Taking photos of products may appear simple, but these product photography tips will help you improve. A good product photo must capture the viewer’s attention and entice them to purchase the product. And doing so successfully entails expanding your creativity to new heights. Here are our top tips for taking compelling product photos that sell.
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Make use of a telephoto lens.
To ensure accurate product representation in product photography, avoid using wide-angle and effects lenses that can distort subject proportions. Shorter telephoto lenses, closer to the human eye, do not misrepresent or alter the subject. A macro lens can be useful for getting close to the subject. The best focal length for product photos is 100 mm, but any between 85 mm and 145 mm is acceptable.
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Take inspiration from other photographers.
Draw inspiration from images that capture your attention. Examine the photographs and identify the elements that make them stand out. These can include a specific background, an interesting lighting angle, or a unique editing style. Try incorporating some of these elements into your photography. But be careful, because taking inspiration does not imply copying someone else’s style. Instead, experiment with various elements to develop a distinct style and improve as a photographer.
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Try different styles.
Even when photographing something inanimate, you should experiment with your technique. This is the time to experiment with styling because it is easier than with people. Try using various accessories and backgrounds appropriate to the product’s theme. For example, you can take a flat-lay photograph. Don’t forget to create a visually appealing atmosphere.
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Keep clutter out of the set.
To effectively sell a product, avoid excessively busy images with too many elements. Keep the background simple with one or two solid colours or subtle patterns, and focus on the product through composition or lighting. Limit the number of items in studio shots to just the product and props, and focus solely on the model in lifestyle product photography. Practice minimalist-style rules and avoid distractions in the background.
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Utilize Colour Theory for Impression
Colour theory is essential for impression product photography when photographing lifestyle products. This is the study of how colour influences human psychology. Certain colours or colour combinations evoke a specific thought, emotion, or characteristic in a person. Learning about colour theory can help you create more visually appealing photographs. You will be able to use colours to influence how your viewers react to a photo. Colour can be used to attract customers in product photography.
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Try different places.
Product photography often involves studio and lifestyle shots, but some photographers prefer natural settings like forests, beaches, or gardens. These settings evoke strong emotions and capture the audience’s attention. Some products, like household items, perform well in the home, showcasing comfort and prompting the viewer to consider whether they need specific products in their own home. Overall, nature and home settings can be effective in product photography.
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Select the proper aperture.
Product photography involves selecting the appropriate aperture for lifestyle and studio shots. For lifestyle shots, use a wide aperture (lowest f-stop) to create a smooth bokeh and depth of field. For studio shots, narrow the aperture to keep the product in focus. Lighting is crucial for separating the subject from the studio wall. Adjust the shutter speed to 1/200 s to avoid overexposure, and keep the flash power low to avoid overexposing the image. Overall, focus on the product and avoid distractions in the background.
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Lighting Product Images
Product studio lighting is crucial for ensuring product separation from the background and being evenly lit. Soft lighting, achieved using light modifiers like softboxes and reflectors, is essential to avoid harsh shadows and obscure product elements. Product photography Montreal kits like lightboxes can help with lighting. Diffuse lighting to avoid overexposed hot spots and unflattering shadows. Soft light also helps find the right white balance, making it easier to fix. Using lightboxes can help with lighting and ensure even distribution across and around the product.
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Remove the horizon line.
Take a larger piece of paper, bend it along the horizon line, and tape it to your wall and floor. This allows you to achieve a seamless look. This is especially important for eCommerce photography, which requires a product to be displayed against a solid white background.
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Sell the product in new ways.
Marketers often emphasize the importance of a product’s story when selling it. This involves linking the product to a desirable lifestyle, showcasing its ease of use, or highlighting its significance to a specific interest. The story is the most effective way to sell a product, and photographers should strive to incorporate as much of the story as possible into their product photography to showcase their imagination and vision.
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Ensure accurate colour tones.
To ensure accurate product photography, use a telephoto lens, request colour samples or Pantone values, and adjust lighting and white balance. Post-process colour editing can enhance the image’s appearance. Check images on different devices and monitors to avoid colour distortion, and regular calibration of monitors is crucial for Montreal product photography, which emphasizes colour, such as clothing.
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Preventing Inadvertent Reflections
New product photographers often make a mistake by focusing on the lighting or themselves reflected in the product. To avoid unusual reflections, either use the reflection in the image or remove it completely. The best way to remove a reflection is to change your position or remove it during post-processing. For reflective products, use a black foam board to reduce reflection by placing it in front of the scene.
Summary
The tips provided above are guidelines, not strict rules. Instead, use your unique ideas to stand out and experiment with different settings. Product photography uses specific techniques to make products appear appealing, so pay attention to lighting, background, and product placement. These top product photography tips aim to help you start your career.
Are you seeking professional product Photography Montreal? Impression Photography is there for you. Our skilled photographers collaborate with major brands to ensure creative, authentic photos, contributing to business success and enabling product sales on eCommerce platforms.
