DIY Product Photography Tips - 2023 Guide Setup + Lighting & More

A picture might be worth a thousand words, but when it comes to product photography, photos can be worth thousands of dollars. Online shopping has improved the lives of consumers all over the world and has made it easier than ever to run businesses. You no longer need a storefront, as much staff, tons of stock, and a traditional marketing plan to sell.  

The good news? It is easier than ever to get started selling products online.  

What is Product Photography ?

Product photography, often termed commercial photography, involves capturing images of items available for sale. Its main goal is to attract buyers by showcasing the product's details and features. These images complement written content and product descriptions, providing potential customers with a visual understanding of what they're considering for purchase.

What Impact Does Product Photography Have on Your Brand? 

Here is the thing; in the highly competitive eCommerce field, good product photography is not a nice-to-have. It is a must-have. 

Great stock photos impact brand perception, which is critical for sales and service markers such as your net promoter score. Do you think customers are going to tell their friends to buy from a site that looks like it might close up shop next week?

Product photography can also have an impact on search engine optimization, aka SEO. If you are an essential oil company and want to show up for "best essential oil diffusers," you better have top-notch product photos if you want to drive sales. Adding alt tags to product photos can also give a small SEO boost.

You can also swap product photos for stock photographs when promoting your business on social media or marketing podcasts or whitepapers. Instead of using the same boring stock photos everyone else is using, utilizing your own product photographs can make your brand stand out. Here is a guide which talks about how you can earn by selling your photos.

Right, so now you know why product photographs matter. But what about taking those awesome shots? We are now going to highlight product photography tips and ideas that will take your photography to the next level!

Here are 9 tips for your DIY Product Photography Setup

Starting your DIY product photography? Equip yourself with the right tools. Below, we've curated essential tips to set up your photography space like a pro.

1. Select the right Camera & Lens
2. Use a Tripod
3. Product photography prop ideas
4. Get the Product Photography lighting right
5. Product photography angles
6. Shoot In-Context Photos
7. How to edit your product photography

1. Select the Right Camera & Lens

The best product photos start with the right camera, but the purchase process can be pretty overwhelming. There are dozens of brands and a bunch of acronyms that might not make much sense. 

• Should you choose a DSLR or mirrorless? 
• What is an SLR anyway? 
• What about a point and shoot? 
• What if you don't have a budget for the best camera for product photography? 
• Are you stuck with sub-par photos? 

These are some questions you are seeking for answer right now!

When selecting the ideal camera for product photography, there are several key features to consider. A lens capable of focusing on your subjects is essential, especially a macro lens for smaller items. The camera should offer a full manual exposure mode, allowing precise adjustments of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. It's also beneficial to have a flash hot shoe for added lighting and RAW capability for more versatile post-processing. Essential accessories include a tripod and various lighting equipment.

Checkout the Most Common Photography Terms You Should Know

While cameras like the Panasonic FZ80, a bridge camera with a 1/2.3" sensor and fixed lens, might suffice for some, those seeking superior quality may prefer cameras with larger sensors and interchangeable lens mounts. Recent models of DSLR and many mirrorless cameras fit this bill.

DSLR vs Point To Shoot

For the best product photos, a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) or point-and-shoot camera is your best bet.

DSLR cameras feature a detachable lens, which allows you to swap for a macro lens, zoom lens, etc. They also allow you to adjust settings such as white balance, aperture, and f-stop.

If that all sounds too complicated, a point-and-shoot camera would be the best camera for product photography. 

Point and shoot cameras do not have a detachable lens and offer fewer manual settings, which can limit your ability to adjust to your surroundings. But, they are easier to use and more affordable. If your photography skills are limited, a point and shoot is a solid option. 

Product photography with your Mobile Phone

But what about that fancy camera most of us carry around with us every day? 

Yup, your smartphone might be all you need. 

Smartphone cameras have come a long way from pixelated screens. While you might get higher quality photos with a DSLR camera, you can take perfectly fine photos with a smartphone. 

Many smartphones now have zoom features, macro settings, and portrait mode. In many cases, this would be the best lens for product photography for you to take great product photos. 

Quick product photo camera tips: 

• Don't use a wide-angle lens; it will stretch your product and make it appear wider. 
• Similarly, avoid a fisheye lens, which can distort your product. 
• If you use a DSLR, learn how to adjust the aperture and f-stop. 
• Learn how to use the scene modes on your camera. Most DSLR cameras have a dial for macro, portrait, and action shots. 

Select a camera that works for your budget and your skill level. Remember, a $4,000 camera only takes amazing photos if you know how to use it! 

Checkout the Product Photography portfolio of Mike Searle Created using Pixpa

Best Lens for Product Photography ?

Choosing the right lens for product photography hinges largely on your camera's sensor type – cropped or full frame. Lenses interact differently with these sensor types. For instance, a 50mm lens on a camera with a crop factor of 1.6x essentially functions like an 80mm lens, whereas the same lens on a full-frame camera will truly perform as a 50mm. Typically, cameras with cropped sensors are more budget-friendly and are common among beginner DSLRs.

