5 tips to enhance your product photography
You have amazing products to sell, but you don't have enough decent pictures for your website and social media. Sound familiar? If you're running low on fresh content, don't panic. I will walk you through some top tips for taking new photos that will enhance your product photography without breaking the bank of your small business.
Lighting
This isn't the first tip for nothing. Lighting is important. It's (almost) everything. So your first task, take a walk around your house and find the best spot for your photos. This might not be the spot you've been using in the living room. If you don’t have LED lights, whatever room is bright and big enough, then go for it. A window can be a great substitute for artificial lighting.
This pop up desk by The Paper Hive (a Pallite Company) was positioned in a part of the room that allowed me to show off the fact it is both compact enough for small spaces and still big enough to work on.
2. Reflectors
When the lighting isn't doing what you need it to, find ways to reflect it at a better angle. Whilst professional photographers use reflectors, you can opt for a simple piece of white foam board to achieve a similar result. Spend some time working out the best positioning to fill in shadows and highlight features. If you're not sure how to do this, keep an eye out for an upcoming video tutorial I'll be posting on my social media to walk you through the basics. These cookies by South London’s Sweet Carolina only needed a little light to be reflected on them from the side to show off how delicious they look.
3. Clean it!
This goes for everything from the surface you're working on, to the background, to your camera lens. You'd be surprised how much finger prints show up. So take 5 minutes to wipe down all the surfaces and make sure that hasn't left streak marks instead. It’s best to get it right in camera to reduce your editing time. With this image for CircleHood, I cleaned the door and as much as I avoid the iron, I even pressed the romper before the shot.
4. Camera angle
You've found your spot, you've cleaned it up, now to decide on how you're going to take your photo...straight on, at an angle, flat lay (from above)? Much will obviously depend on what the product is, but having an idea of what you're looking to achieve with the photo will help a lot. Telling a story in a photo looks different to showcasing the features of a product. Deciding what your photos will be used for gives you that starting point. These Valentine's treats by The Sweet Reason Company were great to photograph close up, front on, but opting for a flatlay allowed me to bring in so many more elements and create a lifestyle shot that can be used as part of their product story.
5. Props and backgrounds
Including props in your photo can really help to not only enhance the image, but also helps tell the story and how the product can be used. In this photo of Made By Pure Hands' hand wash, the additional elements showcase some of the fantastic ingredients.
For backgrounds, you can use a variety of things from wallpaper to fabrics or purpose made backgrounds. I love the large vinyl backdrops from Clubbackdrops.com. They come ready made in a wide range of colours and patterns or you can make your own bespoke colour and design. The vinyl backdrops are perfect for food photography because they wipe clean in a flash with no stains or watermarks.
It really is worth taking the time to plan and prep in order to take quality photos. You've spent time creating these wonderful products, it's only right that you showcase them in the best possible way.
If you're looking for more advice or would like to arrange a professional photoshoot, get in touch and we can chat through your options. I work with small business owners and entrepreneurs in South London and throughout the UK to provide a library of on brand images to use for all your marketing channels, social media and website. Let's make sure your photos really show off your hard work.