Learning Lab

With photography being a significant cost for businesses, this special opportunity is designed to deliver top-quality product photography for free to NYC-based manufacturers and makers, while allowing participants to experience firsthand what goes into a photoshoot and ask questions in a space for learning.

During a one-hour photo session, participants will have their product(s) photographed professionally on a white seamless backdrop. They will receive 5 high-resolution images of their product, depending on the number of products being photographed and varied stylized compositions. Participants can bring in additional materials and props to style their product. If captured, additional raw unedited files will be available for the participant to retouch on their own. A professional portrait is also offered as part of the hour-long session if requested.

Learning Outcomes
* Professional product photography for participants suitable for press, social media and websites
* A deeper understanding of photoshoot logistics from prep to finish
* Creative problem solving for how to photograph your product by working in a photo environment that embraces learning

During a one-hour photo session, participants will have their product photographed in an outdoor setting for an editorial look to amplify their brand and provide a sophisticated look for marketing their products. Manufacturers will receive 5 high-resolution images of their products, and additional raw unedited files will be available for the participant to retouch on their own. Participants are required to bring models, props and an assistant to aid with a productive shoot.

Each participating member will be assigned a one-hour time slot and must arrive for their shoot time with their model dressed and ready. Each business is allowed a maximum of three people at the shoot, including any models. This is a strict requirement.

Learning Outcomes
* One-hour session of professional lifestyle photography for participants suitable for press, social media and websites
* A deeper understanding of photoshoot logistics from prep to finish
* Creative problem solving for how to photograph your product by working in a photo environment which embraces learning

Through our Factory Photography program, selected members will work with a photographer capturing what makes your factory/manufacturing space unique. Participating businesses will schedule a short photoshoot and sit-down interview with our team on-location. This photoshoot will capture your manufacturing capabilities, unique offerings, as well as your team in action. These images will be available for each factory to use and share freely. Made in NYC will produce a feature for the Made in NYC website based off this interview and photography as part of our Member Stories: Factory Tours series, also to be featured on our Instagram.

Being flexible is helpful, as the Made in NYC team will coordinate shoot days in locations with multiple nearby members. Following registration, the Made in NYC team will review applicants and will prioritize members with unique manufacturing services who have not recently received photography opportunities.

Learning Outcomes
* Professional photoshoot of your manufacturing space, including processes, personnel, and more
* 5 retouched photos and access to all photographs from the shoot
* A sit-down interview to form a website feature and social media campaign by Made in NYC

This two-part workshop series offers lessons for enhancing your photography skills. Choose from sessions in photographic capture and post-production editing, with both workshops offered in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. Participants may choose whether to take one or both sessions.

The Camera Controls & Lighting workshop will take place in-person at Pratt’s Manhattan Campus, and the Photo Retouching workshop will be on Zoom.

Learning Outcomes
* An understanding of how camera devices work and how to use the settings
* An understanding of how light impacts photographic capture and how to manipulate light creatively
* Creative problem solving, styling and environments for participants products
* Collaborative critique and feedback from fellow participants
* A general understanding of editing software and the one that will work best for participants
* Basic editing needs and how to identify what needs to be altered or repaired
* Insight and inspiration for fellow participants as individual concerns and successes will be shared
* A strategy of next steps in capturing high quality images that best represent your brand

Session Breakdown
1. Camera Controls and Lighting: receive hands-on assistance navigating their camera device whether a DSLR (digital camera) or phone camera and demos on lighting techniques for daylight and artificial lighting.
2. Photo Retouching: address post-production and retouching using phone apps for phone camera users as well as computer-based software such as Lightroom, Photoshop and the free software Photopea. Participants are encouraged to share their own images to begin the learning process from questions and problems they have already experienced.