Top 20 Tips of Product Photography for Beginners

 

Pictures play a very important role in making day-to-day decisions. What we see and how we perceive it plays a very important part in deciding in what light we are going to see that particular event or thing in the future. This might have something to do with the fact that 90% of the information that is sent to the human brain is of visual nature. And so, if we see a live event or the photo of a product in a good light, then the chances of us developing a positive mindset about it increases.

Now, this concept applies to the marketing field as well. So, consider if you are a consumer who is trying to decide whether or not to buy a product, what is the first thing that you will check? Will you zone in on the features of the product on the first go or will you first check out its looks? Well, according to our research, consumers first happen to take a look at the pictures of any product. Stats state that 93% of the consumers consider images important while making a purchasing decision. Hence, it won’t be wrong to state that a lot rides upon product photography and what those pictures capture.

What is product photography?

Product photography, in simple words, can be defined as a photography type that uses specific techniques to showcase a product in an attractive light. Doing this helps the marketers in projecting the product in a unique way such that the consumers feel enticed to try it.

Such photography is important for both online and offline marketing as the pictures are either used for website description and online ads or they are used for magazines, billboards, magazine ads, brochures, etc.

So, now that we have learned the basics about the product photography and have seen why it is important for marketing, let us now learn some important photography tips that can help the beginners in scoring some real good product snaps! Ready? Then come, let’s begin the lessons!

What are the top 20 product photography tips?

Photography is a science as well as an art. On one hand, where the tools and the equipment that are used to capture a product are important, similarly, on the other hand, the creativity that your pictures showcase also plays a pivotal role. Hence, a balance needs to be struck. Once you have achieved it, you can later use the product photo editing services to enchant your customers. Now, in order to click amazing product photos, here are some tips that you can probably use-

1) Use a strange angle

While clicking pictures, a lot of times the photographers lay the camera at an eye level. They are hesitant to go for the odd angles fearing that it may look strange or because such angles may distort the product. But creativity stems from uniqueness. And so, if you think that your odd angle can effectively intrigue the viewer and hold his attention for a couple of seconds, then maybe clicking snaps at such angles is a bet that you would like to make.

2) Hang your products

Hanging a product also gives you the opportunity to shoot at a unique angle. You may hang your product upside down or at a distorted side angle, you may suspend it with wires or ropes and not wish to edit it in the photos. Doing this gives you a chance to add a grotesque, humorous, or sexy flavor to your pictures. If did right then this trick you can help you in clicking some wonderful photos.

3) Capture a second before

Photos that depict an important moment attract the attention of the viewers. They fascinate them and hold them by the power of what is about to happen. Hence, taking a snap where after a second something big is about to happen like, maybe an explosion or a fall is also a useful trick. It can help you in turning heads successfully!

4) The association game

If you want to capture the attention of someone then what can be better than to make them think! And so comes in the association photography. Using the surrealistic pictures and making funny associations can be your product photography game plan. However, for such photography, you will need a studio that has access to lighting kits and digital drawing techniques.

5) Motion pictures

Well, you might notice things in movement and nothing might ever faze you but when you freeze and capture that motion then it has a special effect that enchants the viewer and engrosses him. Now, this is what motion product photography is all about. When you are scrolling through a bunch of pictures, motion product pictures always stand out and have a hypnotizing effect on you.

6)Stay funny and quirky

Quirkiness and fun are highly appreciated by the audience and these elements do a great job of attracting the attention of people. So, if you can come up with a photoshoot idea where you can capture a product in a funny way then it sure will add to its appeal. Think of this as narrating a funny story around a product.

7) Take some macro shots

Now, this type of photography is generally used when you have to take multiple shots of a product. Such pictures are mostly used as add-along but they prove great when it comes to portraying the creativity of the capturer. Marco shots showcase explicit details and thus while taking them a photographer has to make sure that the angle is right and the lighting is phenomenal!

