Product Photography: Studio Mascot

Cleveland commercial photographer captures studio mascot for product test shot…

I acquired Ducky several years ago to be a prop in a photo shoot. After which, he was put on the shelf to collect dust. It was kind of funny how many people spotted him sitting in the studio, and inquired as to why I had a rubber duck. I would usually give the details and we would move on. My plan was to pass him along to a child that might appreciate it, but somehow he ended up sticking around and became the studio mascot of sorts. 

Over time, Ducky has been utilized in a handful of ways. Most often, as a stand-in for product test shots. In the image featured here, not only was I getting the lighting dialed in, but I needed to figure out how to create the perfect water rings around a subject. Ducky was the perfect stand-in… he didn’t require any additional propping, the contrast between him and the background was perfect and he was totally waterproof! After a couple shots (and getting everything the way I envisioned), I started to like what I was seeing and had to go all in on making this a finished image. 

While most people would just view this image at face value, I see it as potential. What started out as a fun test shot, could potentially become an entire series of work… especially since I’ve been on the search for my next personal project.