Vibrant Baseball Product Photography: Capturing the Energy Behind Every Swing

When it comes to sports equipment, especially something as iconic as baseball gear, product photography is more than just showcasing the item—it’s about bringing the energy, passion, and vibrancy of the game to life. Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with Absolutely Ridiculous, a company that epitomizes creativity and fun in the sports equipment industry.

Their request was simple at first—crisp, clean e-commerce images of their colorful, playful products on white backgrounds. But as with any great collaboration, there was room to evolve. That’s where the magic happened.

Hitting a Home Run with E-Commerce Photography

Four years ago, when Absolutely Ridiculous first approached me, their main goal was to stand out in a crowded e-commerce space. They needed clean, high-resolution images of their unique baseball gloves—products like their famous ice cream-themed glove, which is as fun and creative as it sounds. By using bright white backgrounds, we ensured their products were front and center, free from distractions.

This approach is essential for any e-commerce business. Crisp, high-quality imagery not only increases trust but also boosts conversion rates. Shoppers want to see the details—every stitch, color pop, and design element—so they can imagine themselves owning the product. That’s exactly what we delivered. To see those images step back in time to this blog post featuring some of our prior work for the company.

Elevating Sports Equipment Photography for Advertising Campaigns

Fast forward to today, and I recently revisited those original images. While they served their purpose for e-commerce, I knew there was untapped potential, especially when thinking about how these images could perform in advertising campaigns.

For creatives at advertising agencies, striking, attention-grabbing visuals are key to building memorable campaigns. By placing these vibrant baseball gloves on equally energetic backgrounds—think bold, contrasting colors that make the gloves seem as if they’re leaping off the screen—the photos transformed from functional e-commerce shots into scroll-stopping imagery perfect for ads.

These aren’t just photos of gloves anymore; they’re statements. They capture the spirit of the game, the excitement of play, and the uniqueness of the brand—all in one image. And that’s exactly what creatives need to inspire their audiences.

Bringing Products to Life for E-Commerce Businesses

For e-commerce businesses, especially in the sports industry, the challenge is twofold: you need to make your products look great while also creating a connection with your audience. Sports equipment isn’t just about function—it’s about lifestyle. A baseball glove represents hours of practice, the thrill of a catch, or a child’s first game.

That’s why I breathed new life into the images for Absolutely Ridiculous. By moving beyond the plain white background and incorporating dynamic colors and complementary themes, we were able to showcase their baseball gloves in a way that tells a story. And in e-commerce, storytelling is essential to standing out and connecting with your customers.

The Power of Scroll-Stopping Imagery

In today’s fast-paced, digital shopping landscape, you only have a few seconds to capture attention. Whether your products are listed on an e-commerce site, promoted in an ad, or featured in a social media campaign, scroll-stopping imagery is critical to making a lasting impression.

For Absolutely Ridiculous, the transformation of their product photos was a game-changer. The gloves now shine against vibrant backgrounds, grabbing the attention of not just potential buyers but also creative directors, advertisers, and social media influencers. This is the kind of photography that gets people talking and sharing, boosting brand awareness in a natural, organic way.

Conclusion: Winning with Vibrant Product Photography

Whether you’re in sports equipment, an advertising agency, or running an e-commerce business, the right photography can make all the difference. It’s not just about capturing the product—it’s about capturing its essence, its energy, and its story.

Elevating BLKLY Colostrum Powder: Photography That Builds Trust

A Vision Fueled by Purpose

In July of 2024, BLKLY, a supplement company with a strong commitment to health and wellness, reached out to me to help launch their brand new colostrum powder. The founders of BLKLY were driven by a personal mission: after Destiny, one of the founders, was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, she and her family felt a strong calling to create supplements designed to support those living with similar conditions. This purpose resonated deeply with me, and I was excited to get involved.

Photography is a key component in the success of any supplement brand, especially in an online marketplace. As creatives, you know the value of compelling visuals, and the right images not only sell a product but build trust with the consumer.

Crafting Clean and Compelling Pack Shots

The first part of the project involved shooting BLKLY’s colostrum powder in simple, clean pack shots. For these, I knew the lighting had to be precise. I opted for a hard light source to create motivated light and give the product depth, while also filling in shadows to ensure the entire package was properly exposed. This technique adds intrigue and professionalism to an otherwise minimalistic setting.

Shooting supplements like BLKLY’s colostrum powder on a plain white background may seem straightforward, but every detail matters. From the texture of the packaging to the shadows cast by the product, lighting makes all the difference in creating a shot that pops and builds consumer confidence. After capturing the traditional white background shots, I switched things up by photographing the product against one of BLKLY’s vibrant brand colors, adding personality and aligning it with their identity.

