#45 – Food photography for advertising and packaging with Kulsum Kunwa

Food Photography for packaging and advertising has a thrill of its own but it can most definitely be overwhelming when starting out. 

But no project is out of your reach. 

No client is out of your reach.

Sometimes we need a certain skill set, sometimes we need a certain network and sometimes all we need is confidence to be able to work on projects that seem too good to be true. 

Kulsum Kunwa is a food & lifestyle photographer based in Kuwait. 10 years ago, she broke into a competitive market and works with clients like Taco Bell, Costa Coffee, Applebees, Deliveroo etc. today. She walks us through the entire process of such projects, from start to finish so that we too, can work on such amazing projects with confidence.

Here’s what the episode includes: 

• Kulsum shares how she broke into a competitive market.
• Kulsum talks about reaching clients when you have a distinct photography style. 
• Kusum discusses the skillset photographers need to work with big brands.
• She shares the shift in trends in advertising photography and the emphasis on digital media.  
• Kulsum walks us through her process from pitching to pre-production discussion.
• Kulsum and Dyutima discuss ‘imposter syndrome’ and how building confidence is key. 
• Kulsum talks about the important considerations when photographing for print media. 
• Kulsum shares the most important points for packaging photography. 
• Kulsum breaks down the different fee and pricing structures. 
• Kulsum talks about the mistakes photographers make in commercial projects.
• Kulsum concludes with 3 top tips to create a portfolio to work with big brands.  

Kulsum’s Instagram feed.

Check out her website.