The Honest Truth About Commercial Product Photography in Auckland (From Someone Who Actually Does It)

Let me start with something that might surprise you: most people have absolutely no idea what product photography actually involves. They think it’s pointing a camera at something and pressing a button. If only it were that simple.

As an Auckland product photographer, I get asked the same questions over and over again. So today, I thought I’d pull back the curtain and share what this job is really like – the good, the challenging, and the downright amusing parts that nobody talks about.

It’s Not Just Taking Pretty Pictures

Here’s what most people imagine I do: arrange a product nicely, snap a few photos, maybe adjust the brightness a bit, and like magic – professional product photography

The reality? I’m part commercial photographer, part problem-solver, part lighting engineer, and occasionally part miracle worker. That “simple” product shot you see online probably involved much adjusting tiny reflectors, moving lights and the products millimetre by millimetre, and figuring out how to make it perfect.

Every surface reflects light differently. Every material behaves differently under studio lights. That gorgeous leather handbag that looks stunning in person? It needs specific lighting to bring out the grain. That beautiful white ceramic mug? It could blind the camera with reflections. my work requires constant adaptation and problem-solving.

The Things Nobody Warns You About

When I started out, nobody mentioned that I’d become an expert in the strangest things. I now know more about set building, balancing, textures,  finishes, and paper craft (yes) than I ever expected. I can work with so many different materials under various lighting setups.

I’ve also become unexpectedly good at handling fragile items, thanks to my time at an auction house in London. You’d be amazed how delicate some products are, and how carefully you need to position them for the perfect shot. 

And don’t get me started on products with reflective surfaces. Trying to photograph anything chrome, glass, or polished metal means I’m constantly ducking out of shots, repositioning lights, and sometimes practically hiding behind equipment to avoid appearing in reflections.

Product Photographer Auckland

The Detective Work

Product photography often feels like detective work. A client will bring me a product and say, “Make it look amazing,” but what they really mean is, “Figure out what makes this special and show that to the world.”

Sometimes it’s obvious – a handcrafted wooden bowl has beautiful grain patterns that need the right lighting to shine. Other times, it takes experimentation. I might try a few things before finding the one that makes a product sing.

The best part of my job is that moment when everything clicks. The lighting is perfect, the composition works, and the product looks exactly like it should. It’s like solving a puzzle, and every product presents a new challenge.

Why Every Product Is Different

This is something that surprises people: no two products photograph the same way, even if they look similar. Two white t-shirts might require completely different approaches, I specialise in E-comm fashion photography too both flatlay and mannequin. The fabric, the cut, even the way the material falls – everything affects how it needs to be photographed.

It’s this variety that keeps product photography Auckland interesting. I never know what challenge will walk through my studio door next!

I'm a commercial photographer based in Auckland, New Zealand

I'm a commercial photographer based in Auckland

As a creative and strategic photographer, I leverage my technical experience to turn ideas into reality, producing visually compelling commercial photography. My strong foundation in composition and styling allows me to deliver high end imagery that enhances brand visibility across all platforms, digital or print media.


I began my career in 2011 in London, where I honed my skills as a catalogue photographer for a high-end auction house. This role provided me with a deep understanding of commercial photography, which I have since expanded across diverse projects and industries. In 2018, I relocated to New Zealand, where I have partnered with local brands to create impactful visuals for eCommerce, social media, POS displays, and billboards.


I am very inventive and can often be found making something, from paper craft, refurbishing furniture, or campervan builds, that’s helped with my set building skills too! I bring all of my creative passion to your brand.




contact@amandahughes.co.nz