Introduction
Taking eye-catching product photos doesn't have to cost a fortune. With some creativity and these tips, you can capture professional-looking shots without spending big bucks.
Let's go find out 10 tips for taking great product photos
- Use natural light
Taking photos outdoors on a sunny day is one of the easiest ways to get beautiful lighting for free. Pay attention to the direction of the sun and use it to your advantage. Direct overhead light can create unflattering shadows so aim for morning or late afternoon when the light is softer.
- Try DIY reflectors
Bouncing light onto your subject with reflectors is a common studio technique. You can easily make your own with poster board or foam core. Prop them up opposite your light source to fill in shadows. White reflects evenly while silver intensifies contrast.
- Style with household items
Everyday objects around your home can double as photo props. Get creative! Kitchen tongs make perfect stands and clothespins work for hanging jewelry or apparel. Books, mugs, and cutlery also add interest to lifestyle product shots.
- Use editing apps
Apps like Snapseed and VSCO offer powerful editing tools for free. Good lighting is still key, but these apps can help adjust brightness, contrast, saturation and more to take your shots to the next level. Many also have preset filters to create a cohesive look.
- Invest in entry-level gear
You don't need the most expensive camera and lenses to get pro-quality shots. Consider an entry-level DSLR like the Canon Rebel series or a mirrorless model from Sony or Fujifilm. A 50mm "nifty fifty" lens is extremely versatile for product photography.
- Learn DIY light box techniques
Shooting small products? Make a light box by cutting a hole in a cardboard box and lining it with white paper. Position your product inside and use clamp lights or small flashes outside to control the lighting. This diffuses shadows for a clean, consistent look.
- Find free stock image backgrounds
Compose your shots against white, gray or colored backgrounds for a clean, professional look. Search sites like Pexels and Pixabay for copyright-free images to use. Pay attention to image resolution for crisp, high-quality results.
- Repurpose everyday locations
A plain backdrop isn't always necessary. Get creative with spaces in your home for unique lifestyle product shots. Kitchen counters, coffee tables, desks and shelves can all make interesting backdrops. Pay attention to styling to keep the focus on your product.
- Shoot flat lays
Flat lay shots taken from above are an easy, on-trend way to photograph products, especially for ecommerce. Lay your product on a solid colored background, style supporting elements around it, and shoot directly from above. Use natural light near a window for best results.
- Learn basic photo editing
Invest time in learning basic editing techniques like cropping, color correction, and exposure adjustment. Free software like GIMP orPixlr offer plenty of options. Watch online video tutorials to pick up tips specific to product photography. Good editing can help maximize quality.
Summary
With some creativity and effort, you can produce stellar product photography on a budget. Pay attention to lighting, composition, and styling and take advantage of editing software for optimal shots. The team at Ladybug is also happy to help with your product photo needs - just reach out!