In this modern world, captivating product image plays a vital role in success in business. As we enter 2023, the importance of high-quality pictures that effectively showcase your product cannot be overstated. But all the possibilities are limited when it comes to budget. Many beginners face this limitation often.
With the blessing of diy product photography setup, the budget problem will disappear for good. Anyone can make a photography setup without spending vast amounts of money. We are sharing 10 practical and cost-effective DIY product photography techniques. Whether a small startup or a seasonal seller, these tips will help you create a compelling product image for your business.
Make Reflectors For Better Lighting
For various types of photography, a reflector often becomes a mandatory part. As it bounces backlighting into your subject, it reduces harsh shadow and creates a soft light. But due to its expensive price, diy product photography tips can be an excellent choice for many.
First, you need four things: foam core board, aluminum foil, anticutter, and glue. Give the foam board a standard shape, like 12×12 inches or 60×90 cm, with the help of anticutter. Then, take aluminum foil, which is slightly larger than foam board. Attach the foil on the foam board using glue. You can attach a handle like a wooden dowel or PVC pipe to make it easier to hold. Secure the back of the board with glue or tape. If you want to soften the light more, attach a thin white fabric to the aluminum foil.
Use Glass for Backdrops
We all face the limitation of backdrop for photography. Because buying a new backdrop every time is a matter of enormous money. But a mirror can break all limitations of the backdrop. Also, glasses help to add depth and reflection. An aesthetic and desired picture comes as a result.
First, take a glass according to style, like frosted, textured, or colored. Then clean it. Now, take a laptop and open any backdrop photo you want. Lean forward the screen and place the mirror in front of it. Then, place the product on that mirror. Set one to two light sides of the laptop if needed. Any props or objects can be added to enhance the composition.
Shower Curtain for Lighting
Using shower curtains as a DIY light modifier is a clever and cost-effective way to use in photography. Usually, this helps to soften and diffuse light in a photography setup. Shower curtains create a significant, diffused light source, helpful in achieving aesthetic lighting on a subject.
To use shower curtains effectively, all you need is just those curtains, a frame, and a light source. You can choose any color of curtains you want. First, set up the frame and hang the curtains on it. Place it in front of the light source. Then, position your subject as you want.
Use Window Lighting for Natural Light
Using window light or natural light prevents buying expensive lighting setups. Window light is also a versatile technique for natural photography. Also, various lighting effects can be achieved without spending extra money. All you need is to learn some techniques.
Place the subject near the window with sheer curtains for soft, diffused light. Position your subject perpendicular to the window for side lighting. For backlighting, place the subject between the window and the camera. In rim lighting, place the subject with the window behind them. For high-key lighting, choose bright backgrounds with minimal shadow. Place away from the window for a low key and use a controller light source.
Fake a Marble Backdrop
Faking marble backdrops is a common strategy used by photographers. Because the marble effect makes the food look more delicious in pictures. Viewers are usually attracted by this strategy, which encourages them to purchase. However, the technique is straightforward.
It would be best to have a large sheet of foam board, marble contact paper, a craft knife, measuring tape, and spray adhesive. Please measure the foam board size and cut it, leaving some extra sides. Carefully peel off the back of the contact paper and stick it on the foam board. Now trim excess material like different edges. Spray adhesive on the border to secure it. Now, here you go; your fake marble backdrop is ready.
Fishing Wire to Lift Small Products
There are some products available to lift small products for photography. But buying this causes extra expense which we don’t want. Using a fishing wire can lift small products easily. Fishing wire comes at a meager price in the market—any small or lightweight stuff like jewelry, small gadgets, or food items. However, you could later remove the thread by using photo editing services.
All you need is fishing wire and mounting equipment. First, set your photography scene, lighting, background, etc. Cut the fishing wire to a desired size. Now, gently attach one end of the wire with the product and another with a stand. Now, adjust all the necessary things and click pictures.
Set Up your Camera Perfectly
For setting up a camera, you need a tripod. A stable camera is crucial for sharp and error-free pictures, especially in low light conditions or when using slow shutter speed. DIY techniques can be a great choice to set up your camera without spending money.
Any stack of books or tables can be used to ensure your camera is steady. You can hand the camera with a frame and thick rope. However, you can make DIY tripods using wood or firm plastic. Take three same-sized sticks and attach all of their heads. Then, place a flatboard on the top. Use a piece of dental floss attached to your camera shutter button for remote shutter release.
Setup Your Products
Setting up your product before clicking pictures is crucial to making appealing pictures. Proper arrangement and staging can make your product look more attractive to viewers. Your sales, brand identity, and profit can be raised by uploading properly arranged pictures.
First, set up all your necessary items for photography, like camera, light, and other equipment. Then, choose an appropriate background that is suitable for the product. As per clothing product photography tips setting up the product can decide the sales of that item. Now, plan about composition and all props at once. Clean the product and place it in the proper place. Then, fix your lighting setup and ensure the alignment. Now click pictures.
Retouch your Product Images
Retouching is a mandatory part of product pictures. Many types of errors and imperfections can occur during photo shoots. For example, Retouching services eliminate these errors and enhance its product’s visual appearance. You can highlight specific parts, make attractive lighting effects, and change the color states.
For retouching, it’s not mandatory to hire any professionals. You can retouch your own by using ADOBE Photoshop software. It comes with various tools for retouching, like color balance, white balance, adjustments, adding a shadow, eliminating blurry effects, and many more. Make sure to keep a backup for comparison. You can search on YouTube and Google to learn some techniques of retouching.
Conclusion
Photography has become a marketing language in this modern era. Everyone starts marketing their pictures with the help of images. However, product photography requires various expensive tools. So buying these things is only possible for some beginners. Then DIY product photography is the only solution for it.
The DIY technique breaks the limitations of budget and exploring. Anyone can apply this technique to the available things; beginners or those struggling with budget can quickly fulfill their dreams with these techniques. It’s a blessing for many of us. Now, all we have to do is learn more and more.
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)
Can I do my product photography?
You don’t have to be a professional photographer to click on those captivating images. In this blog, we’ve provided answers and step-by-step solutions to all your product photography at-home issues.
What are the types of product photography?
There are so many types of product photography. They are –
Individual: An individual shot is when there’s only one subject in the shot to emphasize the product’s characteristics and details.
Group: A group shot is a photograph in which multiple objects, usually related to one another, are placed within the frame.
Scale: A scale shot is a method of displaying the relative dimensions of a product by positioning it between other items.
Lifestyle: A lifestyle shot is a shot that shows the product doing what it’s meant to do.
Why is product photography important?
Branding is an integral part of every successful business. From social media to website design and public marketing, it’s an integral part of your sales strategy. If your product photography isn’t up to par, you’ll miss out on potential sales opportunities. People can form their own opinions about your product based on images they see. If your image isn’t great, they’ll assume your products are inexpensive. Regular product photography builds and strengthens your brand’s tone. It’s a trusted name that customers will come back to.
What is the best setup for product photography?
Your DIY product photography setup will include a camera and a tripod, as well as a lighting source. You’ll also need a white background for your product photography. If you position them correctly with your product in the middle, you’ll have a complete product photography setup.
