It’s clear to see that we live in a visual world where images are now king. We’re all bowing down at the altar of Instagram and pictures aren’t just telling a thousand words – they’re selling a thousand products.

Originally published on 16.03.21

People want to buy things that look visually attractive, are aspirational, and make them feel something…it’s how M&S got us all gooey over their melt in the middle chocolate puds (boosting sales by over 3500%!)

But how do you get this level of product photography as an independent business without the M&S budget?

Well, for a start you could look to hire a local, freelance photographer who has all the experience, kit and know-how to create beautiful images that put your brand in the very best light. I love working with indie businesses in and around Manchester, so I’ve geared my business up to be flexible, creative and affordable, so I can continue to work with the brands I admire.

However, for many fledgling businesses, professional photography may still be a budget stretch too far…so here are some lighting tips to help you give your products the exposure they deserve!

Victorian sponge cake covered in pink summer flowers, being cut for a party, cake being enjoyed by people, piece of cake on a plate with a fork

1. The Right Light

I’ll start by saying, there’s no such thing as the wrong light…different light creates different photos. If you’re looking for a sharp image with clearly defined angles and textures, hard light, like the light of the sun at midday is perfect. However, if you think your product will shine in a softer light that brushes over imperfections and adds atmosphere, a softer natural light, like that that at sunrise or sunset would be best for you. You could also use artificial light, which will give you even more control over the picture you produce – I do love a good reflector! What’s great is that both artificial and natural lighting can be manipulated to create any number of styles of lighting. Play around – who knows, you may discover your new style!

a girl stands behind a camera photographing a floral display with painted black nails

2. Getting Up Close & Personal with Your Camera

Whether you’re shooting on a top of the range, all singing, all dancing camera or on your smartphone – understanding what your kit is capable of is vital in making light work for your photograph.

If you’re new to the world of digital photography, make your camera’s ISO, aperture and shutter speed part of your inner circle. The three work together, and if you understand how, you’ll take great photos without even touching the rest of your camera.

For those using a smartphone, use natural light where possible, use gridlines to balance your shot, always shoot in high-resolution, analyse the auto mode and look at how the camera focuses and takes in exposure to light. Some phone cameras even allow you to use more manual settings like white balance and shutter speed to get incredible shots…you just need to teach yourself to use them!

3. The Perfect Set Up

When I’m shooting products, the following things are a must for me: access to natural light via a window, a plain white background (which is great for consistency and showing off products to their maximum), a tripod to keep a camera or smartphone steady and ensure you don’t move and miss the perfect light, a reflector to create even more light, fix shadows and reduce imperfections.

These very basic principles will ensure a far from basic final photograph.

behind the scenes photographs of Georgie Glass Photography and her team on various photoshoots for Flower Lounge and Barburrito

4. The Day of the Shoot

Finding time as a small business owner to spend hours shooting products is difficult. If you do manage to carve this time out, you NEED the photos to be great, re-shooting will cost you time and therefore cash.

Before shoot day, charge everything that needs charging! On the day, shoot lots of options and angles, and make a note of what you’ve done for reference. Upload photos to your desktop as you go along. This way you can see, on a bigger screen, what works for you and what doesn’t, adjusting the light where you need to.

floral displays and bouquets with white roses, pink carnations and bluebells

5. Adobe Suite is Your New BFF

If you’ve got the basic bones of your photo right, the editing process will make it leap off the screen. There are so many great, online or App editing options available for both digital and smartphone photography – my fave is definitely Adobe Suite (for those serious about editing!) However, you need to learn the basics of how to edit. Investing in an online tutorial is a cost and time effective way to do it.

Check out this before and after shot from me. Editing this photograph turned it into an extreme makeover. I cropped it and cleaned it up, adjusted the white balance, adjusted the exposure, adjusted the colour and saturation, and then sharpened the whole image up. Not bad, if I do say so myself!

pizzas photographed on a wooden board for Zizzi - showing the editing process of a photographer on Adobe Creative Suite

I hope you’re feeling inspired and empowered to boss your own photoshoot now! However, if this blog has left you thinking it might lighten the load to leave it to a professional, then get in touch. With clients like La Lorraine Bakery, The Flower Lounge and Sainsbury’s, I know how to make independent products shine bright.

All images © 2010-2022 Georgie Glass.

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5 Ways to Shine a Light on Product Photography