2. Use a Tripod

When picturing professional photography, images of photographers darting around snapping countless shots often come to mind. Yet, in product photography, the approach is different. Products are static, allowing photographers to take their time to achieve the perfect shot. 

Here's why using a tripod can be a game-changer:

Stable Shots: The primary role of a tripod is to offer stability. Even a minor shake or movement when pressing the shutter button can result in a blurry image. Tripods prevent such mishaps, ensuring your product shots are crisp and clear.

Perfect Framing: Once you set your camera on a tripod, you can effortlessly adjust the frame without shifting the camera's position. This is essential for capturing multiple products or variations without disrupting your established settings.

Slower Shutter Speeds Without Blurs: Proper product photography may sometimes demand slower shutter speeds, especially in controlled lighting setups. In such situations, holding the camera by hand is a recipe for blurry photos. Tripods solve this problem entirely.

Affordable Options for Everyone: Whether you're using a DSLR, a point-and-shoot, or even your smartphone, there's a tripod out there for you. Many options are budget-friendly, and if you're truly strapped for cash, makeshift solutions like stacks of books can serve in a pinch.

Consistency Across Shots: If you're capturing a series of products or multiple angles of a single item, a tripod ensures consistency across all images.

For online store owners, product photos directly influence customer trust and purchasing decisions. A tripod, therefore, isn't just a tool; it's an investment in the quality and professionalism of your brand.

3. Product Photography Prop Ideas

Set Up Your Backdrop

Why does the backdrop of your product matter? When done well, the backdrop can add to the overall style of your photo? Let's look at an example. 

Here is a photo from an eBay listing (on the left), where the seller used a white background for eCommerce product photography. The corner of the backdrop is still distracting and, due to the backdrop and the transparency of the bottles, the background cannot be easily removed. 

For a personal listing on a site like eBay, it isn't really a big deal. But this is clearly not a professional product photo. Compare the image on left to the one in right, where the background has been removed to be used. 

Which one looks more professional? Which photo keeps your eye focused on the product rather than the background?

When done well, the right background highlights the product and is easy to remove in editing if you prefer. (Though there is value to taking photos of products in use, we will cover that later.)

There are three main options for a backdrop: 

Lightbox for Product Photography: 

This tool provides a gentle light and a uniform background, ensuring your products are the main focus. Many lightboxes also come with integrated lighting, making it an excellent investment.

Sweep: 

This is a curved backdrop, which you can easily create using a poster board or sheet. Its curve ensures no harsh line break in the background, letting your product float seamlessly in the image.

Natural Setting: 

Showcasing products in a real-life environment can resonate well with potential buyers. For instance, presenting a premium sauce jar on a marble countertop gives it an authentic touch. On the other hand, for items like necklaces, customers might want a clearer, undistracted view. In such cases, using a lightbox or sweep may be more appropriate.

4. Get the Product Photography Lighting Right

Product photography lighting can be intimidating for beginners. There are tons of options, and you might not understand the terminology, and external lighting can be exorbitantly expensive. 

Natural is cheaper and generally easier to manipulate. Set up your product by a well-lit window, and you are good to go. If you need more light on a specific area, use a piece of white poster board or sheet to reflect more natural light in that area. 

However, if you do not have a well-lit window or if you often shoot in the evening, natural lighting might be too restrictive. In this case, you might choose to external lighting or a lightbox. 

Artificial light can create more consistent and even more creative lighting but can feel expensive if you have a very small budget. 

Here are two popular methods for DIY product photography lighting. 

Rim Lighting 

This set up highlights the 'rim' of the item. Place one light at the right rear corner of the product and another at the left rear of the product Then place a third light on the front to highlight the label.

Here is an example of rim lighting, Notice the shadows on the right and left side of the bottle, which are from each of the rear lights. 

The front light highlights the label and results in a very clean, professional shot. 

Light From Below 

For more transparent bottles, you can light from below by using a glass table and placing a light beneath it. Just like rim lighting, you also need to use a front light source to highlight the label.

Ring light for product photography

Ring lights, though not optimal for product photography, can be a cost-effective solution, especially for mobile photography on a budget. By adjusting its position, you can achieve the desired shadow effect. However, ring lights tend to produce undiffused light. A simple fix? Drape a cloth or veil over the light, or use a "scrim" from a 5-in-1 reflector set to disperse the light evenly.

Read the Beginners guide on Photography Lighting (Tips & Techniques)

5. Product Photography Angles

Presenting your products in an enticing manner can be the difference between a sale and a skip. The right angles can elevate your product images and captivate your audience. Here are some angles to consider for impactful product photography:

Front Angle: This is a direct, head-on shot of the product. It’s straightforward and shows the product as it is, making it essential for customers to get a clear and unobstructed view.

Top Shot: A bird's-eye view of the product. This angle works especially well for products like shoes, jewelry, or flat lay arrangements, offering a unique overhead perspective.

