The evolution of styling product photos

Styling product photography photos can seem like a daunting task. But with some basic knowledge and a few simple tips, you can create stunning images that showcase the products in the best possible light. Here are some tips to help you style your product photography photos.

The evolution of the iced tea photo

I set my scene up near a window for natural light and placed my camera on a tripod. I started with a single mason jar, filled with ice and tea, I had also frozen some raspberries in ice cubes and added those too. Placed in a colour cardboard straw. I used some cut lime wedges and sugar, acrylic ice cubes (they don’t melt so quickly) and lemon to dress the scene. For my background, I used a penny tile board and a marble board — nice, bright and airy, without being too distracting. I wanted a homey feel.

I then added a second mason jar, filled that with ice tea. Change my aspect from vertical to horizontal, added some bounce with a reflector. I then shot straight on instead of on an angle. Added more raspberries and a little mess (sugar). Next was peaches and cut lemon slices and fresh mint to garnish. It’s a great idea to build on your scene. If it becomes too busy or distracting you can remove some items. Remember to have everything be cohesive. If this was a product shot for say Liptons Ice tea I could also have added a bottle in the background.

Tip: Want easy condensation? Spritz your mason jar with 50/50 liquid glycerine and water.

Props

Choosing the right props Props are essential in styling product photography photos. They help create context and add visual interest to your images. When choosing props, make sure they complement your product and add value to the overall image. For example, if you’re photographing a set of kitchen knives, you could include a cutting board, fresh herbs, or vegetables to create a scene that is both visually appealing and contextual.

Backgrounds

The background of your product photo should be simple and unobtrusive, so as not to distract from the product itself. A white or neutral background works well for most product photography, as it creates a clean, minimalist look that allows the product to shine. If you do decide to use a coloured or textured background, make sure it complements the product and doesn’t overwhelm the image. White backgrounds often work well for online sales pages too.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of product photography. Proper lighting can make your product look its best, while poor lighting can make even the most high-quality product look unappealing. Try using a combination of natural and artificial light to create a bright and even look. Avoid harsh shadows and make sure the lighting is consistent throughout the image. You can go for something a little more dramatic, but make the product the hero.

Experiment with angles

Different products require different angles to showcase them in the best possible light. Experiment with different angles to find the best one for your product. For example, if you’re photographing a piece of jewellery, you may want to take a close-up shot from a high angle to show off the intricate details. If you’re photographing a larger product, such as a piece of furniture, you may want to take a shot from a lower angle to show off the scale of the product.

Edit your photos

Once you’ve taken your product photos, it’s time to edit them to create the final image. Editing can help you remove any imperfections, adjust the colour balance, and enhance the overall look of the image. Make sure not to over-edit your photos, as this can create an artificial look that detracts from the product itself.

The finished image

Camera Settings: f/5.6, 51mm focal length, ISO100, shutter speed 0.8 seconds. Captured on Sony A7RIII and Tamron 28-75mm lens.

In conclusion, styling product photography photos is critical to selling products online. By following these simple tips, you can create stunning images that showcase the products in the best possible light. Remember to choose the right props, use a simple background, pay attention to lighting, experiment with angles, and edit your photos. With a little time and effort, you can create some simple, yet stunning product photos.