Meet Tsour Lee Adato | Product Photographer & Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tsour Lee Adato and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tsour, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

Well, it all started with a camera, a light, and a dream. I’ve always been fascinated by the way a simple photograph can tell a story, evoke emotions, and even influence purchasing decisions. I realized that there was a niche in the market for high-quality product photography, and I had the passion and skills to fill it.

I wanted to create a Product Photography studio where creativity and commerce could meet, where we could take ordinary products and make them extraordinary through the lens of a camera. I envisioned Pro Photo Studios as a place where we could help businesses not just sell their products, but tell their stories.

Starting my own business was like setting up for a complex shoot. It required planning, patience, and a lot of trial and error. But just like in photography, when you get everything just right, the result is a beautiful picture. In this case, the picture was Pro Photo Studios, a company that combines art and business in a way that’s as exciting as it is rewarding.

What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

Many people might think that product photography is just about pointing a camera at an object and pressing the shutter button. But there’s so much more to it than meets the eye. One thing that outsiders might not realize is the amount of creativity, technical skill, and even psychology involved in our work.

For instance, we don’t just take photos; we create narratives. Every product has a story to tell, and our job is to bring that story to life through imagery. We have to understand the product, its purpose, its audience, and how it fits into the market. Then, we use lighting, angles, and props to create a scene that communicates all of this in a single image.

Moreover, there’s a lot of technical expertise involved. We need to understand the intricacies of lighting, the nuances of different lenses, and the capabilities of various editing software. And let’s not forget about the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest trends in e-commerce and social media.

So, while it might seem like we’re just taking pictures, we’re actually doing a lot more. We’re storytellers, technicians, marketers, and psychologists, all rolled into one. And that’s what makes this industry so fascinating and rewarding.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?

Risk, to me, is like the perfect lighting in a photo shoot – it can be a game-changer. It’s all about finding the right balance. Too little, and the picture – or in this case, my career – can be flat and uninteresting. Too much, and it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

In my career, taking calculated risks has been instrumental. Starting Pro Photo Studios was a risk. Every new project or innovative idea we try is a risk. But I believe that without taking these chances, we can’t achieve growth or innovation.

Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?

One of the most critical decisions I made, apart from starting my own business, was to focus on specialization rather than generalization. In the world of photography, there are countless paths one can take – portraits, landscapes, wildlife, events, and so on. But I chose to specialize in product photography.

This decision allowed me to hone my skills in a specific area, become an expert in my field, and offer a unique service that was in high demand. It was like choosing to shoot with a macro lens instead of a wide-angle. By focusing on the details, I was able to capture the beauty and uniqueness of each product, which in turn helped our clients’ products stand out in the market.

This specialization not only set Pro Photo Studios apart from other photography businesses, but it also allowed us to continually improve and innovate within our niche. It’s like finding your favorite lens – once you know what works best for you, you can create magic with it. And that’s exactly what we’ve been doing at Pro Photo Studios.

What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?

The most important factor behind the success of Pro Photo Studios is our relentless commitment to quality and storytelling. We believe that every product has a unique story to tell, and our job is to bring that story to life through our photography.

Just like a great novel draws you in with compelling characters and a captivating plot, our photographs draw you in with stunning visuals and a narrative that makes you feel connected to the product. We don’t just take pictures; we create experiences. And we do this by paying attention to every detail, from the lighting and composition to the post-production editing.

But the real secret to our success is our team. We have a group of talented individuals who are not only skilled photographers but also creative thinkers and problem solvers. They’re the ones who turn our clients’ visions into reality, and they do it with passion and dedication

What’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?

One of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make was to turn down a lucrative project because it didn’t align with our values and vision at Pro Photo Studios.

The project was financially attractive and had the potential to give us significant exposure. However, it required us to compromise on the quality and creativity that we hold dear. It was like being asked to take a blurry photo on purpose. Sure, it might be different and eye-catching, but it wouldn’t be the kind of work we’re proud to put our name on.

Making that decision was tough. It felt like turning down a golden opportunity. But in the end, it reinforced our commitment to quality and integrity. It reminded us that while growth and exposure are important, they should never come at the expense of our values and the trust our clients place in us.

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?

It’s about finding the right harmony between the different elements of your life. In my early career, I must admit, the scales were heavily tipped towards work. I was passionate about building Pro Photo Studios and was willing to put in the long hours and late nights to make it a success.

However, becoming a father to two wonderful little girls changed my perspective. I realized that while my work was important, it was equally important to be present in my daughters’ lives, to be there for their milestones, their laughter, and even their tantrums.

Now, I make a conscious effort to set boundaries between my work and personal life. I ensure that I take time for myself, my family, and my hobbies. I’ve found that this not only makes me happier but also makes me more productive and creative at work. It’s like taking a break during a long photo shoot. You come back refreshed, with a new perspective, and often, that’s when you capture the best shots.

Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you / what do you like about it?

One of my favorite quotes is by Albert Einstein: ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ This quote has always resonated with me, both personally and professionally.

To me, this quote means that while knowledge is important, it’s our imagination that truly drives progress. It’s our ability to envision new ideas, to dream of possibilities, and to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be.

This quote has guided me in my journey as an entrepreneur. Starting Pro Photo Studios required not just knowledge of photography and business, but also the imagination to envision a company that could combine art and commerce in a unique way.

On a personal level, as a father, this quote reminds me of the importance of nurturing imagination in my two little girls. I want them to dream big, to be creative, and to believe in their ability to shape their own futures.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?

From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to the arts. I had a flair for drama, a passion for storytelling, and a love for all things creative. In my 20s, I was a dancer and choreographer, performing in the theater. The stage was my canvas, and through dance and choreography, I was able to tell stories, evoke emotions, and create memorable experiences.

