For product photography, there are two options: studio lighting and natural light. Studio shots and strobe lighting will produce professional results that look good on any platform, but everyone has access to natural daylight, so if you don't have strobes or professional equipment it's better to use the daylight around you.
The best time of day for this is early morning or afternoon when the sun is low so there is no harsh sunlight, therefore, giving you soft light and pleasing shadows to work with. Find a large window source and set up your product as close to the window light as you can to help produce pleasing light across your product. Also, consider using a whiteboard or reflector to bounce some light back into your shot from the window light.
In general for packshot product photography, the background of your shot should be a light colour or clean white. Product photography is all about great light and the focus on the subject, so you don't want other things in the image to distract from that. A simple backdrop will help your product stand out and make it the focus of the photo, so it's important to consider your background.
Some items need a clean simple or cut-out backdrop, a clean white paper or a neutral-coloured wall can work well, or you can purchase a roll of seamless paper from a photography store. If you're using a table or other flat surface as the product shot backdrop, you could consider it if it has some interesting texture so it doesn't look too plain in comparison with your subject matter, but never let it overpower the product, and if you’re shooting outdoors, try to find an area with minimal distractions in the background.
A tripod is an important tool for any photographer, but it is especially useful for product photography. By keeping the camera steady, a tripod helps to minimize camera shake and blur, ensuring that photos are crisp and clear. In addition, a tripod allows photographers to take long exposures without worrying about movement. This is often vital for product photography, as it can be difficult to capture all the details of a product in a single shot. By using a tripod, photographers can take their time and compose the perfect photo. With its many benefits, it is easy to see why a tripod is an essential piece of equipment for anyone interested in product photography.
If you are new to product photography, it can be tempting to get ambitious and use lots of props in your photographs. However, remember that the main focus should always remain on what's being sold. So when it comes to product photography, don't overdo the props!
If you want some flair and creativity with what's being shown off then maybe using various props as scenery or even to help to brighten up an otherwise dark background can work well too, just keep them simple, so they remain relevant to the product and don't detract from the main focus of the product being highlighted.
Product photography is about focusing on the product itself, but that doesn't mean you can't add anything to give context if needed. Style your props carefully, keep them to a minimum and don't let them overpower the product you are trying to highlight.
Anyone can point a camera at an object and take a picture, but it takes a bit more thought and consideration to take a truly great product photo. When composing your shot, consider how the audience wants to see it. Perhaps consider getting in close so that your product fills the frame. This will help potential customers see details that they might not be able to see if the photo is taken from further away. Or perhaps you need to show to the product with other items in the shot, to show how its used.
Make sure the main subject of your photo is well-positioned in your frame and clearly visible to show the brand name or any detail it may have and ensure the product is also clean and free of any dust or marks. Once you've got the product positioned nicely it's time to think about your settings. Choose the correct Fstop on the camera to help your product remain in focus and think about angles and viewpoints through the camera. Product photography is not only about simple clean cut out shots, it can also be about creating great and interesting images of your products that will tell a story and sell. That's why sometimes its good to also think outside the box when you're shooting and get creative with different perspectives, or angles. The key is of course to showcase how the product looks, but if you can get creative, think about alternative views. This could be a great way to stand out from other retailers who only display images that are looking directly straight onto their products. With a little practice, you'll be taking amazing product photos in no time!
As a photographer, one of the most important things you can do is to edit your photographs afterwards. This may seem like an obvious step, but it's one that many photographers skip. All too often, pictures are taken without any thought given to how they will look once they're edited. This can lead to results that are less than satisfactory. Once you have your shots, it’s important to edit them to ensure they look their best before uploading them to your website or online store.
Basic edits like adjusting the exposure, contrast, and saturation can make a big difference in the overall quality of your photos. There are a number of different ways to edit photos, so take some time to experiment and find the methods that work best for you. With a little effort, you can transform ordinary photos into works of art. If you’re not confident in your editing skills, there are plenty of great (and affordable) photo editing software programs available that can do the majority of the work for you with just a few clicks of a button.
When it comes to product photography, it is always best to use the services of a professional photographer. With experience and expertise, using a professional like Karen Bengall Photography will be able to produce results that are far superior to what an amateur can achieve. Professional photographers have the skills and knowledge to correctly light and position products, as well as the ability to retouch photos to perfection. In addition, they have access to high-quality equipment that will produce sharper and more vibrant images. For these reasons, professional product photography will always produce better results than amateur photography.
Product photography can play an important role in the success of your online store. By following these simple tips, you'll be able to create eye-catching images of your products that will drive more traffic to your site and increase sales. Use these pointers and you can dramatically improve the quality of your photos and give potential customers a better idea of what they’re buying from you. Product photography is a great way to express yourself and showcase the items you're selling, so don't be afraid to experiment.
If you want more tips on how to get started or just learn about how important great Product Photography goes towards helping your business grow online, check out my other blog post on the subject here.
However if you're looking for a professional Product Photographer to really help take the pressures of product photography away from you, and help take your business to the next level, Karen Bengall Photography would be more than happy to assist you.