"Product Photography: A Complete Beginner's Guide"

📸 Product Photography 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Stunning Product Photos

By GenNext Production | Commercial Photography Experts | Kolkata, India

Introduction

In the age of eCommerce, product photography isn’t just a skill—it’s a business superpower. Whether you're a small brand selling jewellery or a big-box retailer launching new SKUs, great product photos can make or break a sale.

If you've ever wondered how to start product photography or improve the quality of your shoots, this guide is for you.

🔍 What is Product Photography?

Product photography is a type of commercial photography that focuses on capturing high-quality images of products for marketing, advertising, and sales purposes. These photos are typically used on:

• eCommerce websites (Amazon, Flipkart, Shopify, etc.)

• Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest)

• Print catalogs, brochures, and banners

• Online ads (Google, Meta Ads, etc.)

🧠 Why Product Photography Matters (More Than Ever)

• 90% of online buyers say photo quality is the most important factor in their purchase decision.

• Professionally photographed products get 30% more engagement on social media.

• Brands with better visuals tend to build more trust and higher conversions.

Simply put: Better photos = More Sales.

📦 Types of Product Photography

1. White Background Shots (Standard eCommerce style)

2. Lifestyle/Product in Use

3. Flat Lay / Top View Shots

4. Detailed Macro Shots

5. 360-Degree Rotational Photography

6. Creative Hero Shots for Branding

🛠️ Essential Equipment for Product Photography

If you’re just starting, don’t worry—you don’t need a full studio. Here's a minimal beginner-friendly setup:

EquipmentWhy You Need ItDSLR/Mirrorless Camera or Mobile with Manual ModeFor sharp, editable imagesTripodTo keep your shots stable and consistentSoftbox or Natural LightFor soft, even lightingWhite Background/BackdropTo eliminate distractionsReflectors or White Foam BoardTo control shadowsEditing Software (Lightroom, Photoshop)For color correction and background clean-up

💡 Pro Tip: Natural light near a window + a white curtain = instant softbox!

🎯 Step-by-Step Guide to Your First Product Shoot

✅ Step 1: Plan Your Shoot

• What’s the goal? (Amazon listing, Instagram ad, brand brochure)

• Who is the audience?

• What kind of look and feel do you want?

✅ Step 2: Set Up Your Lighting

• Use diffused light to avoid harsh shadows.

• Add reflectors to fill in dark areas.

• For jewellery or shiny objects, control reflections with softboxes or light tents.

✅ Step 3: Choose the Right Background

• Use a white seamless paper or backdrop for eCommerce.

• For lifestyle or creative shots, use thematic props or textured backgrounds.

✅ Step 4: Use Manual Camera Settings

• ISO: 100–400 (low noise)

• Aperture: f/8 to f/16 (sharp focus)

• Shutter Speed: Depends on lighting, but keep steady with a tripod

• White Balance: Set according to light source

✅ Step 5: Shoot Multiple Angles

• Front, back, top, and close-ups

• Highlight key features (e.g., texture, clasp, buttons)

• Add scale shots to show product size

✅ Step 6: Edit Professionally

• Remove dust or unwanted marks

• Enhance contrast, sharpness, and color

• Export in high resolution (300 dpi for print, 72 dpi for web)

🎓 Learning Resources for Product Photography

1. YouTube Channels

   • Mango Street

   • Karl Taylor Education

   • SLR Lounge

2. Online Courses

   • Domestika: Product Photography Basics

   • Skillshare: DIY Product Photography

   • Udemy: Commercial Photography for Beginners

3. Books

   • “Light, Science & Magic” by Fil Hunter

   • “The Photographer’s Eye” by Michael Freeman

🧑‍🏫 Bonus: Product Photography Tips from the Pros

• Keep it clean: Always wipe the product before shooting.

• Shoot tethered: Connect your camera to a laptop to preview instantly.

• Less is more: Avoid cluttered props unless it supports the story.

• Mood matters: Use shadows and contrast creatively for premium branding.

🚀 Want to Outsource Your Product Photography?

At GenNext Production, we specialize in:

• Jewellery Photography

• Fashion Accessories

• Cosmetics and Beauty Products

• Food & Beverage Shoots

• High-End Reels and Commercial Ads

✅ 100+ brands served across India
✅ Custom pricing for startups
✅ Delivery in 5–7 working days

📞 Let’s talk!
WhatsApp: 8017210604
Instagram: @gennext_production