SKUpics
SKUpics | Palmyra, Pennsylvania, USA
contact[at]skupics.com | +1 (717) 271-7583
Q&A with SKUpics
How did you get into taking pictures for a living?
In 2012 a New York-based, national industrial distributor was faced with the daunting task of checking the accuracy of their product photographs and updating them if necessary. Because of the large number of items it was proving to be a logistical nightmare to track all of the product data and photographs. During one of their meetings, a member of the team posed what would become a pivotal question for all involved: “How do they shoot all of those pictures at an amusement park and match them up with the guests?” Since one of their distribution centers is located in the Harrisburg area, a call was made to Hersheypark to determine the name of their photo vendor. The subsequent call to Get The Picture Corporation in Hershey, PA, was the beginning of a new business.
Get The Picture (GTP) was formed in 1989 and has been providing photographic services to Hersheypark and Hershey’s Chocolate World since then. GTP designs, installs and operates all of the photo systems found at these (and other global) locations. Millions of pictures run through their systems each year, but that phone call regarding high-volume product photography was something new. It would require the design of new software systems, integration of new hardware and the hiring of a team of photographers. SKUpics, LLC was created and outfitted by the team at GTP to meet all of this new client’s needs.
Tell me about your 360º photography studio setup! For starters, what kind of camera do you shoot with?
We shoot with Nikon D800’s and have a 6,400 square foot facility with multiple studios ready to photograph any product of any size. Our staff members are even forklift certified in order to receive palletized product!
What type of products are you particularly good at creating 360º views of? Do you have a specialty?
We’ve photographed groceries and bathtubs; antiques and toys; apparel and drill bits. SKUpics specializes in delivering high quality images whatever the product may be.
Describe your ideal client for shooting a 360º view.
Our ideal client is open to creativity and is enthusiastic about their products.
For 360º photography, do you prefer shooting in high volume or low volume?
We pride ourselves on being very agile and adaptable. Our systems are all designed in-house. We create and integrate software, hardware and personnel to meet all of your imaging needs. The size of your company and the number of products is just part of the equation. We take pride in our work and, whether the job is one item or thousands, you have our attention and dedication. We are very aware that these images are part of your image.
What kind of things do you do for fun? You know, outside of work?
Our team is definitely a fun loving group. We like to play catch with our crazy dogs and to read bedtime stories to our kids. We love birding and video games. We enjoy rides in the ol’ MG on backcountry roads and hiking trails of the Adirondack Mountains. We fancy good cigars and good drinks. We’re also fond of beekeeping and seeing the latest flick in theaters. We relish in collecting antiques and creating cool things out of pallet wood.
Who are some clients you’ve done work with in the past?
SKUpics’ clients are large and small, local and international. Our client list is also very diversified, from e-commerce retail stores to industrial manufacturers and distributors, from confectioners to five-star spas. In fact, many of our clients ask us to remain silent about partnering with their business as SKUpics’ imaging solution has become integral part of their success story and gives them competitive advantage.
How does your pricing work for 360º product photography?
Our pricing structure for 360o product photography is tiered and on a per product basis.
What’s a memorable project you’ve worked on in the past?
Our most memorable project was our very first project – photographing over 230,000 items in 10 months! This was no small feat, especially when you add in hurdles like no internet access and no electrical power in the shooting location.
What’s the best way for someone to get in touch with you?
Potential clients can inquire by phone or email. We’d be happy to hear from you!
