u/rtice001

I run a small spirits brand and we’ve got some really nice bottles that photograph well. I’m not a photographer, but I know good product shots matter a lot for marketing.

I’ve been thinking about reaching out to photographers to see if anyone would be interested in trading a few bottles for a shoot instead of paying cash, especially for people who want to build out product/portfolio work.

I’m not talking about huge commercial campaigns, more like a few styled shots for social/media use.

From a photographer’s perspective, is that considered rude or a waste of time? Or is it fair game if expectations are clear and the value feels reasonable?

Curious how people here view that kind of arrangement.

UPDATE: I didn't expect this to take off. Shoot me a message if you're interested in the trade mentioned.