Product Photography: Craft a Perfect Setup in 2025

When it comes to selling products online, showcase is key. One of the most effective ways to enhance your store’s appeal is through high-standard product photography. attractive, professional-looking images can significantly boost your online store’s visual appeal and assist you stand out in a crowded economy.

While investing in a professional photography studio is ideal, it’s not always feasible for recent or tiny businesses. Fortunately, DIY product photography offers an excellent alternative. With the correct tools and techniques, you can make compelling product photos that rival professional shots—all without breaking the lender.

Essential equipment for product photography

High-standard ecommerce photography in your online store can be the difference between making a sale and losing a customer. This navigator is designed specifically for budget-conscious business owners, offering straightforward yet effective techniques to produce professional-grade product photos that drive results.

Let’s explore the key items you’ll require to set up your own product photography studio:

Camera

The camera you choose plays a crucial role in the standard of your product images. While high-complete DSLRs like the Nikon D850 ($2,200) with a 105 mm f/1.4 lens ($1,800+) can produce stunning results, they’re not essential for most tiny businesses. In truth, you can achieve great results with an iPhone or Android—check out our navigator to smartphone product photography for tips.

commence with whatever camera you have available and assess the results. recall, the camera is just one piece of the puzzle. Great product photography is the outcome of considerate lighting, exposure, styling, and post-processing decisions.

Tripod

A tripod is a three-legged stand that supports and stabilizes your camera. It’s crucial for product photography, ensuring consistent framing and composition across multiple shots.

Tripods are particularly useful when shooting with leisurely shutter speeds, which are often essential when using tiny apertures to achieve greater depth of field. They’re straightforward to use: set up on a stable surface, attach your camera, and adjust the legs and head to experiment with different heights and angles.

For beginners, an affordable tripod is perfectly adequate. Many standard options are available for less than $30.

White background

A tidy white background and proper light control are fundamental for professional-looking product photos.

There are numerous options for white backgrounds. If you’ll be shooting frequently, consider investing in a white sweep. document sweeps are particularly useful, as you can easily cut off filthy sections and roll down fresh material.

For a budget-amiable alternative, visit your local art or drug store and purchase poster board—often available for as little as $7 for 10 sheets. Opt for pure white, as off-white or cream backgrounds are more challenging to edit to pure white in post-processing.

Table

A excellent table allows you to easily adjust the background, lighting, and products for various setups.

Standard folding tables work perfectly for product photography. Aim for a width between 24 and 27 inches, providing ample space for most product setups without being overly large. 

Cover the table with your chosen background material, allowing it to curve up against a wall or backdrop stand for a seamless look. Ensure you can work comfortably, whether standing or sitting. The table doesn’t require to be aesthetically pleasing, since it will be covered—focus on stability and appropriate size.

Tape

Securing your setup is crucial for consistent shots. Tape is an excellent tool for holding your background in place.

To avoid damaging your table, use powerful, removable tape like painter’s tape or gaffer’s tape. Secure the edges of your background material (such as poster board or seamless document) to the table, ensuring it’s taut and wrinkle-free as it curves up against the wall or backdrop stand.

Lenses

Your selection of lens significantly impacts the overall standard of your product photos. Consider your product size and shooting surroundings when selecting a lens. 

While lenses can be a significant financing apportionment, aim for versatility. A standard zoom lens allows you to shoot both larger products and smaller details. Two popular options are:

• 24–70 mm f/2.8: Versatile for close-ups and wider shots, with an f/2.8 aperture for low-light situations.
• 50 mm f/1.8: This prime lens matches the human eye’s focal length, and its wide aperture suits various environments. 

Experiment with different focal lengths to discover what works for your products. Choose a lens that clearly and attractively showcases your product’s key features.

Lightbox

Lightboxes are excellent for product photography, creating even lighting and minimizing shadows for a professional look. They’re useful for photographing tiny to medium-sized products.

Using a lightbox is straightforward: place your product inside on the white background. If your lightbox has built-in studio lighting, turn them on and adjust for even illumination. For more control, consider using external light sources.