Bringing the Product to Life: Lifestyle Imagery

Once the pack shots were complete, it was time to shift focus to lifestyle imagery. BLKLY wanted a collection of photos that not only showed the product in use but also captured the spirit of their brand—health-conscious and vibrant.

For lifestyle shots, I incorporated real-life scenes where the product could shine naturally, such as someone preparing the colostrum powder in the kitchen. This created a narrative that speaks directly to the health-conscious consumer, making the supplement relatable and desirable. Lifestyle photos are a fantastic way to engage potential buyers, allowing them to envision the product as part of their everyday routine.

Photography that Sells

In the health and wellness industry, great photography is essential to building consumer trust and credibility. It’s no secret that supplements face scrutiny, and consumers are savvier than ever. High-quality imagery helps tell your brand’s story, making the product feel reliable and trustworthy.

For creatives working in the advertising or supplement industry, the right photography can elevate your brand’s message, transforming it from something functional to something aspirational. When your imagery aligns with your brand’s purpose, it invites customers into your story, helping them connect with your product on an emotional level.

Ready to Elevate Your Next Product?

It was an incredible experience working with BLKLY to help bring their vision to life. They’ve created a product they truly believe in, and I’m proud to have been a part of their journey. If you’re in the supplement or health-focused industry and looking for dynamic, impactful product photography, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s create something that not only stands out but resonates with your audience. Use the Contact Form to get in touch!

My Leica M10 Story: 13 Years of Waiting—Was It Worth It?

Leica M10 2-Year Review: A Photographer’s Dream Realized

In November 2022, a lifelong dream came true—I purchased my first Leica camera. This was a moment I had been waiting for since high school. My first encounter with a Leica happened during my 2009 honeymoon in Chicago, where I got my hands on a Leica M8.2 at Calumet. At the time, I considered trading my full Canon setup for the Leica and a 50mm lens but held back. Thirteen years later, after a successful year for my business, I could finally sit down and make the leap. This review outlines why I chose the Leica M10, my lens selection, my initial and long-term impressions, and how I plan to move forward with this legendary camera.

The Leica Obsession

From the moment I started photography, I’ve dreamed of owning a Leica. My first camera was an Olympus RD35 rangefinder, and once I transitioned to SLRs, I missed the simplicity and elegance of the rangefinder experience. The Leica has always appealed to me because of its straightforward design and unobtrusive nature. I needed a camera that would slow me down, challenge my creative process, and encourage intentionality in every shot. The Leica M10 offered just that.

The Journey to Leica

When I finally had the means to buy a Leica, I began by renting various models to narrow down my options. I first rented the Leica Q2 Monochrome. It was a fantastic camera—small, lightweight, and with an amazing monochrome sensor—but I was after the full rangefinder experience. I then rented the Leica MD262, pairing it with a 50mm Summicron on a trip to New Orleans. That setup solidified my decision to invest in a Leica. You can check out my review of the MD262 here.

Why the Leica M10?

By the time I was ready to purchase, my options included the Leica M8, M9, MD262, M240, and M10R. Ultimately, I chose the Leica M10 as it was the most modern Leica I could afford, without the higher resolution of the M10R, which I didn’t need for my purposes. The M8, being a crop sensor, was not suitable for me, and the M9 had known sensor issues. While the M240 and MD262 were strong contenders, I wanted something more up-to-date without straining my budget.

I bought my Leica M10 and 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit from Tamarkin Camera in Chicago, and they made the buying process smooth and reassuring. They even offered me the option to return the M10 for an M10R if it wasn’t the right fit.

Initial Impressions

When I unboxed the Leica M10, I was overwhelmed. Thirteen years of anticipation culminated in holding this exquisitely crafted piece of equipment. The build quality was immediately evident.

• Rangefinder Experience: The viewfinder is bright, clear, and easy to focus. The large rangefinder patch offers crisp, accurate framing.

• Body Design: The compact body feels perfect in hand, with just the right balance of textured leatherette for grip. While the thumb rest is well-placed, I rarely use the command dial on the back.

• Ergonomics: Admittedly, the M10 isn’t the most ergonomic camera—it feels somewhat like holding a bar of soap—but its simplicity is part of its charm.

• Controls: The back of the camera boasts only three buttons, each intuitive and functional. The top-mounted ISO dial requires a lift to adjust settings, a slight inconvenience, but it has never failed. The shutter speed dial, on the other hand, is expertly designed, with a satisfying tactile response.

• Shutter Sound: The shutter is simply perfect—refined, soft, and elegant, providing just the right amount of feedback.

The Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit

The 28mm Elmarit lens is a true gem. Compact and precisely built, its focus mechanism is smooth and precise. It complements the M10 perfectly, making for a lightweight and unobtrusive setup.

