From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The Methodology Behind Stunning Product Photography
Product photography is the art of turning everyday objects into something extraordinary. It's about capturing the essence of a product in a way that resonates with potential customers and makes them want to buy. But how do you create those stunning product shots that stand out in a sea of sameness? In this post, we're going to dive into the behind the scenes of product photography and reveal the methodology behind creating compelling images that elevate your brand.
For a food and product photographer, beginning with the brand or product's "why" is crucial. Knowing the story being conveyed and a brand's mission and purpose will significantly influence each step of the process. With various brands and products available, seamlessly combining the brand and product in the final product is a top priority for excellent product photography. Planning is a necessary step, and skipping it is not recommended. Adequate planning saves time in the future and ensures that the client will be satisfied with the resulting photograph.
Artisan chocolate by KW Chocolates, taken with natural window lighting on a white backdrop
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of my photography work. It can make or break a photo, regardless of how many perfect props, colors, and elements are present. In fact, I have seen poor-quality images with all the right elements, simply because the lighting wasn't quite right. However, don't let the importance of lighting intimidate you! You don't need to spend a fortune on professional lighting or rent a studio space. I've taken many stunning photos using simple lighting techniques from a window or within my home. What really matters is the technique you use to capture the image, rather than the equipment. With proper lighting, anyone can take gorgeous photos without breaking the bank.
Do you know one of my favorite things about product photography? It's experimenting with all the physical elements to create a unique vibe and energy in your shots. Props and other elements can help you tell a story and create a special mood that really pops. As a food photographer, I love playing around with different elements to make the flavors, value, and even health benefits of the food come to life in my photos. It's amazing how much these little details can change how people perceive food, and I love using my creativity to make each shot really stand out.
One of my favorite props to incorporate into my photography is flowers.
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Many people are curious about the tricks behind photography, especially when it comes to using props. You may have heard of using motor oil for syrup or mashed potatoes for ice cream to create stunning food photography, but while I haven't personally tried these techniques, I believe there's always room to get creative with how you present your images. Just keep in mind that the further you stray from reality, the less honest your final product will be. We all know that a Big Mac in real life looks quite different from the one in the commercials! However, I think attractive photos don't have to be misleading. I like to use genuine products and actual items in my photos, and it seems that the trend in food photography these days is moving towards more raw and unpolished photos for online and culinary publications. I am actually quite enjoying this trend.
My last piece of advice if you want to stand out from the crowd, both as a photographer and as a brand is to constantly be working on your own voice and style. Take the time to learn techniques that work for YOU. In my personal experience, I have learned something new almost every time I have gone on a shoot. Each product is going to be different, don’t be afraid to try something different and be open to learning. There is no one way to do something, but there will always be your way - and thats the one that is most important. Good luck out there!