Brian McDougall

Brian McDougall Photography | Miami, Florida, USA

bmcd17[at]gmail.com | +1 (305) 519-7764

Q&A with Brian

How did you get into taking pictures for a living?

It all started when I first discovered Photoshop back in the day… must’ve been around version 3. I was always into editing photographs, instead of creating abstract art, and I was attracted to photography by masters like Garry Winogrand and Cartier-Bresson. I got into product and commercial photography by accident – through a graphic design job.

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

I use a good ol’ Canon 5D II. My studio is in the basement behind the furnace.

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

I’m particularly good at creating 360° views of products that fit on my turntable – anything smaller than a breadbox. My specialty is jewelry and fine timepieces, but I also do a lot of other luxury goods like shoes, handbags, and beauty accessories.

Describe your ideal client for shooting a 360º view.

I like people who understand the value of good marketing!

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

We’re probably somewhere in the middle, maybe leaning on the high volume side a bit. Although we’re fast, image consistency matters a lot to our clients so we take the extra time to make sure the lighting and everything perfectly matches the photo shoot from a few months ago. The images on their website have took consistent, so we spend a little extra time making sure it’s perfect.

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

These days it’s mostly playing cars with my 3 and a half year old boy.

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

I’ve worked with creative agencies and magazines from all over the world. I recently shot the entire 2015 product line for Klean Kanteen, as well as the annual Buyer’s Guide for Freeskier Magazine. I also contract with various eCommerce firms, including Vickerey.com.

For more recent clients, please refer to my “about” page.

How does your pricing work for 360º product photography?

Oh, good question! I always shoot on a per product basis, and the rate varies depending on the amount of retouching necessary. If the product looks perfect right out of the box then you’re getting a good deal!

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

I once opened for Robben Ford on New Years Eve with this singer-songwriter that nobody liked (I was playing bass). It was humiliating and I couldn’t wait to get off the stage so I could enjoy the main act.

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

The traditional ways are best: ph 305.519.7764 email bmcd17@gmail.com or @BrianMcDougal (two L’s was taken)

Contact Brian