Frequently Asked Questions about Product Photography

Businesses often hire space in photography studios of London for product photography. The pictures are uploaded on websites particularly e-commerce portals and are also used for printed ads published in magazines and newspapers.

Learners who are new to this art have some common questions about photography of business products. Some of these are answered here:

What are the different kinds of product photography?

The common product photography sessions organised in photography studios in London include:

Individual shots: A shot of the product usually with a white backdrop

Lifestyle shots: Multiple shots of the product where its usage is also demonstrated

Scale shots: These are taken to give audience a better idea of the product size.

Detailed shots: A close up shot of the product to underscore its specific features

Group shots: Collections of products exhibited together in a single frame

What equipment do we require for product photography?

High quality camera, natural and artificial light preferably controlled by modifiers such as white shoot through umbrellas, and a tripod. Backdrops of light shades particularly white are important to get the best results in product photography. Such equipment and facilities are available in photo studios London.

What are the different ways of using light in product photography?

One of the light sources must serve for your key light and others can be backlights as per the results you desire in the picture. You can even place a sheet of white paper or cloth to diffuse some light and get softer shadows in your image.

The key light should be positioned in front of the product, slightly towards a side. The backlight or fill light can be at its back or above it. You can keep changing the angles and distance between the lights and product till you get evenly distributed and soft silhouettes.

You can even take a white cardboard to neutralise some light and soften the shadows further. Remember though that lights in a studio will give you more control on the complete process particularly when you shoot with multiple products over prolonged hours.

With the right setups in a professionally furnished photography studio, it is possible to get consistent and professional outcomes. These can also be recreated for a series of shoots.

What are the DSLR Settings recommended for product photography?

It is not advisable to wide angle lens for product photography as this will distort the product’s picture. You can consult an experienced photographer for the right aperture to get a good shot. A wide aperture of f2.8 or f4.5 can narrow down the depth of field which will leave parts of the product to go out of focus. On the other hand a small aperture of f8 or f11 will offer a wider depth of field and that helps in keeping the product sharp and in focus. It is also important to use the right white balance (or colour temperature). It should be the same as that of lights being used.

In addition to using these tips, do not hesitate to consult a more experienced professional, when in doubt.

Author Bio: Founded in 2006 by Photographer Francois Boutemy and Designer Chris Charalambous, Simulacra Studio has worked with a number of high calibre clients for more than a decade. It also organises workshops and artistic development courses to give budding photographers the best of growth opportunities in the industry. For more information on the studio and trainings imparted visit https://www.simulacrastudio.com/