Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Galloway.
Hi Justin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a commercial photographer that specializes in creating food and product imagery for ad agencies, brands, and restaurants. I am also the owner of SALT BOX studio, which is a photo and video rental studio that provides a location as well as resources, such as equipment and crew, for creatives to make their vision come to life. We host photo and video shoots, as well as meetings and events.
I started in the photo industry over ten years ago as a photographer’s assistant. I’ve worked on hundreds of commercial photo shoots over the years and have been exposed to all aspects of the industry. On most projects, I provided support by lighting the scenes and managing the equipment.
After a few years, I transitioned into the role of Digital Tech. I would bring a workstation cart to set decked out with a high-end laptop, monitors, iPads, cables, hard drives, etc. so that we can tether the photographer’s camera to the computer for real-time review of the images as they are being created. The Digital Tech is responsible for checking focus, renaming files, backing up files to multiple hard drives, and helping the client accomplish their goals for the shoot.
Along the way, I have also focused on my own photography and have built a portfolio of food and product imagery. I get hired to capture the client’s products in the best light. I work with food and prop stylists to build scenes that feel real and lived in. I provide a full-service workflow, which includes pre-production, the shoot, and post-production.
SALT BOX studio is the newest addition to my business. In addition to providing a well-equipped studio for other photographers to work, it gives me a place to do pre and post-production and also a place to do test shoots and client shoots.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My main struggles in this industry are the consistency of work and matching client budgets with their expectations. There have been months when I’ve worked 25 days straight, and there have been months when I haven’t worked at all. There are also months when I get five calls to work on the same day and nothing else for the month. That can be frustrating, but it’s just part of the game.
The bidding process is always a struggle. In the last few years, expectations have increased at a much greater rate than budgets. With the increased number of venues that images are seen, we have seen more requests for increased shot lists, videos, gif’s, etc. I often get presented with unrealistic expectations as to how much a photoshoot should cost or what is possible in a specific timeframe. I always ask for a budget range before putting together a proposal to make sure everyone is on the same page before putting in the time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in food and product photography. I’m known for being able to see the finest of details and for being able to shape the light to bring out the beautifully unique aspects of the subject while keeping an authentic aesthetic.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m not much of a risk-taker. I’m pretty analytical by nature, so I’m always calculating my risk levels. Opening the studio is probably one of the bigger risks I’ve taken, but I felt it was the next step in the evolution of my business.
Contact Info:
- Email: justin@justingalloway.com
- Website: justingalloway.com
- Instagram: @justingallowayphoto and @thesaltbox.studio
- Other: thesaltbox.studio
