Most photographers know the basics of good product photography: use a tripod, set your camera to a large aperture, use a white background, create a blurred background, and much more. But there are some truly unique product photos. These photos do not look like the normal product photos you see in normal catalogs. Instead, they are used in full-page features, catalogues and ads for top brands. The photographers behind these inspiring photos abide by all the important rules of product photography, but they also play around and break them.
If product photography seems light years away from you and you can’t imagine shooting for the Nike Anthropology catalog, don’t worry. If you are anxious and uncertain about your photography or think outside the box, you may never produce a unique product photo like you see in the Nike Print catalog. But if you’re ready to take the plunge, you might want to try one or more of these 10 tips for unique product photography. Great photographers start with this great beginner’s guide to becoming a photographer so you can plan ahead and get your hands dirty.
Hanging up a product for a better view is not an unusual practice in itself. However, you can hang a product in an unusual place. Hang a product from a wire or rope that remains part of the photo. This can range from grotesque to sexy to humorous.
Play around with it and take a lot more photos than you need to to make sure your lighting is perfect. Most of the time you will want to be careful when you shoot from odd angles because it will distort the product. Some photographers put the camera on the same level as the product and shoot at eye level. If you do this, the distortion of the image will look like you are choosing a product that is one of the most difficult to distort. You will also want to try to get a grip on the product before shooting.
Remember that most macro shots must be those that can be used in conjunction with a normal product photo. But they can also be a great addition to a series of photos that appear on the page of a catalogue or as eye-catching posters or advertising.
Grab a product, a piece of paper and a pen. Make sure your lighting is phenomenal so that even the smallest details are visible.
Look at your list and circle each one as a great potential unique product to shoot. Write down the benefits you can have for the product. You have to start with normal everyday use in order to get your brain working and to try to develop ideas.
This secret goes hand in hand with Tip # 4. If you need to do digital editing, illustrations, costumes, set design, etc., plan your ideas before you start shooting.
This is a great opportunity to learn both Photoshop and Illustrator for original product photos. If you have no knowledge of image editing, you may need to hire a graphic designer to help you.
Many product photos adhere to the rule that a simple background focuses on the product and adds nothing to the image as a background. Staging a unique background to support the main product in the foreground increases interest and improves how desirable the product is. Blurred backgrounds keep an eye on the actual product.
If you are trying to upload it, now is the time to put your product in the background as a prop. For example, you may want to place a food or product similar to the food I suggest using. In any case, keeping your product in the foreground and keeping the background clear will help to promote the idea.
Reflections can add depth to even the most boring photos. Use lighting to amplify the reflection and edit to bring it out. Do not stick to using only one mirror. Try to reflect the image into the water by means of photo manipulation. Place the product in a shallow pot of water.
Setting up a product on a chic stand is a great way to make a photo attractive. To take this to another level, use items you would not normally use on a stand.
Humanize the product in your photography. Old box products can be transformed into hands, bellies, headboards, geometric shapes or photos that can be manipulated into stands.
Ask your customers what sets their unique product apart from the competition. Create a story around the product you are photographing.
Use your photos to illustrate aspects of the product for which the brand is known. These are your great tips and ideas to create exceptional and outstanding product photos. Please share this with us in