Behind the Scenes: A Look into Product Photography Set-Up and Preparation 📸

As a product photographer, a lot of hard work and preparation goes into every shot. There’s so much planning that happens behind the scenes to make sure that the final product comes out looking perfect. In this blog post, we’ll be taking you behind the scenes, giving you a glimpse into the world of product photography set-up and preparation.

Finding the Perfect Location 📍

Before I even think about setting up my equipment, I need to decide on the location for the shoot. Depending on the product, I might shoot in a studio or on location. Either way, finding the perfect location is crucial to creating a successful shoot.

When selecting a location, I always consider the following factors: the lighting, the backdrop, and the ambiance. The location should complement the product and highlight its features. A lot of natural light is great for most shoots, but if I need to use flash photography, I have to consider the placement of my equipment.

Sourcing Equipment 📦

Now that I’ve found the perfect location, I need to source all the necessary equipment. This includes my camera, lenses, tripod, lighting, and any other accessories I might need. My camera and lenses are the most important aspects of my equipment, so I always make sure that they’re in top condition and ready to go.

When it comes to lighting, I prefer to use a combination of natural light and artificial light. I ensure that all my equipment is charged and packed securely in travel bags for easy transportation and minimal damage.

Preparing the Product 🎁

Even if you have the perfect location and equipment, if your product isn’t prepped and ready for the shoot, it’s all for nothing. The preparation of the product is critical to achieving high-quality photos.

I always ensure that the product is clean and well-maintained, without any scratches or other blemishes. I take time to examine the product for any flaws and fix them where necessary. When shooting multiple products, I ensure that they’re displayed in an attractive and uniform manner.

Setting Up the Shoot Space 🏭

With my location, equipment, and product prepped, it’s time to set up the shoot space. This includes measuring out the space, setting up my tripod, and positioning my lighting.

I usually start with the backdrop, making sure it’s straight and crease-free. I must carefully position my tripod to ensure that my camera’s placement provides the best possible angle. I position the artificial lighting at just the right angle for optimal product visibility, without producing harsh shadows.

The Shoot 📷

Now for the exciting part: the shoot itself. This is where all the preparation comes into play. Throughout the shoot, I make small adjustments to the lighting, angle, and placement to achieve the best possible results.

It’s important to take multiple shots from different angles, zoom lengths or perspectives – allowing me to choose the most favorable shots for post-production. On larger shoots, I use a tethered capture which allows me to view and manage images as I shoot.

Post-Production 🖥️

After the shoot is wrapped up, it’s time to get creative on the editing table. Depending on the requirements, I might enhance colors, sharpness, or add/remove minor details.

Editing photos for product photography is tedious and time-consuming but absolutely necessary to create the final product. During post-production, I ensure that the product is presented in the best light possible and with the fullest details.

And that, my friend, is the behind-the-scenes look at what goes on during product photography set-up and preparation. It’s so much more than just pointing and shooting. When done right, the end product is a testament to the hard work, planning, and creativity that went into every step.