How to Create Professional Product Photography
Product photography is a specialised field of photography that involves capturing images of products for advertising or marketing purposes. The images are typically used in catalogs, brochures, e-commerce websites, and other promotional print and digital materials.
Shooting great product photography requires careful planning, attention to detail, basic knowledge of colour and composition, and the use of specialised equipment and techniques. Thee techniques will need to be exercised in pre-production, during the shoot, and in post-production.
In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks on how to shoot product photography that will leave your audience in awe.
Understand the Purpose and Goals of the Product Photography:
The first step in shooting product photography is to understand the reasons why you’re creating the images.
What is the product, and who is the target audience? What are the key features of the product that need to be highlighted in the images? Are you trying to create a specific mood or aesthetic? What platform or medium are these images going to be displayed on?
Understanding these factors will help you plan the shoot and make decisions about lighting, composition, and other aspects of the shoot.Choose the Right Background and Props:
The background is an important aspect of product photography, as it can help create a mood or provide context for the product. You can use a plain white background to highlight the product or a coloured background to add some visual interest. You can also use textured backgrounds or props to create a specific mood or tell a story.Use Appropriate Lighting:
Lighting is another critical factor in product photography. You need to ensure that the product is well-lit and that the lighting highlights the key features of the product. You can use natural light or artificial light, depending on the look you are trying to achieve. If you are using artificial light, you may need to use multiple lights to ensure that the product is evenly lit from all angles.
We often recommend two soft light sources on either side of the subject to create a natural and even visual look. Even better, you can use natural light outside on an overcast day or next to a window for soft, light tones.Choose the Right Camera and Lens:
The camera and lens you use can also make a significant difference in the quality of your product photography. You need a camera that can capture high-quality images and a lens that can produce sharp, detailed images. A macro lens is ideal for product photography, as it allows you to get close to the product and capture fine details.Use Tripod and Remote Shutter Release:
To avoid camera shake and ensure that your images are sharp, use a tripod and a remote shutter release. This will help you keep the camera steady while you adjust the lighting and composition, and it will allow you to take the photo without physically touching the camera.Use Props and Styling:
Props and styling can help add context to your product photography and make the images more visually interesting. You can use props that complement the product or create a visual contrast. You can also style the product in different ways to highlight its features or create a specific mood or theme.
Props also create balance in the composition of the image and invoke specific emotions if you match them with the target audience.Edit Your Images:
After you have taken your product photos, you will need to edit them to make them look their best. You can use editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to adjust the color, brightness, and contrast of the images. You can also crop the images and remove any distracting elements.Consider Outsourcing:
If you don't have the time, equipment, or expertise to shoot product photography yourself, you may want to consider outsourcing the photography to a professional. A professional product photographer will have the equipment, skills, and experience to produce high-quality images that meet your needs and goals.Don’t Skip Quality Post-Production!
Ensure that you have access to professional image treatment and editing during post production. You might end up with really nice raw shots but If you aren’t confident with editing in professional software like Adobe Lightroom, you could end up with an amateur look - or simply, images that aren’t consistent to the overall brand look and feel.
Default instagram filters aren’t going to cut it here!
In conclusion, shooting product photography requires careful planning, attention to detail, and the use of specialised equipment and techniques. By following these tips and tricks, you can create high-quality product images that showcase your products in the best possible light.
Remember to understand the purpose and goals of the product photography and the brand behind it all. Choose the right background and lighting, use the right camera and lens, use a tripod and remote shutter release, use props and styling, edit your images, and consider outsourcing the photography if necessary.
With these tools and techniques, you can create compelling product images that will help you promote your business.
If you need a hand, get in touch with our designers today! jess@designatedmarketing.co.nz
