3 Badass Product Photography Setups You Need to Try
Finding the perfect shot for products is SO frustrating. After two years of working with product photography, I have learned a few tricks and tips to help set the most radical set-ups for your products.
SETUP 1: THE NATURAL LIGHT
When I was searching for my first home one of the biggest things I looked for was the natural lighting throughout the house. Seems silly but if you work from home 24/7 as a photographer then you understand how important it is to have access to natural lighting.
This spot in my house is my favorite because it gives me organic shadows from the trees outside as well as a full day of lighting with plenty of variety.
Few things to consider when working with natural lighting;
Time of day: Remember that the sun goes through phases throughout the day and each phase can give you a different outcome. My favorite time to work with is 3pm MT, because the lighting is starting to set which makes a scene have a softer aesthetic.
Angle of Products: Play with the way you arrange the products. You won’t find the perfect layout the first time around so try out a few different angles before you settle.
Watch the weather: The weather has a huge effect on the outcome of photos aesthetic as well. A sunny day vs a gloomy rainy day will drastically alter the tone and lighting of your photos. Make sure whatever you are shooting is being shot in your preferred setting or else you will find yourself reshooting on another day.
SETUP 2: FLOATING OBJECTS
When working with products I always take a photo with the product in an empty space with a clear background. Why?
Selling products for dotcom or Amazon require high resolution product photos. Instead of having 3D renderings I like to create real product photo PNGs. They look more authentic and realistic because they are.
SETUP 3: SPICE IT UP WITH PROPS
If you are feeling spicy you can start adding in props to elevate the entire scene. Adding props into your photo is all about a game of balance. You never want to add too much that it over powers the product you are highlighting but you also don’t want to add too little where it looks unintentional.
A couple of things to ask yourself when working with photo props;
Does this prop compliment the product? For example if you are working with Shampoo & Conditioner you could use hair scrunchies, bobby-pins, hair brush, makeup bag, mirror, towel, clips, or something that would be within the same vicinity of where that product would normally be stored.
Does the prop add value? What is the purpose behind adding the prop? You have to ask yourself why you are adding it and if it will help elevate what you are trying to capture. Sometimes I turn to props to help make a mediocre photo better, this isn’t what props are meant for. If you are looking to props as a crutch it’s a sign that you need to start over.