Everything You Need to Know About Starting Your Product Photography Business: A Guide for Creatives
Embarking on the path of starting your own product photography business can be a thrilling adventure, particularly if you've always had a passion for combining creativity and commerce. In this field, your creative vision and technical expertise come together to produce compelling images that promote products, convey narratives, and express brand identities. If you have a passion for food photography, like me, or if you're interested in tech gadgets or fashion accessories, there are always different niches to explore in product photography.
So, let's jump right in and cover everything you need to know - from getting your equipment set up to finding clients and everything in between. I'll do my best to maintain a casual and friendly tone, while also providing practical advice along the way.
So, let's start by discussing why you should even consider product photography. Isn't it simply capturing images of "things"?
No, not at all. Product photography goes beyond simply capturing images of objects. Photography is all about capturing the essence of a product through lighting, composition, and storytelling. It's about creating images that can convey the sensory experience of how a product feels, smells, or even tastes, especially when it comes to food photography. The photos you use can make all the difference in whether someone decides to make a purchase or simply keeps scrolling. That's incredibly valuable for businesses.
If you have a talent for visual storytelling, product photography could be an ideal outlet for your creativity. You'll discover how to expertly manipulate lighting, experiment with various lenses, and create compositions that enhance the visual impact of objects. If you enjoy playing around with different textures, shadows, and colors, this field will be a perfect fit for you.
Back when I first embarked on my product photography journey, I found myself using a combination of vintage lenses from the 70s and more contemporary cameras. Why, though? Every lens has its own unique personality, and sometimes older lenses can capture a shot in a way that newer lenses simply can't replicate. Starting out in product photography doesn't require vintage gear, but it's worth noting how this type of photography encourages creativity and resourcefulness.
Here’s what you’ll need to get going:
Think of your camera as your trusty companion. I'm not looking for the newest and most advanced option, but I do want something that can accurately capture detail, texture, and color. It's a fantastic idea to begin your photography journey with a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Photographers often have strong preferences when it comes to camera brands. Some swear by Canon or Nikon, while others are drawn to Sony for its mirrorless range. I've been using a 42MP camera for a while now, and I must say, it's been more than sufficient for the majority of my projects.
If you're new to photography, it's worth considering a camera that allows you to shoot in RAW format. This will provide you with greater flexibility and control when it comes to editing your photos.
Consider investing in a few high-quality lenses. The 50mm prime lens is a versatile option for product photography as it closely replicates the perspective of the human eye. If you're interested in capturing small items like jewelry or detailed shots of food, a macro lens would be a great addition to your photography gear.
In my experience, I frequently opt for my 1971 Sekor lens to achieve a distinctive, slightly softer effect that may not always be achievable with modern lenses. But to get started, a zoom lens like a 24-70mm or a prime lens would be a great choice.
Product photography sets itself apart in this aspect. Having the right lighting is crucial, as relying solely on natural light may not always be sufficient. If you have a particular style in mind, you may want to consider using softboxes, continuous lights, or strobes to achieve the desired effect. For product photography, it's a good idea to start with a couple of softboxes. They offer versatility and produce a softer, more diffused light that works great for capturing product images.
When you're just starting out, using well-placed window light with a bit of diffusion, such as a white sheet, can make a big difference, especially if you're on a budget.
You absolutely need a sturdy tripod. You can use it to stabilize your camera and capture clear, sharp images, especially in low-light conditions that require longer exposures.
As you progress, it would be beneficial to consider incorporating props and backgrounds to add depth and interest to your shots. Consider using marble slabs, wood boards, or colored paper to add variety to your background. These have the power to completely transform the atmosphere of a photograph, creating a range of different moods, from sleek and modern to cozy and inviting.
Getting started doesn't require a large space. Actually, you'd be surprised how easily you can turn a small room, garage, or even your living room into a mini-studio. Having control over the light is crucial. Avoid excessive ambient light that could disrupt your carefully arranged environment.
Here’s how to get it done:
Select an area that has enough space for a table, lights, and most importantly, getting to and from your product. It's not about how big your space is, but how you use it. I've worked in places as small as a dining room table.
