8 Product Photography Tips For Beginners
There's more than one reason to pick up a few product photography tips. You can testify your brand’s quality, increase the appeal of your product, and communicate a visual message to your audience - just by sharing high-grade product photography on your website and social media.
If you're eager to get behind the camera, here are 8 simple product photography tips simple enough for anyone.
1. Invest In A Good Camera
Having the proper camera and lens is one of the most essential product photography tips - and fortunately, they have become much more affordable.
A modern DSLR is always a safe bet, along with a 50mm lens for mid-range and portrait shots. If you’re wanting to get closer to your product to capture its detail, a good macro lens will do the job.
2. Search The Internet For Inspiration
In need of some inspiration? Searching the internet for some product photography ideas is a great place to start.
You can find product photos in your niche to spark your imagination and get those creative juices flowing. If you're not sure where to look, try searching on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram.
3. Don’t Underestimate Your Phone’s Camera
Over recent years, smartphones have drastically cracked the world of product photography wide open.
The inbuilt camera can shoot in a variety of different settings and can produce high-quality images.
Play with your set-up and lighting before committing to an expensive camera. You may be surprised by the results!
4. Set Up A Backdrop
A white or grey continuous backdrop (often seen in online stores) can offer your product a sense of elegance and simplicity. These settings can minimise distraction, pulling all of the focus on your product.
These photos are also easy to achieve and are very cost-effective. All you need is a long roll of craft paper, two clamps, and good lighting.
Clamp the top of the paper to a chair or table, roll the paper down to create a gentle incline, and place your product just after the paper makes contact with the ground. Just make sure to shoot in a space with an abundance of natural light.
5. Use Props
Props are great for creating an environment around your product to portray a specific tone to your audience. Plus, they can be much more engaging than the standard ‘white backdrop’ shot.
If you’re hoping to capture a rustic style, an antique store can be the perfect place to pick up a few hidden treasures. Alternatively, if you're going for a bright lifestyle vibe, department stores (or even grocery stores) often have a variety of cheap items that you can use to increase the appeal of your product.
6. Get Your Hands On A Good Tripod
In darker settings, you’ll likely be exposing the image for a few seconds. If this is the case, a tripod is absolutely necessary.
Handheld shots can cause camera-shake, leaving you with a blurry, unappealing photo. Try to invest in a tall, sturdy tripod to ensure your photos come out clean and crisp.
7. Learn How To Edit Your Photos
Spending some time digitally retouching your shots is a great way you can make them truly stand out. Programs such as Adobe Lightroom can increase the vibrancy and detail of your images - and although it’ll take some practice, the difference is worth it.
8. Outsource Photography To A Professional
Running a business is busy enough as it is, and rushing to create content can compromise the quality of the images. If you find yourself in this situation, it might be best to leave photography to a professional.
Photographers have the knowledge and proper equipment at their fingertips, helping them to produce a distinct quality that's difficult to replicate.
If you're on the hunt for some quality product images, take a look at our packages and get in touch!