As I transitioned into photography, I realized that it was another form of storytelling, another way to create and share experiences. Instead of using movement and music, I was using light and shadows, angles and composition. I was drawn to the idea of capturing a story in a single frame, of creating an image that could speak volumes.

What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want people to remember about you?

“When I think about my legacy, I think about the impact I’ve made through my work, but also the influence I’ve had on people’s lives. I want to be remembered as someone who brought beauty and creativity into the world, not just through my photography, but also through my passion for the arts and my dedication to my craft.

But beyond my professional achievements, I want to be remembered for my personal values and the way I lived my life. I want people to remember my love for the arts, which was evident not just in my photography, but also in my past as a dancer and choreographer. I want them to remember my adventurous spirit, my willingness to take risks, and my commitment to following my passions.

In essence, I want my legacy to be one of passion, creativity, and love. I want to be remembered for the way I lived my life, the love I shared, and the positive impact I had on the people around me. Whether it was through my work, my art, or my role as a father, I hope to leave a lasting impression that inspires others to pursue their own passions and live their lives to the fullest.

What should our readers know about your business?
Pro Photo Studios, which I founded in 2015, is a Miami-based photography studio specializing in jewelry and luxury product photography and videography. We’ve grown rapidly, serving clients across all 50 states by 2017 and now working towards global expansion in 2023.

What sets us apart is our commitment to creativity, quality, and storytelling. We don’t just take photos; we create narratives. Each product has a story to tell, and our job is to bring that story to life through our photography. We use innovative techniques like reflections with mirrored products, upscale staging, detailed styling, action photography, and custom-tailored shoots for each client. This approach has earned us the title of the “king of Beauty & Fashion photography” according to Forbes.

I’m incredibly proud of the growth and success we’ve achieved. We’ve worked with luxury brands such as Versace, Ferragamo, Shiseido, Gucci, Adidas, Macy’s, Costco, Starbucks, and Nordstrom, among others. We’ve also had the privilege of photographing Hollywood movie franchise watches, including Marvel’s very own timepiece for The Punisher, and the limited-edition Black Panther watch by Invicta.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. There were challenges and obstacles along the way. But I believe that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and learning. I’ve learned the importance of staying true to your vision, even when faced with difficulties. I’ve learned that success requires not just hard work, but also creativity, innovation, and a willingness to take risks.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. With the rise of the D2C ecommerce model, we’ve had to adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of our clients. But this adaptability has been a key factor in our success, helping our clients increase their product sales by over 150%.

I want the world to know that Pro Photo Studios is more than just a photography business. It’s a testament to the power of creativity, passion, and perseverance. It’s a story of turning a dream into a reality, of taking risks and overcoming challenges, and of creating beauty and telling stories through our work.

But beyond my professional achievements, I want the world to know about my personal journey. From my early days as a dancer and choreographer to my current role as a father to two wonderful little girls, my life has been a journey of passion, creativity, and love. And I believe it’s this personal journey that infuses my work with a unique sense of authenticity and emotion.

In essence, my story is one of following your passions, embracing challenges, and creating beauty in the world. And I hope it inspires others to do the same.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Miami for a week, I’d make sure to show them the best of what the city has to offer. Here’s a little itinerary I’d put together:

Day 1: We’re kicking things off in Wynwood. This place is like an open-air museum with its vibrant street art. We’ll grab some lunch at one of those cool food trucks, and maybe even catch a live music performance.

Day 2: We’re going to step back in time at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. It’s this gorgeous old mansion with gardens that’ll make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. Later, we’ll hit up Bayside Marketplace. It’s right on the water, so we can shop and enjoy the view.

Day 3: Get ready to unleash your inner child because we’re going to Zoo Miami. They’ve got everything from flamingos to tigers. And if we’re feeling adventurous, we can check out the Zoological Wildlife Foundation for some up-close animal encounters.

Day 4: Pack your swimsuit because we’re spending the day at South Beach. We’ll soak up the sun, splash around in the water, and maybe even try paddleboarding. In the evening, we’ll take a stroll around the Art Deco Historic District. It’s like stepping into a 1930s postcard.

Day 5: We’re going to nerd out at the Frost Museum of Science. They’ve got some really cool interactive exhibits. Then, we’ll head over to the Design District. It’s got some fancy shops, but I know a place that does the best Cuban sandwiches.

Day 6: We’re going on an adventure in the Everglades. We’ll take an airboat tour, see some alligators, and learn about the ecosystem. In the evening, let’s see if there’s a game or concert at the American Airlines Arena.

Day 7: We’ll wind down with a chill day at Haulover Beach. We’ll have a picnic, play some beach volleyball, and maybe even build a sandcastle.

And of course, we’re going to eat our way through Miami. From fresh seafood to Cuban cuisine, we’re going to try it all. And let’s not forget about the nightlife. Miami knows how to party, and we’re going to dance the night away.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my cherished daughters, Zoie and Skyler Lee Adato, who fill my life with infinite joy.

Heartfelt gratitude goes to Gila Lee Adato, my steadfast supporter throughout the years. Your unwavering faith in me and relentless cheerleading on my journey to success have been invaluable.

Lastly, I extend my deepest appreciation to my exceptional team. Your commitment and enthusiasm are extraordinary, and I’d like to express special acknowledgment to Lisa and Alysha, who have been pillars of strength and capability.

Website: www.prophotostudio.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prophotosofficial/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prophotostudios

Twitter: https://twitter.com/prophotostudios

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/productphotographyinc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tsourleephotography

Image Credits
Tsour Lee Adato – Pro Photo Studios