How to Create Product Photography on a Tight Budget

These days, if you’ve got a product to sell, you need crisp eye-catching images or else those customers are just going to point, click, or swipe elsewhere. Product photography is an art that requires certain supplies to make your images shine. The good news is that your shopping list isn’t that large or expensive.

Tyler Chartier is one of the leading commercial product photographers in San Francisco, and he’s shared some of his insight with you here.

Your Smartphone is a Great Camera  

That’s right, you don’t have to invest thousands of dollars in a new camera. The cameras in today’s smartphones are great! All other things equal, a better camera will produce better images, but in most cases improving the composition and lighting will have more impact on your photo than using a better camera.

Keep it Consistent with a Tripod

If you want consistent product images, you’ll need to use a tripod. You can find as many tripod options as there are cameras and smartphones – pick one that fits your budget and is easy to use.

Choose Your Lighting

Natural light vs artificial light is the question… While natural light seems easier at first glance, it actually makes it very difficult to get consistent results because natural light is dynamic. The character and color of the light changes throughout the day and throughout the year. Artificial light is a little harder to get the hang of at first, but it’s well worth the effort because your product photography will have consistent color and character of light. 

Soften Your Shadows

Whether you choose natural or artificial lighting, you’ll likely want to soften (or lessen) any shadows on your product. The easiest way to do this is with a simple bounce – which is photography speak for a white piece of material that reflects the main light into the shadows

Take a Variety of Shots

In your store, a customer may pick up the product hold it, turn it around, or try it on. You have to give online shoppers a similar experience. If you’re shooting clothing you may want to shoot the garments flat against a background, as well as on a mannequin. You may want to have a model wear them for some additional shots and different looks.

Contact Tyler Chartier for more info on commercial product photography!

Now you have the tips to take those beginner product shots from good to great. For more tips, you can visit our website. If you require a commercial product photographer in San Francisco, contact Tyler Chartier today.