Product photography is one of the more popular types of commercial photography. This type of photography is sought after by those who need to make a product catalog, marketing materials for a product or for a web site. Product photography is all about the product – the brand and its image. This is one of those rare subgenres of photography where the photographer’s own personal style takes a backseat to the product itself. If you want to get into product photography here are some tips that you might find handy and useful.
· It is important that you get a feel for the product or products you will shoot. Try to find out where the photos will be used because it could change how you shoot the products. For example, if it’s for a catalog then you’ll need shots that show the full product individually. A medium distance shot is the one to go for if it is for a catalog. You should be able to thorough knowledge of the products you’ll shoot will allow you to better make artistic decisions that will benefit the product and fulfill your client’s goals.
· Make sure that everything you need for the product shoot is on hand. You wouldn’t want to set up a shoot and then discover in the middle of everything that you’re missing key equipment or tools. Some of the tools you’ll definitely need include a tripod, lights, various reflectors, an infrared trigger and a soft box. You should also have various product styling equipment ready so you can style the products on the fly. Have these equipment ready and accessible. Part of the preparation also includes making sure that the shooting space is ready for the shoot. Have tables ready and have ample space allotted for sorting the products if you’re going to shoot a lot of them, for example, for a product catalog.
· Another step that is needed for the preparation aspect of the shoot is listing down the details of product shoot. Doing this will make your shoot more organized and seamless. It will also eliminate any chances of forgetting something. List down the products that need to be shot and also the various shots that is needed for each product. You should also list down any props or backdrops that will be used for certain products. Coordinate with the brand manager or your client so that he can give you an idea of what he wants.
· Finally, do some test shots first to make sure that your shot plan is actually working. A test shot
will tell you
if your lighting is adequate or in the right position and if your framing is effective.
To learn how to do event photography, read this article on action shots. You may also want to study food photography.
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