Many beginners believe that great product photos require expensive cameras and complex lighting setups.

But as someone with years of experience in professional photo retouching and photography at Image Retouching Lab, I’ve seen firsthand that by focusing on the core basics like getting the right lighting for product photos, choosing a simple composition, and using the correct camera settings for product shots, you can take beautiful photos with just your phone or a simple camera.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been doing photography for a while, here are the key aspects of beginner product photography tips that you absolutely must get right from the start.

1. Lighting

Lighting is the foundation of any good photograph. Without the right light, even the best product can look flat and unappealing. So, good lighting for product photos can make all the difference.

You don’t need a professional lighting kit to start product photography; natural light can be your best tool in the beginning.

Start With Natural Light

Place your product near a window, preferably during daylight, for a soft and even glow. This will minimize harsh shadows and highlight the details of your product.

Artificial Lighting

When you’re ready to experiment, desk lamps or ring lights are excellent budget-friendly options. They allow you to control the lighting more easily, especially in low-light environments.

Common Mistake

Poor lighting can lead to dull and lifeless photos. The fix? Use reflectors or reposition your light sources to eliminate harsh shadows and balance the exposure. 

2. Types of Shots

Choosing the right shot type is crucial for showcasing your product in the best possible light.

Flat lay shots

Place your products on a flat surface, shooting directly overhead. This is perfect for fashion, food, and lifestyle items.

Hero shots

Focus on the product as the main subject, often with a clean background. It’s great for e-commerce and catalog images.

Detail shots

Zoom in on specific product features, such as texture or branding, ideal for highlighting craftsmanship or unique selling points.

3. Backgrounds

The background is often overlooked, but it’s crucial for emphasizing your product. A busy or cluttered backdrop can distract the viewer from the main item. Keeping it simple is key.

Solid backgrounds like white, grey, or light colors are ideal because they create contrast with your product and make it stand out.

Creative backgrounds such as wooden tables, marble counters, or textured fabrics can enhance lifestyle product shots

Common mistake: Using distracting backgrounds can lead to a messy image. The solution? Stick to plain, neutral backgrounds to keep the focus where it belongs: on the product.

5. Composition

Composition refers to how you arrange your product within the frame. A well-composed image can make your product look more professional and engaging.

Rule of thirds: Imagine your image is divided into a 3×3 grid. Place the product along these lines or at their intersections to create a balanced and pleasing photo.

Symmetry: For products that benefit from symmetry (like watches, bottles, etc.), center your product to highlight its shape.

Avoid clutter: A cluttered background or too many props can confuse the viewer and take attention away from the product. Keep things minimal.

6. Camera and Gear

You don’t need an expensive camera to get started, but having the right gear will make a huge difference in the quality of your shots.

Smartphones vs. cameras: Modern smartphones can produce high-quality product photos with the right technique. However, if you’re looking for more control and higher resolution, investing in a DSLR or mirrorless camera will be worth it in the long run.

Tripods: A tripod is essential for stabilizing your camera or phone, especially in low light conditions. It ensures your shots are crisp and free from blur.

Common mistake: Blurry images can happen when you’re not using a tripod or stabilizing your camera. The fix? Use a tripod and focus lock to keep your shots sharp.

7. Camera Settings

Understanding basic camera settings can elevate your photos from decent to professional.

Using manual focus lets you control where the camera focuses, ensuring your product appears sharp and detailed.

Exposure helps control the light in your photos. If the image is too dark or too bright, adjust the exposure.

ISO affects how sensitive your camera is to light. A higher ISO is great for low light, but it can introduce noise, so be careful.

8. Props

Props can enhance a product shot, but too many props can overwhelm the product itself.

Use props sparingly: A well-placed prop can add context or tell a story, but don’t let it distract from your product. For instance, a coffee cup next to a stack of books is great for lifestyle photography, but avoid cluttering the scene with unnecessary items.

9. Aspect Ratio and Framing for Different Platforms

The aspect ratio of your images impacts how they appear on various platforms. A 1:1 ratio is great for e-commerce listings, while 16:9 suits lifestyle or editorial-style shots.

Common aspect ratios: 1:1 (square), 4:3 (standard), 16:9 (wide).

Keep the platform’s needs in mind: For Amazon product listings, a 1:1 ratio is standard. Instagram, on the other hand, works well with both 1:1 and 4:3 ratios depending on the content.

10. Editing and Retouching Basics

Once you’ve taken your shots, the real magic happens in post-production. Simple edits can drastically improve the look of your images.

Cropping: Trim unnecessary space to focus on the product.

Brightness/contrast adjustments: Make sure your product looks vibrant without being overly bright or washed out.

Simple color corrections: If your photos have a color cast (e.g., too yellow or blue), adjust the white balance for a more natural look.

Professional retouching: While basic editing is fine for beginners, professional photo editing services, like those offered at Image Retouching Lab, can elevate your photos to a professional standard.

Relevant FAQs

What’s The Easiest Way To Set Up Good Lighting At Home?

Start by using natural light from a window. If that’s not enough, try a simple desk lamp or ring light to brighten up the product.

Can I Use A Smartphone For Professional-Looking Product Photos?

Absolutely! Many smartphones have excellent cameras. Just make sure to follow the basic principles of good lighting and composition.

How Can I Avoid Shadows When Shooting Reflective Products?

Use diffused light to soften shadows and reduce reflections. You can also adjust the position of your light source for better results.

Final Remarks

Mastering the basics of product photography is your first step toward creating stunning images that grab attention and convert. Focus on understanding lighting for product photos, composition, and camera settings for product shots, and you’ll be well on your way to capturing professional-quality photos. With practice, you’ll begin to notice how your shots improve, and you’ll have the confidence to experiment with new techniques. Once you are done taking perfect shots, send them to Image Retouching Lab for a polished look with our retouching services.