Smashing Tips for Successful Commercial Product Photography

For photographers, shooting pictures in a studio is challenging. It is also a very rewarding experience. Dedicated pros have developed smashing tips to present successful visuals. How does the success formula work?

Today the glossy pages of glamour magazines or even color supplements of tabloids are replete with fabulous visuals. As a reader you may have admired a handbag shot in a spotlight or a wristwatch staring out of the pages, waiting to be purchased. This is a remarkable work of commercial product photography. It has become an essential requirement for the print and web media. Several photographers specialize in shooting specific products like jewelry or clothes or electronic items. But how do they manage the uniform gloss factor? There are three broad elements-perfect lighting, setting and image quality that determine the entire shoot. To keep these three elements in order, some tips are used for successful results. These include other factors, which are discussed below.

The shooting equipment is by far the most crucial gear. The right camera, lens of 2-3 kinds, tripod, reflectors and spotlights are mandatory. They make up the studio infrastructure. Without these elementary gears even a professional shutterbug is handicapped. For example, lens should have a good zoom factor. In case, still commercial photography is being done, a camera can be placed in one spot on the tripod and the zoom will capture the angles. The photographer does not move at all. A fast lens of f/3.5 is used for highlighting the canvas behind the products. It also takes of the lighting placed around the main subject.

Studio photographers understand the importance of virgin white backdrops. This is so useful for commercial product photography. White allows the viewer’s attention to remain on the products rather than on the canvas behind. As white throws the light around the pictures are prone to extra brightness. Hence while shooting the lights placed should aid in the crucial ‘white balance’. Another reason why the white background works is that when the pictures need to undergo image editing. It creates smoother clipping paths. You can try a black canvas too, but the results of the white canvas are far more superior.

Lights are an integral part of the entire shooting process for items shot in a studio bay. There are different kinds of lights that are a part of the equipment. For example short focus lighting brings out the sparkle of a gemstone or a pair of earrings. Smaller objects like diamonds and stones are normally highlighted for their properties in this manner. Poor lighting can undermine the value of the items. Such visuals do not attract users on the website too.

Other factors also contribute to the success and value of commercial product photography. The creation of the right mood or environment while shooting is a clincher at times. Imagine having a dull or too bright backdrop for a designer garments project. It can instantly kill the entire hard work of the client. A professional shooter will be sharp and try to create an ambience suitable for the designer garments. This is where the personal creativity of the shooter comes in for 100% accomplishment. Ready for a clicking some smashing shots with these smashing tips?