Meet the Cluster Photographer - RoxPort Media

​Photography is an important aspect of the cosmetic industry. It is how we visually display products, ingredients and services in an increasingly online world. At the Cluster, we have had the pleasure of working with RoxPort Media. Any time we needed product shots and customized editorial style photo content. This month we interviewed Roxana Molnar, the talent behind RoxPort Media. Most recently Roxana worked her photography magic for the ChemBox Project.

1. What Inspired You to Get into Photography?

I was looking for more ways to extend my creative reach. I began my business with writing for authors, developers and brands, but I quickly realized that picking up a camera and showcasing products through intricate images brought me a real sense of fulfillment, so I began to explore types of photography that fuelled that passion. I rested on product photography because I enjoy bringing brands to life through images of their products.

2. How Has the Industry Changed Post Covid-19? 
I don’t think post-Covid will be a “thing” for a while, but I do believe that the industry is changing and adapting, with many brands looking deeper at the value of how their media impacts their audience. In a time when sharing a product meant physically giving it to a customer, photography may have seemed secondary. But with Covid impacting business distribution models, I have found that companies are starting to dive deep into their media goals and ambitions to get those authentic brand values to their audience in a more creative and targeted approach. Photographers are pushing new heights to achieve greater results through the Covid-19 era.

3. How Has the Influence of Technology and Apps Affected Photographers?

I think that depends on the type of photography. I can’t speak for wedding or portrait photographers, but the advancement of technology and new processing applications has made it easier and more cohesive to work on projects in a product or food photography field. With the new tech, comes new challenges too, with some photographers understanding that the need to expand knowledge into graphic design as being integral to upcoming growth and development. Personally, I have seen the robust push in AI-driven apps as a way to push the limits of what is considered common knowledge, and in keeping photographers learning and adapting. 

4. What are the Benefits of Professional Photography for Cosmetic Brands?

Cosmetic brands in particular hold a very special bond with consumers. Because of the unique qualities of ones’ own cosmetic rituals, products in this industry are in constant expansion in order to maintain that authentic connection with the consumer. Because of this, it’s important to portray accurate, story-driven and engaging media that relates to the audience with ease. Professional photography helps accentuate the fine product details that separate brands, and helps firm those connections. A relatable photo that is creatively thought out, making the product the hero, will speak to their ideal consumer in a way that is more impactful than a description or a clustered view on a retail shelf. The softness of powders, the smoothness of cremes, and the power of scientifically developed formulas can be accentuated in professional media beautifully. 

5. What are Your 5 tips for Cosmetic Startups and Product Photography? 
 
I try to write my blogs about these things in order to help potential startups get their foot in the right direction, so I am happy when a question like this pops up. I’d say, in no particular order, my top 5 tips would be:
 

1. Be solid and clear on your brand vision. If you’re certain where you want your products to be, those products will speak boldly on the market. Indecision and uncertainty will quickly overshadow the best products, no matter the imagery. 
2. Pay close attention to your packaging. Whether your focus is on reusable, sustainable packaging meant for a low carbon footprint, or if your products are meant to be held directly by your consumer, the appeal of your product packaging is important. Things like labels, design, and usability can go a long way in building a good brand image. If you don’t have a need for extra “fluff” in your packaging, avoid it. Make your labels clear and precise, in order to present your product in its own beauty. A clean package makes for an easier photo, where the highlight is on your product and not the extras that come with it. 
3. Start right, and start strong. Launching a business is no easy task, and doing anything halfway is detrimental. If you’re ready to go to market, take all the right steps; great photography from the get-go will save you from issues down the line. And the adage that ‘first impressions are important’ is key, if the first photo your consumer sees is sub-par, that impression will spill over to your business acumen, warranted or not. Great photos will make a significantly improved impact on how your business is perceived. 
4. Be ready to network with creatives. That could mean graphic designers, artists, non-profits, writers and photographers but the creative niche is a big one. Connecting with creatives who share your company values will help you connect on a cultural level. And these connections can help you build your brand just as efficiently as networking with partners and other businesses. Build cooperative works to help solidify your partnerships; this can be done through events, collaborations, or through common passion causes, and can place your brand in a position that connects with a wider target audience. 
5. Be consistent. Growth is incredibly important, and consistency in your progress helps build trust. If you have products that rotate seasonally, refresh your media to reflect the improvements. If your company isn’t consumer-facing, having steadily updated catalogues and manuals keeps your business relevant and modern to your partners and company network. A stale and untouched marketing package will seem outdated, keep those shareable media files fresh, highlighting an accurate brand vision, and this consistency will show your audience that you’re in constant growth and developing toward a greater goal. 

RoxPort Media