How to Set up your Product Shoot Like a Pro

Before we get Started

It’s important to keep focused on what you’re trying to achieve with your brand. Brand image is a crucial aspect of how a company or product is perceived by the audience. It encompasses various elements, and one essential component is the visual language associated with the brand. The visual language refers to the consistent use of visual elements, such as colors, logos, typography, and key props, to convey a specific message or identity. Keep the following in mind when choosing props for your photos. And don’t worry, this may seem like a lot, but I’ve got you covered every step of the way! I’ll go through and touch on the points as we go along so you can see how the use of a common visual language, including key props, contributes to the establishment of brand image:

1. Consistency and Recognition:
   • By using a common visual language, including key props, a brand creates a consistent and cohesive look across its various communication channels. This consistency helps in making the brand easily recognizable to the audience.
2. Distinctive Identity:
   • Key props, which could be specific symbols, icons, or imagery associated with the brand, contribute to creating a distinctive visual identity. This uniqueness helps the brand stand out in a crowded market and fosters recall among consumers.
3. Storytelling:
   • Key props often carry meaning and symbolism that align with the brand’s story or values. They become visual cues that help convey the narrative of the brand, making it more engaging and relatable to the audience.
4. Emotional Connection:
   • A consistent visual language, including key props, can evoke emotions and feelings associated with the brand. This emotional connection is crucial in building brand loyalty and positive perceptions among consumers.
5. Communicating Values and Messages:
   • Visual elements, including key props, are powerful tools for communicating the values, messages, and personality of a brand. For example, a technology company might use futuristic and clean visuals to convey innovation and efficiency.
6. Cross-Platform Cohesion:
   • In today’s multi-channel environment, a common visual language ensures cohesion across various platforms, including social media, websites, advertisements, and packaging. This uniformity reinforces the brand’s identity regardless of where the audience encounters it.
7. Adaptability and Evolution:
   • While maintaining consistency, a visual language should also have the flexibility to evolve and adapt to changing trends and market dynamics. This allows the brand to stay relevant while retaining its core identity.
8. Target Audience Alignment:
   • Understanding the preferences and expectations of the target audience is crucial. The visual language, including key props, should resonate with the demographic the brand is trying to reach, fostering a stronger connection.

In summary, a common visual language, including key props, serves as the visual vocabulary of a brand. It communicates a brand’s identity, values, and messages consistently, helping to shape and reinforce the overall brand image in the minds of consumers.

1) Let’s Get Started – Your Props

Now that you understand how props and visual language affect your brand goals, let’s use the example below to set up your first product scene. We’ll go step by step, checking off each attribute as we go, so you can see how it all comes together in our scene setup!

In the scene below, I’m leveraging props to enhance recognition and create a distinctive identity. The focal point is the reusable tea bags at the center, which is the featured product for sale. Given that my shop revolves around organic products and natural materials, I’ve opted for lighter colors and added some plants to evoke an environmental ambiance (which is part of how I communicate my shop values and message). I intentionally use an odd number of props (excluding my product) to facilitate easier positioning around my product. This strategic choice is rooted in the theory that it enhances the visual flow, guiding the viewer’s eye seamlessly through the space and contributing to achieving the desired outcome. If you’re interested to learn more about this theory view the YouTube I mention at the end!

Here is what you’ll need for this demo:

• Table (or wide surface):
  • Ensure a spacious table or wide surface to set up your product scene comfortably.
• Tripod (or within reach of your setup-to-body-width):
  • Use a tripod for stability or make sure there’s ample space for you to view and control your setup within arm’s reach.
• Plain white poster board:
  • Use a plain white poster board as a clean and neutral backdrop for your product.
• High-backed chair (or object to tape the poster board to):
  • A high-backed chair or an object to tape the poster board can provide support and maintain the backdrop’s position.
• Props that represent your brand image (remember to keep the number of props odd!):
  • Select props that align with your brand image and story. Ensure an odd number for a visually appealing arrangement.
• Window with sheer curtains:
  • Utilize natural light by placing your setup near a window with sheer curtains for diffused lighting.
• Reflector (or an object covered in aluminum foil will do!):
  • Incorporate a reflector or an object covered in aluminum foil to bounce and enhance natural light, reducing shadows and highlighting key features.

2) Studio Setup – Utilizing Light & Space

For your first studio setup, we’re opting for a clean white background that we can easily manipulate with light. Get ready to witness the pinnacle of photo wizardry – our secret weapon? A 50-cent poster board! It’s the holy grail of photo hacks, proving that you don’t need a magic wand, just a bargain board, to make your photos pop! Although it may seem like magic, this approach is straightforward, especially for beginners, and is a foolproof method to ensure your products look absolutely stunning!

3) Start Photographing – You Got This!

Take a glance at that sublime gray fade in the composition below – that’s the magic you’ll achieve with the right lighting. The sheer curtains work their charm by diffusing light, preventing any unwanted reflections on your product. It’s a classic trick, especially for beginners like yourself, and the simplest way to give your images a professional touch! Personally, I find this look pairs exceptionally well with natural-based products. When in doubt, stick to Cross-Platform Cohesion by maintaining a neutral environment, allowing your product to shine effortlessly! In conclusion, as you refine your studio setup over time, it will naturally adapt and evolve. However, by consistently incorporating key elements associated with your products, you can distinctly define your target audience, ultimately aligning your goals more effectively.

You’re all set to capture stunning product images that showcase your brand beautifully! You’ve got the knack for this – go ahead and enjoy the process! Remember, it’s your brand, so feel free to unleash your creativity without any bounds!

4) Welcome to Success! – Photo Editing & Beyond

I rely on Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for photo editing (although you most definitely don’t have to) – Lightroom comes with various preset filters, and I use Photoshop to fine-tune scenes, correct imperfections, and enhance lighting. However, feel free to explore how you want to use them, as both are quite intuitive. If diving into new software feels a bit daunting, I’ve included some helpful YouTube clips below for you to check out. We’ve all been in that learning curve, and that’s exactly what you’re here for! Let’s tackle this together – you’ve got this!

If this post guided you through setting up your studio, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Your feedback is valuable as I’m always looking to improve, and if there’s anything I missed, feel free to share your tips. Drop any questions you have, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Consider this my gift to support your journey as an Etsy or small business seller. Best of luck! I’m excited to see the amazing things you come up with!

Congratulations on mastering the essentials! To make your photography journey even smoother, download my FREE guide below encompassing all the valuable insights you’ve gained here below. It’s your handy reference as you continue honing your skills. Best of luck!

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