A great product shot can range from the simple to the complicated, but the key to it all is to make the product look its very best so people will buy it. Here are some easy things to think about when approaching a product shot:

1) Examine the product for its best angle. Look at it for a long time from all sides. Will this product look best shot straight on, or from above or below? Depending upon the product, you may want to see the whole label, such as on a wine bottle or a box of cereal. You may want to highlight the shape, such as a softball or a shoe. Or maybe you need to focus on a detail such as complicated stitching or an unusual handle. Find the angle that displays the product to its best advantage.

2) Choose the right lens for the job. Now that you’ve found the product’s best angle, it’s time to find the best lens for the task. Different lenses can completely change the character of shot and even the shape of the product. A wide angle lens very close to the product can exaggerate the shape, while a long lens far away can help the product pop from an out-of-focus background. Experiment with lenses by zooming in and out and framing the shot the same way with the different focal lengths. You will see a big difference in how the product and background look in these test shots, and likely one lens will stand out for you as the best one for the job.

3) Choose a background. There are two primary types of product shots - ones using a neutral background such as a white or color backdrop, and ones with the product in a setting. The end use often determines this step. Will these shots be used on eBay or a website to sell your product, or will they be used in branded marketing materials? To showcase your product, a simple backdrop is usually best, such as a white or gray. This allows the product to stand on its own without any distractions. But to create an image around your product, placing it in a setting might be the way to go. Shooting sporting equipment? Try grass as a backdrop or the gym. Shooting gourmet cheeses? Perhaps a granite countertop or wooden cutting board would look best.

4) Decide upon the lighting. When thinking about lighting, a product’s, size, shape and texture are usually the deciding factors. Most products look best with soft, diffused lighting, but there are exceptions to this. A sparklie product looks dull and lifeless with diffused light, and will require a more direct light source. A shiny metal object requires its own particular style of lighting so you don’t see yourself or the lights reflected in the product. Side light through a window might be just the ticket for those gourmet cheeses. Lighting doesn’t have to be complicated, but understanding that different products require different lighting styles will help you on your way.