Props

Props can assist inform your product’s narrative by setting the mood, showing scale, or demonstrating use. However, it’s crucial to strike a settlement—props should enhance, not overshadow, your product.

For example, when photographing a coffee mug, you might include coffee beans, a book, or a pastry to make a cozy scene. organize props naturally around the product, ensuring they don’t obscure key features. 

Consider color when choosing props to avoid clashing with your product. receive test shots and adjust your arrangement as needed to make a balanced, inviting image. 

Optimal lighting conditions

Natural light is ideal for photography, whether indoors or outdoors. When shooting indoors, a room with large windows adjacent to a wall provides excellent lighting. 

Outdoors, open areas or tree-shaded spots can propose great lighting. However, controlling outdoor lighting can be challenging and may require additional tools like diffusers or reflectors. 

To achieve better control over your lighting, try using a softbox. These light modifiers evenly diffuse light to minimize harsh shadows. They’re especially useful for achieving consistent results, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

recall, distance from the light source affects your results: closer proximity creates softer light with darker, softer shadows, while greater distance produces lighter, sharper light. Experiment to discover a space where you can manipulate light to achieve your desired look.

discover more: Jewelry Photography Tips for DIY Product Photos (2024)

How to receive professional product photos on a white background

1. Set up your table
2. Set your sweep
3. Adjust your camera
4. Set up your product
5. Set up your reflector card
6. receive the picture and assess
7. Retouch your pictures
8. Optimize images for your website

High-standard product photos can significantly boost your customers’ confidence in your offerings. While photo editing is significant, the foundation of great product photography lies in the initial shoot. Let’s walk through the step-by-step procedure for capturing professional-grade product photos.

Step 1: Set up your table

With your gear assembled, it’s period to make your shooting area: 

• Position your table close to a window, without intersecting the windowsill’s shadow.
• commence with the window at a 90-degree angle to your setup.
• The closer you are to the window and the larger it is, the softer your light will be.

Key tip: Turn off all other lights in the room to avoid contaminating your set—a ordinary mistake many beginners make.

Experiment with different setups:

• Try rotating your set so the window is at a 45-degree angle.
• Position the window directly facing your set for varied natural lighting effects.
• For food photography, consider placing the window behind your setup for a dramatic result.
• A garage with an open door can mimic window light without glass interference.

Avoid direct sunlight on your set, as it creates harsh shadows unflattering to most products and people.

Step 2: Set your sweep

A sweep is a crucial element in any photoshoot. It’s a single piece of material, typically white document or fabric, that curves smoothly from a vertical position to a horizontal one. This seamless shift eliminates sharp corners or blemishes in the background, creating a tidy, professional look for your product photos.

To set up your sweep:

• Position the top of the sweep material vertically, then let it curve gently onto the horizontal surface of your table.
• You may require to gently roll the board to achieve the correct curvature.
• The objective is to make a smooth, uninterrupted background that transitions from behind your product to underneath it.

Setup options:

• If feasible, place the table against a wall and tape the sweep to both the wall and table.
• Without a wall, make a back for the back of the sweep using bricks or a wooden block.

Position your product in the center of the flat part of the sweep, leaving room to add a white reflector card later. This setup will ensure your products appear to float in a tidy, distraction-free surroundings, drawing all attention to the item you’re showcasing.

Step 3: Adjust your camera

While every camera is different, here are some general guidelines to get you started:

• Set your white settlement (WB) to Auto.
• Turn off the flash.
• Use the highest standard image settings available. If available, use RAW format for maximum editing flexibility. If RAW isn’t an alternative, choose the largest JPG setting. Select Large for image size and Superfine for standard.
• Set your ISO to 100 for minimal noise.

