But don’t worry, we get it. Product photos can be intimidating, and you may not be ready to hire a pro. We’re here to help show you how you can take your own professional product photos using common household items.
So before you break your bank to hire a professional photographer, try these tips to set up your own mini studio.
Tip #1: Find the right place to shoot
Finding the right backdrop for your product shoot can also be as simple as going outside and using nature. However, setting up your own area to shoot provides a controlled environment and allows for easy customization.
For instance, you can build your own light box out of cardboard or order a mini portable studio. We are huge fans of the Foldio3 from Orange Monkie . This will provide an excellent backdrop and can even be customized with some props or different colored lighting/backgrounds.
You can even create your own light box by adding some diffused panels to a cardboard box and using your own lamps.
If you go this route, be sure to use a box that is big enough to support the size of your product; you’ll want some space around the area and will want to tape the flaps up out of the way. Remember, the bigger your cardboard box is the more product and props you can fit in the shot, so don’t be shy when crafting your backdrop! You can usually get these for free from grocery stores or anywhere that orders and sells large quantities of products.
For the windows and backdrop you can use white fabric or paper board. You could also use an old white shirt, as long as you have enough fabric to cover each window.
Tip #2: Fine tune your lighting
Getting the lighting set up just right can be crucial to creating a good looking product shoot. Lamps, or even a phone light will do, as long as you have another camera to take the photos with. Using some colored paper board as a backdrop can create interesting effects, too.
Again, heading outdoors when the lighting is right will provide excellent results. Look for an overcast day or head somewhere under some foliage for some diffused light. Working in the early morning or late afternoon light (“golden hour”) is also great to create some dreamy looking shots against a beautiful backdrop.
Tip #3: Become an editing pro
Once you have your shots, you are ready for editing. You can easily edit your shots for free using programs like Pixlr, Canva, Fotor, or Snapspeed. There are plenty of other free options available online, and Instagram also provides some amazing filter options.
Depending on your photography setup (phone or camera) you may also be able to play with the depth of field to create a better, more professional looking shot.
If you are looking for funky backgrounds, get creative in your editing or get creative with your backdrops (think, shower curtains, windows, or reflectors).
Tip #4 Use Influencers
It can be an excellent idea to offer to send free products to instagram influencers who are in line with your brand. They may be interested in taking some photos (and even providing reviews) in exchange for your product.
Just be sure to get in writing that you will be the owner of the product photos and will be able to use them as promo material or imagery for your online store.
Product photography is powerful, use it to your advantage and use it to entice customers to buy your goods.
With a little ingenuity, you can go far. Even if you have all the money in the world or you normally stay away from DIY photography solutions, you may decide to create your tools to get the results you want.