A self-initiated product photography project using Tabasco hot sauce in creatively minimalistic and impactful styles.
One of my most popular session packages is the Quarterly Product Photography Subscription . This gives a brand a constant library of new high, quality professional images and allows us to strategically plan for product launches, holidays, or specific campaigns.
Over the years, my skincare routine has evolved into something that feels less about necessity and more about enjoyment. It’s a habit that younger me...
I have had a few REALLY fun product shoots lately which have reminded me how inspiring and creative these types of projects can be. Way too often, people resort to photographing their products on boring, white backdrops– which is fine for Amazon but, personally, I want to see something a bit more aspirational when I am shopping online....amiright??Here are my 3 top tips for taking your product photography from bland to brilliant:1. Create a story around your product. A friend recently told me about another Vermont business called Red House Bags because she thought I would like their products (she was right.) When I went to the website, I was immediately captivated by the gorgeous photos, the warm light, the beautiful landscape– I wanted to be IN those photos, holding one of those bags.That website is the PERFECT example of storytelling with products.Obviously, for a variety of reasons, we often can’t hire models and orchestrate elaborate photo shoots for our products. Instead, we are working in our home or studio, and need to convey a story through a tabletop photograph. We do that through our lighting, the use of props, and the colors we choose.As an example of what I mean, check out these shots I did for Forest & Field Collective, a Vermont based company that creates gift boxes filled with the most beautiful products. Jessamyn, the owner, already had images on her website that showed the items included in each box so, instead, she wanted me to create photos that showed the items in a lifestyle setting.For each shot, I staged a little “scene” and incorporated the products within it: the gardening scissors with beautiful flowers, the lit candle in a calming environment, the baking items on a kitchen counter with some ingredients. The point of telling a story is to elicit emotion from your audience- to get them to picture themselves in that moment and really feel it. The product is almost secondary to the story and yet it’s the STORY that sells the product. 2. Use light like a prop.I have the great honor of doing regular photoshoots with the amazing Laura Zindel, (another incredible Vermont artisan….we have a lot of them here!) Before each shoot, Laura chooses a color palette and creates a mood board of what she wants to accomplish. For this recent Spring 2023 shoot, Laura wanted to veer away from the traditional light, Spring colors and go with a darker palette paired with dramatic lighting. All three of us working on the shoot (myself, Laura and Gretchen– the amazing food stylist who regularly works with me) are former art school nerds so we decided to emulate a chiaroscuro effect, with deep, dark shadows and defined highlights.To create this look, we used a dark surface on the table top (Bruno) a dark backdrop on the wall, (Coal) and a single light source coming from the side. I used a strobe for these shots but you could just as easily use natural light. The key is guiding the light to fall onto your subject (the product), which involves blocking light on the areas you want to be darker. I use black foam core for this purpose. Additionally, I didn’t use a bounce card to fill in any shadows– instead I let the shadows fall where they may. The effect is almost ethereal – the photos practically glow– and, because the product is the lightest thing in the image, the viewer’s eyes go right to it. Below are another few examples from shoots with Chemex and Real Pickles. Again, in both scenarios, one light source was used, coupled with darker props and blocking of light in strategic areas so that the product stood out. You can see an example of how to do this HERE.3. Create layers and texture. In those images of Laura Zindel's products above, did we NEED the wooden boxes in those shots? After all, we already had a backdrop on the wall and fun props around the product. The boxes weren’t necessary. However, the addition of them adds a ton of warmth, texture and visual interest and really takes the photos to the next level. This is the magic of layering. The key to adding layers to your photos is to do so in a way that doesn't compete with the impact of your product. If, for example, the boxes in the photos had been the same color and/or same level of brightness as the ceramics, they would have been a fail. The viewer’s eyes wouldn’t know what to focus on in the images. Instead, you want to add layers that fade into the background a bit so that the focus is still on the product. You can use fabric, paper, (I love old music sheets or faded book pages), wooden boards, boxes, items from nature, (driftwood, moss, rocks and tree bark can all work beautifully) and basically anything else that adds depth and texture to your photo without detracting from your subject. For example, in the image below for Farmers Body, we wanted to keep the image simple but include some natural elements with the sugar scrub. By adding the wooden board and the greenery, we created a frame around the product, which is much more impactful than if we had placed the product directly on the surface. Additionally, we left some space on the side of the image for text, (which is always a good idea when shooting for a website!) In the below photo for Satya and Sage, the addition of the wooden board under the candle has a dual purpose; it elevates the product, making it more important in the photo, and it adds warmth. Also, the shadows on the backdrop provide yet another layer to the photo by creating a sense of place. To learn how to create shadows in your shoot, read THIS. I hope this was helpful and you are inspired for your next photo shoot. Let's all just say NO to boring product shots, shall we?Until next time... xx
Finding the perfect creative niche evolved naturally over years for Lucy Cooper, owner of My Kind Lifestyle, an interior, product and lifestyle photography business with a focus on sustainability
Your product photography is one of the most important elements of your ecommerce business. This ultimate product photo DIY guide will help you get them right every time.
