Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bruce Schlehuber. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Bruce, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I learned commercial advertising photography through a mix of university education, hands-on experience, working with clients, and constantly refining my craft. Shooting for brands, working on set with creative teams, and problem-solving in real-time taught me more than any book or course ever could.

Looking back, I could have sped up my learning process by actively seeking mentorship earlier, assisting seasoned photographers more, and diving deeper into marketing and networking. Understanding the business side like pricing, contracts, and client relationships was just as crucial as mastering lighting and composition.

The most essential skills? Technical proficiency with lighting and camera gear, problem-solving under pressure, and the ability to collaborate with creative teams. But beyond that, being adaptable and knowing how to sell my work have been game-changers.

Obstacles? Early on, finding consistent work and standing out in a competitive field was a hurdle. Marketing myself and building strong industry connections took time, but those efforts have paid off in the long run.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a commercial advertising photographer based in the Twin Cities, specializing in food, beverage, and product photography. My job is to create images that help brands stand out, whether it’s for national ad campaigns, packaging, social media, or e-commerce.

Photography, since as long as I can remember, has always been a passion of mine, but I really found my niche in commercial work by combining creativity with problem-solving. Early in my career, I realized that a great image isn’t just about aesthetics. It has to tell a story and serve a purpose. That mindset led me to work with agencies, restaurants, and consumer brands, helping them bring their products or services to life visually.

I provide high-end photography and videography for brands looking to elevate their marketing. Whether it’s a clean, consistent e-commerce shoot or a large-scale ad campaign, I ensure that the visuals don’t just look good but actually drive engagement. One of the biggest challenges clients face is making their products stand out in a crowded market. That’s where I come in. I bring technical expertise, creative direction, and a problem-solving approach to every project. I’ve worked with agencies and direct clients, so I understand both sides of the process. My goal is to make the entire experience seamless while delivering content that make an impact.

I think my ability to blend technical precision with creative problem-solving is a big part of what makes my work unique. I know how to light and compose an image to make it as compelling as possible, but I also understand the marketing side. I understand how that image needs to fit within a brand’s larger strategy. I’m also adaptable. I’ve worked on big productions with full creative teams and on smaller shoots where I wear multiple hats. No matter the scale, I make sure the client gets high-quality, effective visuals.

One of my most memorable projects was a holiday campaign I shot for McCormick spices. It was a high demand very fast paced production, all led my an amazing crew that I could not have pulled it off without. Seeing those images used across national advertising is very rewarding. Other memorable projects (and there are a lot) include the fast paced, high shot count food shoots for Amazon Fresh, and large scale lifestyle/set shots for Lindt Chocolates.

What I want potential clients to know is that I’m not just here to take pictures. I’m here to help them tell a story and create content that works. Whether it’s food, drinks, or products, I bring a mix of creativity, technical expertise, and strategic thinking to every project. If a brand wants visuals that stand out and truly represent what they offer, I’d love to collaborate and make that happen.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The best strategy for growing my clientele has honestly been just being myself. I’ve found that people want to work with someone they trust, not just because they take great photos, but because they’re easy to work with. Clients see me as the guy who’s going to get the job done at a high level, but also the guy they actually enjoy having on set.

I don’t do the hard sales pitch. Instead, I focus on building real connections, being approachable, and making the process fun while keeping it professional. I crack jokes, keep the energy light, and make sure my clients feel confident that we’re creating something great together. Over time, that’s built a reputation where people not only see me as a skilled photographer but also as someone they’d grab a beer with after the shoot.

That mix of professionalism and personality has been my biggest asset. Clients come back because they know they’re getting top-tier content without the ego or the stress. In an industry where so much is about relationships, being myself has been the best marketing strategy I could ask for.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of my life as a professional creative is definitely seeing the impact my work has on my clients’ success. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that the images I create help brands connect with their audience, whether it’s driving sales, boosting engagement, or just making them look their best.

I also love the collaborative aspect of it. Working with different teams allows me to be part of something bigger than just the photography itself. Bringing everyone’s ideas together to create something special is always a rewarding experience.

But, above all, the most fulfilling part is the relationships I’ve built along the way. When clients come back to me, not just for the work, but because they enjoy working with me and trust me to deliver, that’s a real testament to the value I bring. It’s those moments of connection and the positive impact my work has that keep me motivated and excited about what’s next.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brucesphoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruces_photo/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-schlehuber-a7335058/
• Other: Drone: https://vimeo.com/user216079669

Image Credits

Photographer: Bruce Schlehuber
Client: McCormick & Company INC
Agency: Colle McVoy