Have you ever been browsing an online store and felt instantly drawn to one product versus another? You’re not alone, and chances are, it wasn’t just the item itself—it was the product photo. Good product photography does more than show what something looks like; it sells the item and the story behind it.
Whether you’re shooting for a small business holiday catalog or building your e-commerce storefront, learning how to take good product photos is one of the most valuable skills you can develop in the world of sales.
At the very core, great product photography comes down to a few things that can seem—and arguably are—quite simple: consistent lighting, a clean background, the right camera settings, and a keen eye for angles. These may all sound straightforward, but each element makes a world of difference. A harsh shadow or a cluttered backdrop can make even the best product look unappealing. On the other hand, balanced lighting and crisp focus can elevate a basic object into something worth clicking on.
And, of course, there is quite a gulf between “good” and “great” product photography. However, in this guide, we’re going to stick to “good” product photos—becoming a master is a longer journey, and a blog article can only take you so far.
Lighting Is the Secret Sauce
Lighting can make or break a product photo. Natural light is often flattering for lifestyle shots (think soft morning or late-afternoon light, or the romantic glow of the golden hour), but it can be unpredictable. Artificial light, on the other hand, gives you control and consistency. If you’re shooting multiple products over several days, consistent lighting helps your catalog look cohesive.
When setting up your lighting:
- Use diffused light rather than direct light to avoid harsh shadows. A softbox or light tent works wonders.
- Position your lights at an angle, not directly in front of the product, to create depth and texture.
- Use a reflector or bounce card to soften dark areas and maintain balanced exposure.
For more advanced setups, consider three-point lighting, a staple in professional photography. This method uses a key light, fill light, and backlight to give your product a clean, dimensional appearance.
Whatever you’re shooting on—DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone—lighting is the secret sauce. Nail lighting, and you’ll already be halfway to mastering how to take good product photos that stand out.
Less Is (Usually) More in Backgrounds and Composition
A background should enhance your product, rather than compete with it.
The most reliable choice for great product photography is a simple white or light grey backdrop, which keeps focus squarely on the item itself. This is especially true for e-commerce, where consistency across all your images builds trust and professionalism. A clean background also makes it easier to edit or remove distractions later.
That said, don’t be afraid to get creative when the situation calls for it. Lifestyle photos, for example, benefit from context, like a coffee mug beside an open book, a watch resting on a wooden desk. These subtle environmental cues help customers imagine themselves using the product.
When setting up your shot:
- Keep lines straight and the product centered or intentionally framed using the rule of thirds.
- Use contrasting colors sparingly to make your subject pop.
- Watch for reflections, fingerprints, or stray dust; they’re small but can be surprisingly noticeable.
- Experiment with depth of field; a softly blurred background can make your subject feel more dimensional.
- Match the background to the brand. Go minimal for luxury goods, natural textures for handmade items, and so on.
- Leave negative space around the product so it’s easy to crop or overlay text later.
- Always double-check symmetry; even slight tilts can make a product photo feel “off.”
When you work in a professional studio environment, like Lightz Out Studios in San Diego, you can experiment with interchangeable backdrops and controlled environments that make these adjustments quick and precise. Don’t just focus on visual symmetry—this is a tempting road to walk down for a novice, but good product photography tends to be a little more interesting. Consider composition and how you can make your viewer’s eye land exactly where you want it to.
What Are the Best Camera Settings for Good Product Photography?
As any veteran photographer knows, the “best” settings highly depend on the context. However, here are some good all-rounder settings that can help you control focus and exposure:
- Use a low ISO (100–200) to prevent grain.
- Shoot with a narrow aperture (f/8–f/11) for crisp depth of field.
- Lock your white balance to keep colors consistent across photos.
- Use a tripod whenever possible, since even minor shakes can blur details.
If you’re using a smartphone, switch to manual or “pro” mode to adjust these same settings. Apps like Lightroom Mobile can help you fine-tune exposure and color temperature after the fact.
What’s the Best Angle for Product Photography?
Like the camera settings we just discussed, there’s no “best” angle. In general, try to avoid straight-on photos. They might show what something looks like, but they can feel flat and uninteresting.
The best angles help tell a story, and certain angles can make the product feel like it’s in a three-dimensional space. Try shooting from slightly above for flat lays, from eye level for realistic perspective, or from below to make the product appear bold and dynamic. Changing angles also helps online shoppers better understand proportions, something words and specs alone can’t convey.
You Don’t Need Fancy Gear
If anyone tells you that you need the fanciest, most expensive photo gear to take good product photos, they’re probably trying to sell you said gear. You don’t. Learning how to take good product photos is more about what we’ve discussed in this blog—understanding light, balance, and detail.
With the right studio setup and consistency, your products will look professional and appealing, whether they’re on your website or in a print catalog for the holidays.
We hope you’ve found this blog helpful, but remember: The best way to learn how to take good product photos is to do it yourself. Practice, refine, and experiment with things like your lighting, your angles, or even your editing workflow.
The more intentional your photos become, the more your products will speak for themselves.
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