Exposure settings

alternative A: Manual mode (M)

• Set your f-stop to the highest number for maximum depth of field
• Adjust shutter speed until the image is properly exposed
• Use the camera’s live view to preview your adjustments

alternative B: Aperture priority (Av)

• Set the f-stop to the highest number
• The camera will automatically adjust shutter speed
• Use exposure compensation if needed

alternative C: Auto exposure

• If limited to auto settings, try using the Sunset mode
• On smartphones, tap the area you desire properly exposed
• Use exposure compensation (+1 or +1½) if available

Pro tip: Don’t depend solely on the camera’s preview image. Use the histogram to ensure proper exposure. Adjust the exposure until the curve representing the white background touches the correct edge without going over.

Step 4: Set up your product

Positioning your product may seem straightforward, but it often requires careful attention to specific. For items like bottles, ensure the label is centered and straight. Expect to make numerous tiny adjustments to achieve perfect alignment.

Step 5: Set up the reflector card

A white reflector card is your most valuable light modifier, versatile enough for any setup. It bounces light to fill in shadows, creating a more evenly lit image. Experiment with different card angles to discover the most flattering light for your product.

Step 6: receive the picture and assess

After capturing your image, receive period and examine what you’ve created. This is where encounter and education arrive into play:

• What aspects are working well?
• What could be improved?
• How can you enhance the overall image?

Experiment with different techniques to refine your skills over period. Upload your images to a computer for a more accurate view, as camera displays can be misleading. Consider using software like Lightroom to organize and perform initial edits on your images.

Step 7: Retouch your pictures

Even well-shot photos usually advantage from some retouching. Your initial image should have a properly exposed product against a light gray background. Retouching helps:

• tidy up the background
• Remove distracting shadows
• enhance overall brightness and contrast

Retouching can be challenging for beginners, tools like Shopify Magic make the procedure much more accessible. This AI-powered tool allows you to:

• divide subjects from backgrounds
• Remove or replace backgrounds with up to four AI-generated scenes at a period
• Customize aesthetics, style, and context using text prompts

Alternatively, consider outsourcing to professional retouching services. Companies like Pixelz and Path propose affordable options, typically ranging from $3 to $5 per image.

Step 8: Optimize images for your website

Image optimization is crucial for both search engine optimization (SEO) and website load speed. Aim for a settlement between image standard and file size, with a general target of less than 200 kilobytes per image.

To optimize your images effectively:

Resize for the container

One way to optimize your image is to resize it to fit your website’s container. For example, if your container is 684 pixels square but your image is 1500 pixels square, the larger image will still load fully, slowing down your site.

1. Figure out the HTML container size

• Use your browser’s Developer tools to inspect the image element.
• correct-click on the image and choose “Inspect Element.”
• The sidebar will display the container’s pixel dimensions.

Pro tip: Resize your image to 1.5 times the container size for retina screens. For a 684-pixel container, aim for a 1026-pixel-square image.

2. Resize the image

Use built-in tools like Mac Preview or Microsoft Picture for straightforward resizing.

• Open your image in the app.
• Adjust the dimensions to fit your container size.
• Export and save as a JPEG at 100% standard.

3. Compress the image

After resizing, you’ll notice the file size is still large. intelligent compression removes unused data without sacrificing standard.

• Use Photoshop’s Save For Web function or specialized software like JPEGmini.
• These tools use algorithms to determine optimal compression.
• Avoid over-compression, which can make images look blotchy.

Recommendations:

• Image size: ~1 to 1.5 times the HTML container size
• Format: JPEG
• Colorspace: sRGB
• Compression: Use JPEGmini or similar tool after export

specialist product photography tips

Consider these tips when taking product photos:

Use window light vs. lightbox

Window light (natural light) is often preferable because it’s a straightforward one-light setup, expense-effective, and straightforward to use. When shooting with a light tent or lightbox, you enter into a multi-light setup, which adds complexity and usually requires more advanced knowledge.

Multi-light setups introduce several challenges:

• expense: Lightboxes and additional artificial lighting can be expensive, potentially costing more than hiring a professional.
• Technical knowledge: You’ll require to comprehend how to settlement exposure of different lights and position them properly. This includes learning about f-stops, shutter speeds, and their connection to lighting.
• Color balancing: Each light source has a different color temperature, which can significantly affect your image.
• Flash complexity: If using flash instead of continuous light, you’ll face additional challenges with exposure, sync speed, and specialized triggering equipment.