8) Crashed product

If you decide to use this technique then we suggest you take a snap right at the beginning of the product crash. Such photos hold the interest of the people as they evoke pity and attention among the viewers. After looking at them the viewer will take a second to put the broken pieces together before scrolling further.

9) Use reflection

While using the reflection product photography technique you may want to choose a plane surface that has high reflectivity. So, for example, an average ceramic tile with black and white stripes and good lighting has the potential for clicking a few incredible pictures. Also, while clicking pictures using a reflective surface make sure to capture snaps from the right angle.

10) Introduce some weirdness

When we are discussing product photography it is important to think out of the box. So, as for the weirdness element, we would recommend you to think about all the possible uses of your product. No matter how weird or stupid they may sound, jot down all the ideas. Now that you have a list go over it and circle the ideas that capture the use of the product in a weird way. After you have got a basic idea, use some illustrations, and introduce some costume/set design techniques to do an amazing out-of-the-box product photoshoot.

11) Use Models

The products do not have a character of their own and hence using models can be of assistance. Hence, while doing a photoshoot use models and arrange everything to display your product in a unique light. Implement some creative lifestyle ideas to use this technique up to its full potential.

12) Add to the background

During the product photoshoot, the photographers usually opt for plain and simple background in order to ensure that the product stays in the focus. However, if you are willing, you can add a unique background (that is not plain) and props to your product that adds to the interest and make the product look more desirable.

13) Product series

If you are shooting a product that comes in a series then you can use this tip. So for example, say your product is a kitchen appliance and the company, for which you are doing the photo shoot, also deals in other kitchen appliances then maybe you can create a whole setup of the kitchen and shoot with more than one appliance. This will give your audience a chance to understand the difference between the volume, size, and shape of your different products and might even inspire them to purchase the whole kit.

14) Emphasize the color

Playing with colors never gets old school. So, when you are shooting a product use this trick in as many different ways as you can come up with. You can create a contrast between the background and the product colors or you can use props to highlight your product color or maybe you can use three/two colored backgrounds to create a three-dimensional image. The options are limitless!

15) Human element

It is not necessary to use a model to make the product photoshoot unique. You can also use just one human element like maybe the hand or the leg to make the image look weird and intriguing. The mystery element in the pictures will add to the lure of the product that you shooting.

16) Product absorption

This technique creates a kind of drowning effect on the viewer. It is like playing a mind game. The image of the product in the sand, water, or any other element that puts an accent to the product makes the viewer feel as if the product is submerging and that he, in turn, is being immersed in the image. The picture kind of pulls the viewer towards itself.

17) Use unique stands

While shooting the product put it on a pedestal, this will add to its appeal. However, try not to go for the traditional stands and instead choose things that you won’t normally imagine being used as a stand. Some examples of such things include using the top of a head, a belly, another product turned sideways, or geometric shapes as stands. Remember, your aim is to turn the head of the viewers.

18) Add personality

The personality of your product can help you in capturing the interest of the audience. Now in order to offer that personality to your product, you will have to think of a way to humanize it in the eyes of the viewers. You can begin this task by asking your client why he believes that his product is different than the other products available in the market. Then you will have to think of a way to capture that difference in your camera.

19) Use sand print

The goal here is to get the print of your product in a background. The print doesn’t need to be neat and clean, it just needs to be recognizable and that would be enough. Now in order to materialize this tip, you can use backgrounds like sands, snow, mastic, clay, or you can even take a print using paints.

20) Use symmetry

Symmetry is well, head-turning. And whatever it is that can turn heads is of utmost use to photographers. So, use your product and capture it at obscure angles with other symmetrical products or backgrounds. Then use the light to your benefit and click amazing snaps!

So, these are some practical tips that the photographers can use to creatively capture their products. Remember, your aim as a photographer is to s shock the viewer and to compel him to take another look at your photos! If you can achieve this then you will be successful at your task!