top of page
SOFIYA MAKAROVA
A free-spirited artist at heart, I am curious about all people, ideas, and happenstances. In my free time, I enjoy filmmaking, list-making, introspecting, painting messily, and dancing alongside my pet conure.
A little about how I got here. I studied in Toronto dreaming of one day having my own architecture studio. It wasn't long before I encountered the underwhelming reality of working as an architect. I thank the ensuing panic for bringing me to discover a love and obsession with still and moving images. I haven't looked back.
big
6
questions
WHO?
I work with lovely and ambitious businesses who wish to radically boost their online presence and customer engagement while also creating a meaningful and collaborative bond with their photographer (that’s me!) My studio is equipped to photograph any small to medium-sized product, so whether you sell skincare, jewellery, clothing, craft beer or granola bars… I am here for you.
( who is product photography for?)
WHAT?
( what are my services? )
TEXTURE TEX
LIFESTYLE
STYLIZED S
TYLIZED STY
TURE TEX
LIFESTYLE LIF
E-COMMERCE
E-COMME
MODELS MOD
CREATIVE D
GIFS GIFS G
IFS GIFS GIFS
ELS MODE
IRECTION CR
BRAND IDENTI
TY BRAND
My home studio is in Toronto, Ontario. I accept clients from all over Canada. You may choose to ship or personally drop off your products at my address. If your business is within southern Ontario, I may also be available to travel to your location for on-site shoots.
WHERE?
( where am I located? )
WHY?
( why is it worth it? )
To compete in the big leagues, you'll need heaps of stunning photography. Let’s take a quick look at the front page of the Canadian body care and fragrance brand ‘Sidia.’ I counted 14 photos in my first 10 seconds of browsing their webpage. Notice how not only is every photo absolutely drop-dead gorgeous, but each one radiates the unmistakable Sidia brand: sophisticated, disruptive, decadent, evocative, and sensory. Photography and brand identity go firmly hand in hand. When you work with me, you will get guidance in both.
I have a commitment to timeliness and efficiency. However, my availability does fluctuate from month to month. To guarantee that I can make room for your project, please do not wait to contact me! As for turnaround times, most projects will be ready around 2 weeks after production (the shoot day). Time spent in pre-production varies.
WHEN?
( when can we start?
and how long will it take? )
HOW?
The process of bringing product photos to life can be divided into three stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. Below is a rundown.
Pre - production
During pre-production, we will collaborate to develop a comprehensive plan for your photoshoot. Video calls will be crucial for aligning our visions and outlining the deliverables. I may also ask that you put together a Creative Brief. If you've never put together one of these before, don't worry, I'm here to help.
In pre-production, you may have as little or as much creative control as you would like. If you know exactly what you want, I'm here for it. If you are completely clueless, I'm also here for it.
Prior to entering production, I'll ask that you: 1) sign a Commercial Photography Contract, 2) pay the Retainer Invoice (50% of cost) 3) ship/drop off your products.
Production
We'll schedule a dedicated Shoot Day for production. On this day, I'll set up the lights, dust off your products, and style the props - all in pursuit of capturing the perfect image. I’ll take more photos than needed, so you'll have options to choose from.
Post - production
An online gallery of 'proofs' (low-res, unedited photos) will be shared with you. From these, I'll ask that you pick which ones I should edit and retouch. Post-production is like magic! It's a sure way to turn an already good image into an amazing one.
Final images can be shared with you in any resolution and format (excluding RAW).
What's your pricing?
The minimum investment is $600. Please shoot me an email detailing as much as you can regarding your project, and we'll go from there!
Do you return my products?
Yes! If you want your products returned, please send me a return label. Alternatively, schedule a time to swing by and pick them up.
Will I have a good idea of what the final content will look like before shooting?
Totally. I will be assembling a Photography Treatment for you. Think of this document as our technical blueprint for the shoot.
OTHER FAQ
bottom of page