Getting started with product photography can be a bit daunting, but the good news is you don’t need to be a pro to capture eye-catching images! Whether you’re aiming to showcase products on social media, an online shop, or even a personal blog, having a few reliable techniques up your sleeve can go a long way.
Here are five beginner-friendly product photography ideas to help you bring products to life in your shots.
1. The Classic Hand-In Shot
Hand-in shots are a timeless way to make products feel more personal and engaging. Just imagine a beautifully crafted watch being gently held, or someone delicately pouring a drink from a stylish bottle. With this type of shot, your hand can help add a human element that makes the product feel accessible and relatable.
To get this right, remember to keep the background clean and uncluttered to avoid any distractions. Soft lighting often works best here, as it keeps the focus on both the hand and the product without creating harsh shadows. Experiment with natural light by placing your setup near a window, or try a ring light if you’re indoors.
Tip: Hands in product shots work well on Instagram or for lifestyle brands, as they give viewers a subtle sense of how they might actually use or hold the product.
2. What’s in My Bag – Product Layout
A “What’s in My Bag” layout is a fun way to showcase multiple products at once, especially if they’re smaller items or accessories. Lay out a handbag or backpack, arrange the contents in an organised and aesthetically pleasing way, and snap away!
To make this setup pop, choose a neutral background or one that complements the items’ colours. You can go minimal with just a few items or include multiple products for a full, packed look. This shot style is especially popular for lifestyle and travel products, as well as beauty items. If you’re showcasing makeup or gadgets, this approach lets you feature a range without the photo feeling overcrowded.
Tip: For added impact, try an overhead shot, keeping all items within the frame. Flat lays are great for this and create a professional look with minimal effort.
3. Geometric Shapes for a Balanced Look
Using geometric shapes in product photography is a clever way to give your images structure and an artistic edge. Think of clean lines, squares, circles, or triangles as part of your composition. For instance, you might use round coasters under a perfume bottle or square tiles behind a skincare product.
The shapes can be created using props like wooden blocks, mirrors, or even paper cut-outs that frame the product, adding interest without taking focus away from the item itself. A symmetrical setup using these shapes helps create a sense of balance in your photo, making it more visually appealing.
Tip: Keep an eye on the colours you’re pairing—use contrasting shades to make the shapes stand out or stick with a monochrome scheme to keep it sleek.
4. Isometric Patterns for Depth and Interest
Isometric patterns add a unique sense of depth to product photos, creating a 3D effect that draws the viewer in. This type of shot works wonders with tech gadgets, stationery, or even food products that need a modern, stylish presentation. You can achieve this effect by arranging identical objects in a diagonal, parallel pattern around the product, or use grid props that create the same effect.
For example, placing a product like a phone case on top of a patterned mat or near a series of lines will make it look dynamic and eye-catching. Playing with different heights of props can add further depth, helping you achieve an effortless 3D look that’s both simple and striking.
Tip: Use a lower camera angle to exaggerate the sense of depth. You’ll get a more dramatic effect without needing complex setups.
5. The Blurred Background for a Professional Touch
Creating a blurred background, or bokeh effect, is a go-to technique for highlighting products and giving photos a professional feel. This works especially well when you want to keep all the focus on the product without any background distractions. You can achieve this look by adjusting your camera’s aperture (or if you’re using a smartphone, the “Portrait” mode works brilliantly).
Choose a background that complements your product—think a soft pastel or a darker, neutral shade—then let the camera blur it into a gentle fade. This approach is popular for beauty products, jewellery, or even small decor items, where detail is key.
Tip: If you’re shooting outdoors, natural elements like trees or even cityscapes in the background will blur nicely, adding depth without taking attention away from your product.
Final Thoughts
With just a few techniques, you can create scroll-stopping product photos that make even the simplest items look professional and engaging. Play around with these ideas to find what fits best with the products you’re showcasing. Photography is all about experimentation, so don’t be afraid to add your personal twist to these styles. And remember, lighting is everything—whether it’s soft daylight or a carefully placed lamp, good lighting can make each of these shots stand out.
Happy shooting, and may your products shine on every shot!