Frantisek Chobot

Otocnefotky | Prague, Czech Republic

frantisek[at]otocnefotky.cz | +420/777800216

Q&A with Frantisek

How did you get into taking pictures for a living?

Everything started in high school when I first saw the B&W process in a darkroom. That changed my life! A couple years ago I met John, a sales man for the company PhotoRobot in the Czech Republic. They were selling photorobots around the world, but not in their home country. And that was the kick start!

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

I use a Canon 6D FF camera with a modern Canon “L“ lens, but sometimes I use an old Nikkor 85mm/f2, and this lens is perfectly sharp. I love this lens! The studio is about 312 square feet with a big window, so I can play with nature light.

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

I like challenges, so there’s no product which can’t be shot. I’m trying to put some animation in 360° views or something else unusual, that is my speciality!

Describe your ideal client for shooting a 360º view.

The ideal client for me is someone who knows what he wants or who listens to my advice and ideas.

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

I prefer low to medium volume, because that lets me do my work as perfectly as I want. Of course, that doesn’t mean I won’t take a customer with hundreds of products.

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

The best way for me to spend my free time is to go for a ride in my 1937 classic car Aero 30hp – roadster, made in Czechoslovakia.

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

I was making 360° views for Fakeer energy drink, Shaper Solutions – they are manufacturing fireman’s shoes, Energydrinky.cz, and now I’m ready for cooperation with new customers.

How does your pricing work for 360º product photography?

Usually I’ll make one test product for free, because everyone wants to know exactly how their product will look in a 360° view. Then it depends on how hard it is shoot that product and how many products a client needs shot.

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

That was in 2012 – I was with the Czech racing team (Tatra trucks) on Silk Way Rally in Russia, a similar race to Paris to Dakar. I’ll remember that till the end of my life.

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

The best way is to shoot me an email and I’ll contact you as soon as possible. Also, by phone is cool, because you can read someone’s emotion during a call.

Contact Frantisek