The Three-Quarter View: This angle provides depth and dimension. By capturing the product slightly off-center, it adds an element of depth and showcases more sides of the product, making it ideal for products with intricate details on the sides.

Perspective Shot: By shooting from a lower or higher angle, this shot brings a new point of view to the product, making it stand out and creating a dynamic visual interest.

360 Product Photography: This isn't just one angle but multiple shots combined. It allows customers to view the product from every angle, providing a comprehensive view and boosting trust.

The right angles can make your product shine, grab attention, and lead to better engagement with potential buyers. So, experiment with these angles and see which ones work best for your online store's offerings.

6. Shoot In-Context Photos

Blank background photos are a staple of product photography. But, in-context photos can highlight specific features and benefits, as well as showing direct use-cases. 

Real-world photos can highlight how your product looks in real life and how customers might use the item. For example, look at these two photographs:

1. The first one showcases what the full product looks like and highlights its portability. 
2. The bottom photograph shows what the sleeper looks like in real life— and focuses on one of its main selling points, a sleeping baby (and parents!)

Checkout Jewelry Product Photography Portfolio of f508 photography studio created using Pixpa

In context, photos can also be useful for hard-to-shoot products such as software or online services. 

While you obviously won't be shooting pictures of your mobile app, you can utilize product photography in a different, unique way.  

7. Touch Up Photographs with Editing Software

The last step to getting high-quality product photos that increase sales and raise brand awareness is to use editing software to touch up your photographs. Even professional photographers edit their photos, so don't think of editing as a way to fix shoddy photographs but sort of like the icing on an already delicious cake. 

Here are some cool new Lightroom Preset for Product Photography

Editing software can help you adjust lighting, blur the background, remove blemishes, straighten the shot, crop, add gradient, text, and so much more. Some editing programs also make it easy to directly share photos to social media, which can help streamline your process. 

AI product photography

Thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence, photographers have access to advanced software that helps to improve their photo quality. These tools help with routine edits like color correction, cropping, and lens distortion with a simple prompt.

Features provided by AI tools stretch beyond the basic, allowing photographers to:

• Adjust Colours: Quickly balance warmth and contrast.
• Auto-Cropping: Reshape images by changing the composition or aspect ratio.
• Clone Out Distractions: Cover blemishes or remove unwanted areas by borrowing pixels from the right spots.
• Picture Straightening: Align photos with the horizon automatically.
• Light Balancing: Highlight or darken specific regions for effect.
• Lens Rectification: Correct optical distortions and eliminate vignetting.
• Object Removal: Clear out distracting background elements for a pristine image.
• Generative Fill: A novel feature in some tools, where photographers can modify images with text prompts.
  
  Check The Best AI Photo Editors in 2023 for editing your photos

Last but not least, for those seeking uniqueness, AI Background Generators can give your product images a distinctive edge. Just describe what you want, and watch the AI craft a fitting backdrop. For online store owners, this means having product images that showcase their items and do so in a memorable way.

Ready to create your Product Photography portfolio?

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Final Thoughts on Taking Stunning Product Photos 

Images give your customers an incredible amount of information about both your product and your brand. Are you trustworthy? Do you truly have the solution to the problem they are facing? With this specific fit their needs? The best product photos give customers the information they need to make a purchase decision and help grow your photography business online.

FAQ's

How to start a product photography business?

Consider the following steps to start a product photography business:

• Hone your photography skills and give special attention to lighting
• Build a photography portfolio website using a no-code website builder like Pixpa
• Get the right equipment, including a DSLR camera, tripod, editing software, studio lights, lightbox, and shooting table.
• Get in touch with clients to work with using marketing campaigns, work-do-mouth, positive reviews, and other such strategies.

How to build a product photography portfolio?

Consider the following while building a product photography portfolio website:

• Find one or two niches that interest you the most to be highlighted on your product photography portfolio website.
• Determine your audience, wherein you decide on the type of clients or brand you want to attract and create the type of work that appeals to them.
• Choose the right website builder like Pixpa for quickly building and launching your digital portfolio.
• Choose your best work to be displayed on the portfolio by adding 20-30 images so as not to overwhelm visitors.
• Keep updating your portfolio regularly.

What to include in a product photography portfolio?

Consider the following while ensuring your portfolio has everything you want your visitors to know:

• The About Me page should include your name, what you do, and where you are.
• Ensure that your first few images can tell the visitors the unique concepts and styles you have expertise in.
• Have a curated portfolio gallery that showcases your best work, organized by type of product or style of shoot.
• Add multi-colored watermarks to your product photographs so that you get proper credit and your brand identity gets known.
• Ensure that your website-building platform provides ecommerce galleries and client galleries to sell their work directly to customers.

How much to charge for product photography?

Include a pricing and services page to help save time replying to inquiries from those who can’t afford your rates for professional product photography. You can also charge per hour, per day, or even per product quantity or the image volume.