting from the fact that professionals are attempting to speed up their service and deliver higher quality results that entry level professionals can't compete with, even at reduced rates.

Professional lighting skill is crucial, particularly in the area of products, since flashes are rarely enough to create the right effect. Light boxes and other specialized tools are necessary to display products attractively. Enhancements using photo editors can also become an art in itself, and professionals generally have the necessary software to achieve stellar effects.

Branding is one of the core factors photographers need to take into account when photographing products. A background knowledge of brand strength and marketing is a necessity. In Boston product photography that is professionally done acts to communicate corporate ideals, target market desires and company image.