Product photography rewards preparation more than equipment. If you decide on the shots, prepare the items, and control the light before you press the shutter, a window and a table can produce clean, useful images.
Define What You Need
List every image the product needs. A common set includes a clean front view on a plain background, an angled view, a close-up of key details, a scale shot showing the item in use or beside a familiar object, and one lifestyle frame. Write the list down and tick items off as you go, so nothing is missed when the setup has already been packed away.
Build the Setup
- Place a table next to a large window so soft daylight falls from the side.
- Curve a sheet of white paper or fabric from the table up a wall to make a seamless backdrop.
- Set the camera on a tripod at the height of the product, or slightly above it.
- Put a white board opposite the window to bounce light into the shadows.
- Take a test frame and check the edges, color, and shadow direction on a larger screen if possible.
Handle Light and Reflections
Shiny surfaces mirror whatever is around them, including you. Move the light source, tilt the item slightly, or hang a plain sheet between the product and the room to remove unwanted reflections. For matte items, a slightly smaller light source gives more texture. Keep your white balance consistent so a whole set looks uniform; a grey card can help with that. Shoot all views of one item in a single sitting, because daylight changes noticeably through the day.
Prepare and Organize
- Clean the product with a soft cloth and remove dust, fingerprints, and loose threads.
- Use a medium aperture, often around f/8 to f/11, to keep the whole item sharp.
- Name files by product and view so you can find them later.
- Shoot a little loose, leaving room to crop to different shapes.
Before packing up, scroll through every frame at full size and look for dust specks, label errors, and uneven edges. Fixing a mark with a quick wipe takes seconds on set, but minutes in editing. Keep one reference frame of your final setup so you can recreate the same look when new items arrive weeks later.
FAQ
Do I need studio lights?
Not necessarily. A bright window and a reflector handle many items well, and lights can be added later if you need consistency across the day.
Why do my whites look grey or blue?
Usually the white balance is off or the exposure is low. Set a custom white balance or correct it during editing, and brighten the exposure slightly.
The Short Version
Plan the shot list, build a simple window-lit setup, control reflections, and keep your files tidy. A patient, repeatable process matters more than a large kit.