My Journey into Product Photography
From Curiosity to Craft: Embracing the Learning Curve
As a photographer, I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself creatively—and product photography has definitely delivered on that front. What started as a curiosity has quickly grown into a fascinating journey of experimentation, lighting puzzles, and small victories that feel incredibly rewarding.
Starting Simple
My first session began with a minimalist approach: a clean white backdrop to let the product take centre stage. I played with different surfaces, including a white acrylic sheet and a wooden board, to see how texture might influence the overall feel of the image.Lighting quickly became the star (and the diva) of the show. I tested softbox positions, bounced light using a white board and a silver reflector, and observed how each tweak changed the shadows and highlights. The edges of the packaging proved especially tricky, often falling into shadow or catching awkward reflections. It became clear that to achieve the clean, balanced look I was after, I’d need to refine my lighting setup further—perhaps with an overhead source for more consistent illumination.
Diving Deeper and Leveling Up
A few days later, I returned to the challenge with fresh eyes and a new plan. This time, I added a rectangular softbox positioned above the table, introduced a second light in front of the product, and moved the main light source directly in front of the camera.The results? A noticeable improvement. The new setup brought depth and clarity to the images, really helping the product’s features stand out. It wasn’t without its difficulties though—getting the lighting angles and flash power just right required a lot of trial and error. Photographing shiny packaging is no easy feat, and I’m still experimenting with ways to minimize unwanted reflections while keeping the product vibrant and true to life.I also had an unexpected hiccup during the shoot: a mysterious dark spot appearing in some of the photos. I hadn’t changed the lens, but a quick clean of the sensor and lens fixed the issue. A good reminder that gear maintenance is just as important as the creative side of photography!
Looking Ahead
This process has been full of learning, and I'm genuinely enjoying the problem-solving aspect that comes with each shoot. Next, I plan to:
Experiment with different backdrop colours
Incorporate props to enhance the visual story
Master my new flash to open up more creative options
Reflective surfaces are still my nemesis, but I’m determined to crack the code. I know I have a long way to go, but with each session, I feel a little more confident—and a lot more inspired.
Experiment with different backdrop colours
Incorporate props to enhance the visual story
Master my new flash to open up more creative options
Reflective surfaces are still my nemesis, but I’m determined to crack the code. I know I have a long way to go, but with each session, I feel a little more confident—and a lot more inspired.
Thanks for following along on this journey. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come!
Product photo on white backdrop with acrylic sheet