Studio we Wrocławiu specjalizujące się w fotografii produktowej. Tworzę unikatowe aranżacje oraz wykonuję wysokiej jakości zdjęcia produktów.
Colourful content creation for Bird & Quill by Papyrus collaboration with Refinery29. Product photography & styling by Marianne Taylor.
Hi friends! Today I’m going to tackle a topic that is a total game changer for your crochet business: how to setup a product flat lay. Having eyecatching photos of your product is going to ma…
Product photography is one of the most important aspects in getting your products to stand out and sell. Here are 7 simple tips that you can use to improve your product photography and use in your Etsy shops, Amazon Handmade, eBay and more!
Struggling to showcase your products in their best light without a professional camera setup? Great news: you don’t need a fancy DSLR to capture breath-taking product photos. In fact, you can take great product photos
Key camera settings for product photography show beginner photographers the basic DSLR camera functions you need to master to take great photos of your crafts.
Check out these best candle photography ideas. Use these options to take attractive photos of candles from different angles and with different props.
How to take product photos. Product photography doesn't have to be complicated or costly. Start with my top 10 tips for how to take amazing product photos!
Did you ever wonder how people get those beautiful endless finishes in their photos? White and bright shots of their products? This is how (or,...
Selling on Etsy involves lots of moving parts, but one of the biggest ones might be the quality and style of your product photography. You can have the best Etsy SEO and the most awesome
Blue Ombre is one of the most versatile backdrops in the collection. Choose your surface: vinyl backdrop or lightweight rigid hardboard -- on your choice of sizes. Free shipping on all US orders (contig 48) Worldwide shipping, too Proudly Made in the USA Always in Stock
A clean, dark black, the 'Kyoto' photography backdrop is our darkest grey with just enough detail to add interest beneath your props and products. Hand-painted, the surface is beautifully detailed with a subtle, slate like texture.
Recognizing these 3 common Instagram branding issues can help elevate your page. Optimize your instagram page by creating a cohesive branding strategy.
Surprise everyone with a Black Curtain Material vinyl backdrop! Its shade of black and the creases on the image will create a hyper-realistic food, product or flat lay photography that will surprise everyone!
Material: vinyl cloth. Size:5x7ft, wide is 1.5m with 2.1m high. Normally take 15-20 days to most countries. More and better material backdrops on www.yamefoto.com.
Ideal para combinar con tus conjuntos deportivos favoritos, la sudadera corta Progress es una prenda básica divertida y versátil. Diseñada con nuestro tejido polar de primera calidad para brindar una sensación cálida y acogedora, la sudadera Progress tiene un diseño extragrande con un ajuste relajado y un largo recortado. Completo con: Hombros relajados Mangas largas Puños acanalados Cintura elástica con cordón Eslogan impreso en el reverso. Bolsillo canguro delantero Tejido polar de algodón de 330 g/m² (80 % algodón, 20 % poliéster) Longitud recortada, aprox. 47 cms basado en una talla S Código de producto: BT1038 Hacemos todo lo posible para garantizar que nuestras fotos sean lo más fieles al color posible. Sin embargo, debido a inconsistencias en los monitores, la fotografía digital y las variaciones de producción, no podemos garantizar que el color que ve en la pantalla refleje con precisión el color real del producto.
Create a fun picnic setting or shoot an Italian feast and create a bistro shot. So realistic, you can see the thread count. Choose your surface: vinyl or lightweight rigid hardboard -- on your choice of sizes. Free shipping on all US orders (contig 48) Worldwide shipping, too Proudly Made in the USA Always in Stock Waterproof Stain Resistant
If you want a really vibrant orange backdrop with soft, plastered and painted texture the Seville design is perfect. Use it in the spring and summer for tropical vibes and all the way through to autumn and winter for warm cosy scenes.
