#85 – The hidden realities of being a professional food photographer with Francesco Sapienza – Part 1

Ever seen an iceberg? We see a small part of the iceberg above water but the majority is below the surface. A food photography business is exactly like that.

What we see on social media or hear professionals talk about is only the part of the business above the surface. There is a large part we don’t see or hear about.

In this week’s episode, we’re pulling that large part of the iceberg out of the water so that you can see it in its entirety.

In this week’s podcast we are getting as raw and real as it gets.
We are peeling back the layers & sharing the truth of being a commercial food photographer with our guest, Francesco Sapienza, a food photographer based in NYC.

He’s worked with huge names like the New York Times, Smithsonian Books, Rizzoli publications, Whole foods market etc. and is sharing how to build a photography business in a competitive market and the challenges to expect.

Here’s what the episode includes:

• Francesco talks about the different kinds of projects that fall under the realm of commercial food photography.
• He shares what it takes to transition to full-time food photography.
• He reveals the secret ingredient to set up and run a food photography business.
• We discuss the challenges in starting a food photography business.
• We talk about how to add and price your photography services.
• Francesco talks about the role of networking in business.
• He lists different steps photographers can take to market themselves as professionals.
• He shares how how to work with big brands like the New York Times.
• Francesco discusses what it looks like to get an agent for your photography business.