Image Quality: The M10 in Action

Now, this might ruffle some feathers, but in terms of raw image quality, the M10 doesn’t outshine all other cameras like my Nikon Z7, Z9, or the Pentax 645Z. The M10 has slightly more noise and less dynamic range, but where it truly shines is in color reproduction. The colors are rich, vibrant, and the files are highly flexible. Compared to my previous experience with the MD262, the M10 is a significant upgrade.

Two Years Later: My Verdict

Now, two years and over 10,000 images later, how do I feel about the Leica M10? I would buy it again in a heartbeat. It’s not the most ergonomic, nor does it offer the highest image quality in today’s market, but it excels as a camera that’s simply fun to use. I find myself capturing moments I might have missed or would have relegated to my cell phone. The M10 is easy to carry everywhere, and yes, my wife refers to it as “photographer jewelry”—and she’s not wrong. It’s a bit of a luxury item, but one that fills a unique niche in my workflow. When the M10 eventually reaches the end of its life, I’ll undoubtedly buy another Leica.

Final Thoughts

The Leica M10 isn’t for everyone, but for those who value the artistry of photography and the experience of shooting, it’s a dream come true. Whether you’re documenting everyday life or capturing behind-the-scenes moments, this camera will challenge and inspire you.

Elevating Bar Smith’s Brand: A Creative Cocktail Photoshoot for Beverage Industry Professionals

In December 2023, I was excited to collaborate once again with Bar Smith’s, a leader in the craft cocktail mixer space. This project focused on their newly launched line of premium cocktail garnishes, specifically the bourbon cherries and blue cheese stuffed olives. The Bar Smith’s team, knowing the importance of visually connecting with their home bartender audience, sent over their entire lineup of mixers to capture alongside the new garnishes. The result? A visually compelling shoot aimed at telling their brand’s story—one mixer and garnish at a time.

Crafting Visual Stories in a Home Bar Setting

When your brand’s audience consists of home bartenders who take pride in mixing their own cocktails, the visuals need to reflect that experience. For Bar Smith’s, we opted for a shoot in a refined, home kitchen setting. The goal was to create imagery that resonates with the audience on a personal level, showing them the beauty of elevating their cocktail experience at home. This type of authenticity is key in making products relatable.

Capturing Key Product Details with Precision

When shooting craft mixers and garnishes, focusing on the unique aspects of each product is crucial. For Bar Smith’s bourbon cherries and blue cheese stuffed olives, we created clean, product-first shots that showed the jars in their best light—clear, vibrant, and enticing. We complemented these with shots of the product in use, showcasing the garnishes alongside cocktails like the classic vodka martini. I love photographing premium cocktail garnish’s. Professional beverage photography is a huge part of what I do.

Making a Splash: Blue Cheese Stuffed Olives in Action

Nothing draws the eye quite like dynamic, action-based imagery. The highlight of this shoot was capturing the blue cheese stuffed olives in a splash shot, dropping into a perfectly crafted vodka martini. This visual instantly communicates the freshness, premium quality, and excitement that Bar Smith’s cocktail garnishes bring to the table. Making a splash is a great way to elevate cocktail garnish photography.

The Role of Professional Photography in Beverage Branding

This project for Bar Smith’s wasn’t just about taking photos; it was about creating content that aligns with their brand identity and marketing goals. For beverage brands, especially in the growing craft mixer category, high-quality visuals that are authentic and tailored to the brand’s core audience are essential in differentiating products in a crowded market. Professional photography can make a substantial impact in how consumers perceive your product, ultimately driving higher engagement and brand loyalty.

Cheers to Successful Visual Marketing Partnerships

Collaborating with Bar Smith’s on this photoshoot was not only creatively fulfilling but also a strategic opportunity to strengthen their brand’s position in the competitive world of craft cocktail mixers. As more beverage brands look to carve out their niche in this space, the importance of professional, story-driven photography cannot be overstated.

Cheers to effective partnerships, innovative beverage marketing, and the continued success of crafting unforgettable cocktail moments with Bar Smith’s!

I love working with beverage brands. From premium cocktail mixers, beer, wine and liquor. Beverage photography is my favorite.

To book your next beverage photography photoshoot click on the contact page.

Standard Proof Fall Home Bar Shoot

Last fall Standard Proof reached out to me to create images for a new fall social campaign. They had a new product launching the Pumpkins Spice Whiskey and wanted to feature that product as well as a few other products in the lineup. They also needed to feature a few products form their sister brand Bar Smith. They wanted the images to have a bit of a home bar feel to them. So we went to an actual house and shot some photos. Check it out below!

This was a fantastic shoot. We captured the essence of each of the products in a home bar settings. If you have a whiskey brand or a mixer brand please reach out. My team and I have a blast shooting beverages.

Nick Bumgardner is a Beverage Photographer based out of Nashville, TN.