Just go ahead and place your product right in the center of your setup on a table. It's important to consider the placement of your lights to minimize any unflattering shadows. Using a single light in front and a fill light or reflector on the opposite side can produce fantastic outcomes. Playing around with light placement is crucial. You might be surprised by how much your shots can improve by bouncing light off the ceiling or trying out softboxes at various angles.Just go ahead and put your product right in the center of your setup on the table. It's important to consider the placement of your lights to minimize any unflattering shadows. Using a single light in front and a fill light or reflector on the opposite side can yield fantastic outcomes. Playing around with the placement of light can make a big difference in your photos. Try bouncing light off the ceiling or using softboxes from various angles to see how it enhances your shots.
Product photography often requires close-up shots, so a clean workspace is crucial. Even a speck of dust on your product can ruin an otherwise perfect photo.
A portfolio is something you will need to have before you can begin to attract clients. However, here's the kicker: in order to establish one, you don't need any customers.
Take a moment to observe your surroundings in your home. Are there any cool products you have, like gadgets, books, or food items? Let's begin by taking pictures of these. I've always enjoyed taking pictures of food because it's so satisfying to capture the textures and colors that make people crave the dish just by looking at it on a screen. If you have access to intriguing items, go ahead and make use of them.
Practice Makes Perfect
It's completely normal for your initial shots to not be perfect, and that's perfectly fine. It's crucial to get some practice in. Try out various lighting setups, lenses, and even editing techniques to see what works best for you. As you progress, you will naturally develop a unique style that your clients will easily identify.
If you have a particular interest in certain niches, such as fashion or cosmetics, it would be beneficial to focus on acquiring products within those areas. Looking for one-of-a-kind treasures? Thrift stores, flea markets, or even your own cabinets might just hold the perfect find.
During the editing process, the magic happens. Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are two examples of the applications that you will be working with. At this point, you will be able to make adjustments to the colors, improve the textures, and even remove any defects.
Always shoot in RAW format. When compared to JPEGs, this file format is capable of capturing a greater amount of data, which provides a great deal of versatility when editing. It is possible to make adjustments to the exposure or the white balance while working with RAW data because they provide you with greater leeway.
When you’re starting out, focus on the basics: adjusting exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, and white balance. The goal is to make your product look its best without making it appear unrealistic.
Don’t underestimate the importance of retouching, especially when shooting close-ups of products. Dust, fingerprints, or imperfections can distract from the product. Use tools like the spot healing brush in Photoshop to clean up these minor issues.
When your portfolio is complete, it is time to begin soliciting business from potential customers. It's possible that this portion will feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be.
To get started, create a straightforward website portfolio that showcases your most impressive work. Maintain a tidy website that is centered on your photographs; you do not require a gigantic website that contains a large number of pages. For those who are just starting out, I suggest adopting platforms such as Squarespace or WordPress because they simplify the process.
Be sure not to overlook social media! The social media platforms Instagram and Pinterest are excellent options for product photographers. The fact that businesses are continuously looking for photographers who are capable of creating visually striking photographs makes Instagram an extremely beneficial platform.
Tap into your local business community. Many small businesses are looking for quality photography but can’t afford big agencies. Offer your services to them, perhaps even at a discounted rate, to start building relationships.
Join photography groups, attend local meetups, or even look for online communities where you can connect with others in the field.
If you do a good job for one client, they’re likely to recommend you to others. Word of mouth can be a powerful tool in building your business. So, always deliver your best work, even on small projects.
Product photography is an ever-evolving field, and there’s always something new to learn. Keep pushing your creative boundaries by experimenting with new techniques, props, and compositions. Stay up to date with trends in photography—right now, minimalistic and moody lighting is having a moment, but that could change in a year.
Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to refine your skills further. Platforms like Skillshare or Udemy offer a ton of resources for photographers at all levels.
Over time, you’ll probably discover a particular niche that resonates with you. For me, it’s food and beverage photography. I love capturing the textures and colors of food, making people feel like they can almost taste the dish through the screen. For you, it might be cosmetics, tech gadgets, or even fashion.
Whatever it is, lean into it and specialize. Clients love hiring photographers who are experts in a specific field.
Starting your product photography business is an exciting challenge, but remember, it’s okay to start small. You don’t need the fanciest equipment or a huge client base right away. Build your skills, develop your style, and get out there.
Most importantly, enjoy the process. Product photography allows you to be creative, technical, and business-savvy all at once. It’s a field where every shot is an opportunity to learn, improve, and tell a story.
If you’re passionate about it, that passion will come through in your work. And before you know it, you’ll have a thriving product photography business that’s as unique as your vision.
Good luck, and happy shooting!
