Essentials of Product Photography

Over the years, we have seen the emergence of innovative industries. The media industry has set to awestruck with creativity. Among various branches of the media industry, product photography has risen to demand and fame. Businesses use product photography to enhance reach and showcase professionalism. These professional photographs are edited and posted on the official website. Customers prefer to see what they are about to purchase. It is a creative way to drive a desired action from the customer.

Product photography has a high scope. Learning about professional photo shoots is not only exciting but requires creativity. You can become a freelance photographer or join a media agency for career opportunities. If you are new to product photography, here is a complete guide.

What is Product Photography?

Product photography is also known as e-commerce photography. The pictures of a product are photographed to drive sales. It is not your regular photograph. The image must reflect critical features and the actual appearance of the product. It must be captured interestingly to hook customers’ attention. Once the picture is captured, the product description is designed to complement the image. Over the years, we have seen the emergence of various forms of product photography.

Why is Product Photography Different?

Product photography is customer intended. Professionals may use a product photography studio or build a DIY setup to create a stunning image. It is detailed photography requiring innovative techniques to enhance customer satisfaction. It promotes the brand’s identity and originality. Optimized images will also help SEO. Depending upon the business, the subject can be anything. Some products/services can be challenging for professional photo shoots. To nail the photo, you need to strengthen your base photography knowledge.

The Basics of Product Photography 

Product photography’s fundamentals might increase your base knowledge if you have an artistic vision and desire to grow.

• Choose the Right Camera

You can find professional cameras like Nikon or Canon that can support the photographer’s vision. The internet is filled with tips on mobile product photography, but it is better to consider a DSLR camera for professionalism. You must know about the basic setting like ISO and light balance. The type of lens is also significant. You can find macro, zoom, and prime lenses. Which lens to select depends upon the shot requirement. If you visit a product photography studio, you will observe a collection of cameras and lenses.

• Lighting is of Utmost Importance

Photography is all about playing with lights and angles. Depending upon the theme, the light must be adjusted. Some professional photo shoots require bright lighting to showcase energetic/ happy emotions. At the same time, soft lighting is also used for aesthetic images. You should have a minimum of two lighting sources, reflectors, and a light diffuser. Natural daylight can create stunning photos, but you need to check the timings of sunset. Sunlight gives you room to experiment with creativity.

• Get Your Gear Ready

Have you ever seen a BTS of product photography? The team carries multiple pieces of equipment that help in the sustainable and stable shoot. Some of the essential gear you need are:

• Tripod
• External light sources
• Styling props
• Lens kit
• Extra batteries

• Multiple Photographs

To market a product, it is essential to showcase its detailed features. Using a product photography studio, you must take multiple images from different angles. Each angle must represent a key feature that can help the customer to visualize the product usage. Taking various pictures will provide a backup option if you find a hitch in the main product pictures.

• Photography Set Up

We cannot stress enough the importance of photography setup. Depending upon the type of product photography, you need to play with the background to compliment the main product. One common mistake is overloading the background with too many elements. This can create a distraction from the main item. If you are a beginner, using a more straightforward environment is best.

• Post-Production Process

Once you and your team have taken the required pictures, it is time to look at the work. We often miss essential points or slight camera settings during the shoot. Seeing on a big screen can help in pointing out flaws. But the good thing is that you can find minor bugs in post-production. Connect with a graphic designer who can adjust light balance and make essential changes. A text might also be added to the image for commercial purposes to increase customer knowledge.