I recently had the privilege of working behind the scenes in a commercial photography studio. I assisted the project manager with merchandise that consisted of running shoes and apparel. Although I wasn’t involved with the taking of the photos, I was fascinated by the process.

I was introduced to the world of stylists and photographers taking product shots that will ultimately result in a high-end catalogue. I also became acquainted with the world of multicolored and uniquely designed running shoes (I won’t divulge here what is in store for 2016!). Running shoes have come a long way from what I currently own (and purchased a long time ago).

I was impressed by all of the hard work that goes into taking each product shot. Whether they were shoes, socks, pants, shorts, tops etc., each item was uniquely styled by a talented stylist (this by itself can be an involved and lengthy process), precisely positioned and lit, and then shot. That’s only the start. There is then the tracking of hundreds of product items, changes, retouching, client approval etc.

Kudos to all of those people who you never see on those shiny pages, for all of their hard work, dedication, and expertise. Catalogues don’t look the same to me now. They’re the compilation of the work of many talented people. Those beautiful photographs that appear in catalogues… didn’t just happen easily.

(Disclaimer–these photographs were taken behind the scenes at Creativelive and are not the styled product shots/running shoes and apparel as referred to here.)