Aurelius Rune

Rune Lights Imaging | Santa Cruz, California, USA

runelights[at]gmail.com | +1 (831) 531-8541

Q&A with Aurelius

How did you get into taking pictures for a living?

I have been steeped in photography since the years of high school. My real talent for studio photography blossomed when I worked for Live Nation Merchandising shooting isolated products in their studio in San Francisco. There I learned the basics of lighting intentionally. Since, I have expanded my skills by shooting product and models for my leather craft business Astral Chrysalis Designs, as well as hiking outdoors and taking photos for the pure joy of it.

Tell me about your 360º photography studio setup! For starters, what kind of camera do you shoot with?

I shoot with a 5D mk II (in my humble opinion one of the most trusty and well built full frame sensors DSLRs in the Canon Line) and my studio is lit with Paul C. Buff lighting equipment. I never stop enjoying the process of getting the look and lighting just right to create a crisp clear image that is true to the product and brand.

What type of products are you particularly good at creating 360º views of? Do you have a specialty?

I have a lot of experience shooting accessories such as hats, bracelets, belts, etc. I really enjoy the challenge of 360° photography, as each angle is a composition in itself. My versatile experience also allows me to learn quickly when faced with a situation I have not photographed before.

Describe your ideal client for shooting a 360º view.

I like working with small to medium sized business clients because I empathize when the client gets excited about the step they are taking to more accurately represent their product.

For 360º photography, do you prefer shooting in high volume or low volume?

I usually work with low to medium volume clients. I’m very flexible when it comes to the variety of product that I aim to work with. Where I really shine is attention to detail. The nicer a product looks after being shot and processed, the better the online representation.

What kind of things do you do for fun? You know, outside of work?

I’m a natural foodie and cook. I love cooking for friends when they come over as well as experimenting with new dishes or just winging it in the kitchen. When I’m not playing chef I enjoy travel a ton. I create art wherever I go, whether on my mobile phone, my laptop or on a good old pad of paper and pen.

Who are some clients you’ve done work with in the past?

I am currently doing 360° photography for my own business, Astral Chrysalis Designs, as well as Hadland Imaging LLC to shoot a 360° view of one of their 10 million fps cameras.

How does your pricing work for 360º product photography?

It is important to me that a client feels the value in what they are investing in, so I usually begin with a pro bono shot of a product of the client’s choice so they can get a feel for how they will benefit from this service. From there I negotiate pricing depending on the complexity and volume desired. I typically shoot at a rate of $50 to $100 a product.

What’s a memorable project you’ve worked on in the past?

My most memorable project was, in all honesty, shooting my first 360° sample. Seeing something move from static to dimensional was enlightening and exciting to say the least.

What’s the best way for someone to get in touch with you?

Send me an email. I will respond within a day on weekdays.

 

Contact Aurelius

runelights[at]gmail.com | +1 (831) 531-8541