So far we have learned how to find and use good light, some skills for composing a great shot and how to set up a flat lay! This week you will be learning a little about product photography and how to take interesting pictures of OBJECTS where one object is the main focus of your photo.
(Photo of candle from Anthropology)
I am not usually a product photographer BUT I have had some fun experiences taking product photos for local companies. Being able to take quality product photos is a great skill! Let’s say you want to start up an etsy shop and you need to take photos of your products — no problem! Maybe you need to do a bake sale fundraiser so you can go on choir tour, well you’ll be able to take beautiful photos of your product! Maybe you want to list a pair of used Nikes on facebook marketplace to earn some money, well I for sure hope you are taking a good photo!
Houses do not sell quickly if they have bad photography in their real estate listing and no matter how cool a product is if it has lame product photos then people will scroll on by.
Having the knowledge to take photos of everyday objects in ways that complement their beauty, tell a story, or show off their finer features is super useful!
Watch this video: https://youtu.be/ffiJH5fUeN0?si=SKVL1S5Ui-Gl1dvX (you can end the video before he talks about his editing process)
He uses artificial light but notice he’s just using one light so you can imitate his look by angling your photos to the window! Notice how the props he used complemented the product or object that was the focal point. Notice how he layered objects in front and behind as he was experimenting with what he liked best! Get creative on this assignment! Note that it will be a lot harder to pull of this type of photo without hanging up a posterboard, piece of fabric, blanket or SOMETHING to work as a backdrop. You want all the focus on your one object.
If you have a dslr and the cabability to shoot at f2.8 or lower THIS IS THE TIME to you use it. Being able to blur out the background and choose your focal point will make a big difference! Try playing around with portrait mode on your cell phone to see if you can get a similar look, or by tapping the screen on your focal point so that it can lock focus on what is most important and let the rest blur in the background. I have an old iphone and it has the capability to choose the f-stop for the photo/blur the background so I would bet your phone has that cabability as well. TEXT me if you have questions about this!
(DVG photography, product photo)
ALSO read these two tips from orbitvu.com — they build on what you watched in the youtube video:
Use Props for Storytelling
Every detail in product photography can influence consumer perception and brand loyalty. Among these details are product photography styling props. Props can breathe life into product shoots, providing context and aesthetic appeal.
In essence, props also help set the stage and craft a visual story. The key is to style these props in a way that aligns with your brand values and speaks to the desires and needs of your customers. Props offer visual cues that signify lifestyle associations, functionality or the brand’s ethical stance, providing a deeper understanding of the product without a word being read.
Yet, incorporating props into product photography requires a delicate balance. The goal is to complement and highlight the product, not overshadow it. Every prop included should have a purpose, whether to illustrate the product’s use, evoke a specific atmosphere or reinforce the brand’s message. For instance, a minimalist watch brand might choose simple, elegant props that reflect sophistication and precision. Another company selling outdoor gear might opt for rugged, natural elements that speak to adventure and durability.
Here, color theory and composition play a crucial role. Props should synergize with the product and the background, creating a cohesive look that is pleasing to the eye and easy to understand. This cohesion ensures the product remains the focal point, with the props enhancing its features and benefits.
(Photo from Pacifica Beauty)
Natural Prop Placement
Natural prop placement is critical to elevating your image’s appeal. It’s essential to ensure props complement rather than distract from the main subject. Consider the prop’s scale, color and texture in relation to the product to create a cohesive composition.
One effective technique is to use props to frame or highlight the product, drawing the viewer’s attention to its key features. For example, placing a bouquet around a jewelry box can add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Props might also convey the product’s intended use or evoke a particular mood or lifestyle, making the image more relatable to the target audience.
Prop placement should appear effortless and organic — as if the items belong together. Avoid cluttering the scene or arranging props in a way that feels forced. Instead, opt for a minimalist approach, focusing on selected props that add the aesthetic.
Lighting is crucial in highlighting natural props and creating depth in the image. Experiment with different lighting setups to achieve the desired mood and ambiance, ensuring the props are well-illuminated without overshadowing the product.
(Photo from Bloom)
Photo One: Create a product photoshoot for your hobby. The tempation to create a flat lay or something similar with lots of items in the photo may be strong– that’s not what we are shooting for here!
We want ONE strong focal point in this photo. Any other objects, colors or textures should complement the main photo but not steal the show.
I know that sometimes hobbies can have a lot of components (sewing machines, fabric, thread etc or cooking implements, ingredients etc) but we want to focus on ONE component. Other items can be part of the intentionally created background but that’s not required, the background could also be neutral (like the first example the photographer gave in the video).
Photo Two: Take a photo that represents your dream job and/or your future plans. Again, I would like to see ONE object representing the focal point. I recognize that your dream plans may include playing for the NBA, writing a book, raising 15 children and retiring at age 30 BUT you only need to choose one of those goals in your photo. Use your journaling to go into detail about your dream job/future plans and let your photo just tell a story of one thing 🙂
Photo Three: Take a photo of a product you LOVE. Do you have a favorite brand of pen? nail polish? shoe? spaghetti sauce? lipstick? electrolytes? haha The options are ENDLESS. What is a product that you use right now in your life on a daily (or near daily) basis. Take this photo in the style of product photography with your product being the focal point.
**AS ALWAYS LIGHT COMES FIRST** If you choose poor lighting (the lights in your basement = poor lighting, the lights in your kitchen after it is dark outside = unacceptable lighting) then I will be so so sad.
Journal One: All about your hobby! When and how did you find this hobby? How has this hobby or your interest in it changed over time? What personal strengths and growth have you experienced from pursuing this hobby? What is the most challenging technique or aspect of your hobby? What goals do you have for developing your hobby in the next year? Why does this hobby bring you joy and satisfaction? Do you have any meaningful memories with this hobby? Does this hobby connect you with others? What inspires you to continue this hobby? How does your hobby reflect your personal values or personality? What resources (books, teachers, videos) have most influenced your hobby? Do you see yourself turning this hobby into a career or side hustle? What advice would you give someone starting this hobby? What unexpected lessons have you learned through this pursuit?
Journal Two: Your future goals and plans! Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? More? Paint me a picture of what you would like your future to look like, be as detailed as possible, include areas like relationships, work, hobbies and interests, lifestyle, location and more. What dream or vision excites you the most about your future plans? Why are these goals meaningful to you? What motivates you to go after these goals? What steps will you take to help you on this path of achieving this vision (people, tools, education etc)? What personal growth do you anticipate through this journey?
Journal Three: What is one product you don’t want to live without? This one is just for fun! Hopefully it will be a fun one to reflect on and show your future children when they read this book all about you in 24/25 🙂 So how did you discover this product? How does it improve your daily life? How does it solve a problem for you? When do you use it in your daily life? Do you have any memories connected to this product? Has this product chaged your routine or lifestyle? What unique features make this product irreplaceable? Why would you recommend this product to others? How long have you been using this product? Have you tried similar products? How do they compare?
Email or text your three photos to Marcie by 5 p.m. on Wednesday before class!
