A well-thought-out product photography setup can transform even the simplest items into captivating images. Whether you’re showcasing products for an online shop, social media, or personal brand, a good setup will make them look professional and engaging. Here’s a guide to building a product photography setup that’s affordable, easy to assemble, and, most importantly, helps you capture high-quality shots every time.
1. Choose the Right Space
The first step is finding a suitable space. Ideally, you’ll want a room with plenty of natural light, as this gives your photos a soft, even tone that’s flattering to most products. A large window works wonders, but if that’s not possible, you can create the right lighting effect with a few well-placed lights.
If you’re setting up a semi-permanent space for regular product photography, try to pick an area that you can dedicate entirely to shooting. This way, you can keep your setup consistent, reducing setup time each time you shoot.
Tip: Make sure you have enough room to set up your equipment without clutter. This will allow you to move freely around the products as you shoot.
2. Lighting Essentials
Lighting is everything in product photography. If you’re working with natural light, choose a time of day when the light is even and not too harsh, like early morning or late afternoon. For consistent results, artificial lighting can be a great investment, especially if you’re photographing in low-light environments.
Consider using:
- Softbox lights – These are affordable, beginner-friendly lights that produce soft, diffused lighting, helping to reduce harsh shadows.
- Ring lights – Great for small products and close-ups, as they provide even lighting from all sides.
- Light tents – If you’re shooting smaller products, a light tent (or light box) diffuses the light from all angles, minimizing shadows and reflections.
Tip: When using artificial lights, aim for a “three-point lighting setup”—a key light, fill light, and backlight—to create balanced and well-lit photos with dimension.
3. Selecting Backgrounds
Backgrounds play a huge role in creating a clean, professional look for product photography. Most product photographers stick to simple, neutral backgrounds like white or light grey, as they make products stand out and allow for easy editing. However, depending on your brand’s style, you can also experiment with backgrounds that add a splash of colour or texture.
Some great options for backgrounds include:
- Seamless paper – White or neutral paper rolls are inexpensive and create a smooth background that makes editing easier.
- Foam boards – These are perfect for both backgrounds and reflectors. White foam boards are particularly useful for creating a light bounce and reducing shadows.
- Wood or textured boards – If you’re after a natural or rustic look, a wood or stone-textured background can add character to your shots.
Tip: Invest in a few different background colours and textures to suit various products, but try not to overdo it—a clean background is usually the best choice.
4. The Importance of a Tripod
A tripod is essential for sharp, consistent shots. It allows you to keep the camera stable, which is especially helpful for long exposures in low light. A tripod also makes it easier to adjust angles and framing without worrying about camera shake, helping you achieve consistency across your shots.
When choosing a tripod, look for:
- Adjustable height – This gives you flexibility to shoot from different angles.
- Sturdy build – A sturdy tripod ensures stability and helps keep your shots steady.
- Compatible with smartphones – If you’re shooting with a smartphone, a tripod with an adapter for mobile devices can be useful.
Tip: A small tabletop tripod is a good alternative if you’re working with limited space or shooting smaller products.
5. Add Reflectors and Diffusers
Reflectors and diffusers help control light, whether you’re shooting with natural or artificial sources. Reflectors bounce light back onto your product, filling in shadows and creating a more balanced look. Diffusers soften harsh light, eliminating sharp shadows and creating an even, natural glow.
Common options for reflectors include:
- White foam boards – Easy to find and inexpensive, these boards work well for bouncing light.
- Reflector kits – These often come in different colours (white, silver, gold) to adjust the warmth or coolness of the light.
For diffusion, a softbox or a translucent umbrella works well with artificial lights. For natural light, sheer white curtains or tracing paper taped over windows can soften sunlight beautifully.
Tip: Experiment with placing reflectors and diffusers at different angles to find the best light balance for each product.
6. Set Up the Camera and Adjust Settings
Now that your space, lighting, and background are ready, it’s time to set up your camera. If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, here are some basic settings to get started:
- Aperture – Use a lower f-stop (e.g., f/2.8) for a blurred background, or a higher f-stop (e.g., f/8-11) for sharp focus across the entire product.
- ISO – Keep the ISO low (100-400) to avoid noise and maintain clarity.
- Shutter speed – Adjust to control exposure, especially if you’re shooting in low light. Use a faster shutter speed for sharper images, or slower if using a tripod.
If you’re shooting with a smartphone, switch to “Pro” mode if available. This will allow you to manually adjust settings for better control over your images.
Tip: Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most flattering view for your product. Top-down shots work well for flat lays, while angled shots give a dynamic look to 3D objects.
7. Use Props Thoughtfully
Props can add context and appeal to product photos, especially if you’re creating lifestyle images. However, they should complement—not overpower—the product. Consider using simple props like leaves, coffee mugs, or soft fabric backgrounds to create a natural feel.
Keep in mind:
- Less is more – Avoid cluttering the shot. One or two well-placed props are usually enough.
- Stay on-brand – Props should match your product’s style and branding. For example, natural elements like leaves work well for eco-friendly products, while sleek items like laptops can be great for tech products.
Tip: Use props in complementary colours to enhance the product without drawing attention away from it.
8. Post-Production Editing
Even with the best setup, a bit of post-production editing can enhance your images. Use software like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or beginner-friendly tools like Canva to fine-tune your photos. Basic edits like adjusting brightness, contrast, sharpness, and white balance can make your shots look polished and professional.
Tip: Keep edits subtle. The goal is to enhance the product, not to alter it, so keep it natural and true to life.
Final Thoughts
A well-planned product photography setup doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With the right lighting, background, and a few accessories, you can create a professional-looking setup at home. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different setups, angles, and editing techniques until you find your unique style.
Happy shooting, and may your products shine in every photo!