Every thing in this world needs that extra something to match pace with the competitors. And so it is true even in case of a commercial photographer. With thousands of commercial photographers watching the market closely like hawks, a commercial photographer has to pull up his socks in order to do well.

Now, what is this extra that a young commercial photographer can put in? And since most of the budding advertising photographers are freelancers with one or no assistant, how do they look into various aspect of their work plus stay in tune with the competition and also at the same time feel the pulse of the trend?

First of all you have to move ahead of the tried-and-proven fundamentals of commercial photography. You have to look beyond what all your books in photography has taught you and at one time you would feel that all the various degrees in photography, PPA etc., does not really help. You have to think what has not yet been thought. Look at things from different perspectives.

Then you have to think about giving your work a personal touch. A style that is very much your own style. And this style has to be distinct enough to make the pictures look different. Every body looks for a dash of distinction, so would your clients. What would make their advertisements different and exclusive. You also have to package your work in the right way. Giving out an extra print gratis, is a common trend. How would you make your clients feel they've got benefited so that they keep coming back to you?

And last but almost the most important factor – the gadgets you are using. Invest well and wisely. The market is flooded with cool new gadgets, high end cameras etc. As a good commercial photographer you ought to have the modern technology employed for you so as to deliver quality work to your customers.