The standard of light from a light tent is often very even and shadowless. While this might seem ideal, shadows are significant for creating product shape and providing a sense of place. Window light often produces more dynamic and fascinating images.

Like anything, there are limitations to DIY. Achieving perfect results with challenging products like obvious or highly reflective items typically requires a multi-light studio setup and a deep technical knowledge.

Use foam boards

Foam boards are versatile and essential tools for controlling light in product photography:

• White foam boards: Use these to reflect light back into shadows, brightening up the darker side of your product.
• Black foam boards: These can deepen shadows, particularly useful when shooting white products on a white background.
• Combining boards: Use white bounce cards in front and black bounce cards behind the product for a more sophisticated lighting setup.

Foam boards are ideal because they’re rigid and straightforward to position. You can purchase them on Amazon or at local drug stores. In a pinch, white printer document or poster board can serve as alternatives.

discover basic photo editing techniques

Mastering photo editing skills can significantly enhance your product images:

• expense-saving: Reduces the require for professional editing services.
• Control: Gives you complete authority over the final look of your images.
• Versatility: Allows you to repurpose photos for various marketing channels.

commence with Adobe Photoshop Tutorials for accessible lessons applicable to various software. After learning the basics, choose a photo editing software that suits your needs and budget.

Shoot multiple angles

Providing various perspectives helps shoppers better comprehend your products:

• Eye level: Shows the product straight on, as typically seen.
• High angle: Displays the product from above.
• Low angle: Captures the product from below.
• Bird’s eye: Offers a top-down view of the product.

Keep your camera and tripod in the same position during the shoot, rotating the product instead. This ensures consistency and reduces post-production editing.

Try other types of product photography

While white background shots are essential, consider incorporating other styles to enhance your product showcase:

Lifestyle

Lifestyle shots assist inform the narrative of your product and display it in context:

• Use them for ecommerce website content, social media, blog posts, and emails.
• They assist shoppers envision how and where to use your products.

Notice how Allbirds uses both white background and lifestyle photos on its product pages.

This way gives shoppers context for where and how people actually use the products. If you sell hiking boots, display them on someone’s feet during a hike. For selling clothing, display your apparel on someone walking in an appropriate setting.

discover more: Clothing Photography: receive attractive Apparel Photos

Detailed

Detailed images provide shoppers a closer look at specific product features:

• Highlight distinctive aspects like zippers, textures, or special materials.
• assist customers comprehend the standard and craftsmanship of your products.

Check out how leather retailer hardgraft uses detailed shots to display zippers, handles, and other distinctive features of its goods on its product pages.

throng

throng shots showcase products together, which is particularly useful for:

• Displaying product bundles or kits
• Showcasing the variety within a product line

Notice how Beardbrand uses this style to highlight the products offered in their bundles.

Consider hiring assist

If you’ve reached your limitations, professional photography might be a worthwhile financing apportionment:

• expense: Professional white background photos typically range from $30 to $60 per image.
• ROI: Better standard photos can significantly boost online sales.
• Expertise: Professionals can handle challenging products or complicated setups more efficiently.

Write great product descriptions

Pair your photos with compelling product descriptions to make high-converting product pages for your ecommerce store:

• Provide comprehensive information about the product.
• Use descriptions to influence purchasing decisions.
• Ensure your copy complements and enhances your visual content.

Maximizing your product photos

The best ecommerce sites distribute a ordinary characteristic: stunning product photos. While professional ecommerce photography can be expensive, there are numerous product photography tools available to assist you make impressive images yourself.

By following this DIY product photography tutorial, you can produce high-standard images for your online store. As you boost confidence behind the camera, you can explore different types of photography to enhance your product showcase.

The best part? You’ll have packed control over how you construct your brand and showcase your products online. When done well, you’ll boost sales and conversions on your website and develop a successful online business. Who knows? You might even develop the skills to sell your own photos online one day.

Illustration by Gracia Lam