9 Studio Photography Ideas to Make Your Brand and Products Pop
Studio photography is a stunning (and controlled) way to give your brand or products that compelling visual appeal we're all after. If you're looking to add some pizzazz to your brand visuals or photography portfolio, studio photography offers endless possibilities. (Don't worry, they won't look like your family portraits from the 90s, featuring those hilariously outlandish backdrops.) I've rounded up nine killer studio photography ideas and compositions to help your products pop and leave a lasting impression.
Note: A couple of these examples were taken outdoors or at the place of business, but you can easily recreate the concept in the studio if you prefer.
9 Top-Tier Studio Product Photography Techniques
1. Minimalist Magic
Composition: Less is more, and that’s the mantra of minimalist photography. Use a clean, neutral background—think whites, greys, beiges, or soft pastels—to allow your product to take center stage.
Tip: Focus on sharp, clear images with ample lighting to highlight your product’s features. Use natural light or a softbox to avoid harsh shadows. The key is simplicity, so make sure there’s no clutter to distract from your product.
2. Color Pop Backgrounds
Composition: Inject some personality into your shots with vibrant, contrasting backgrounds. A bold backdrop can make your product eye-catching, evocative, and memorable.
Tip: Choose colors that complement your brand identity and make your product stand out. Experiment with color theory; contrasting, complementary colors attract eyes while monochromatic pops enhance the product’s visual appeal. Remember to maintain a balance to avoid overwhelming the viewer and stick to your brand's guidelines.
Seamless paper rolls are a fantastic investment for creating clean, bold backdrops. They come in various colors and are easy to swap out as needed.
3. Flat Lay Fun
Composition: Flat-lay photography involves arranging objects on a flat surface and shooting from above. This style is perfect for showcasing a collection of related products or highlighting features. Flat lays work especially well for culinary spreads.
Tip: Use a tripod to keep your camera steady, and play around with different arrangements until you find one that tells a story. Good lighting is essential, so make sure to illuminate the scene evenly. Don’t be afraid to include props that add context or tell a story about your product.
4. Tell a Story with a Styled Set
Composition: You can create almost any authentic setting in the studio. Use this opportunity to create a narrative and show your product in action! Create a mini-set that mimics real-life use, allowing customers to visualize the product’s utility and style in their lives. For example, you could recreate a cozy home space, kitchen, gym, or cafe.
Tip: Incorporate models or hands to demonstrate product usage. Ensure the setting aligns with your brand’s lifestyle and appeals to your target audience. Focus on natural poses and authentic expressions to create a relatable and aspirational scene.
5. Reflection and Symmetry
Composition: Utilize reflective surfaces like mirrors or glossy backgrounds to create striking, symmetrical compositions. This technique adds a layer of sophistication and depth to your photographs.
Tip: Pay close attention to lighting to avoid unwanted glares or reflections. Keep your product centered and aligned to enhance symmetry. Experiment with angles until you find one that beautifully accentuates the product’s form and features.
6. Play with Shadows and Light
Composition: Use dramatic lighting to create intriguing shadows that add depth and interest to your images. By playing with shadows, you can emphasize the texture and features of your product, making it more appealing.
Tip: Position your light source at an angle to your product. A simple table lamp or a professional softbox can work wonders. Adjust the distance and angle until you achieve the desired shadow effect. Remember, shadows can be your best friend in making a product look sophisticated and alluring.
You can also experiment with different light sources and modifiers. Soft, diffused light creates smooth shadows, while a direct light source results in sharp, defined edges. Both can be effective, depending on the mood you want to create.
7. Create a Sense of Scale
Composition: Show your audience exactly how big (or small) your product is by incorporating everyday objects. This is especially useful for e-commerce photography, where size can be challenging to convey.
Tip: Pair your product with a familiar item, like a pencil, a hand, or even a coin. Make sure the supporting object doesn't overshadow your product but complements it.
Use macro lenses for smaller products to capture fine details while maintaining focus on scale. Ensure your lighting highlights the product’s features without creating too much distraction.
8. The Dynamic Duo
Composition: Why feature just one product when you can highlight its versatility and complementary items? Arrange two or more products in a dynamic composition that tells a story. Perhaps a pasty paired with a seasonal latte or a makeup palette with a luxury handbag. Show how your products work harmoniously and increase lifestyle appeal.
Tip: Experiment with layering and angles. Shooting from above can offer a fresh perspective and pique interest.
9. The Textural Tease
Composition: Texture can add depth and intrigue to your studio shots. Imagine cozy knits for a winter collection or rough wood for rustic kitchenware. Use props that enhance the textural story and give viewers a sense of touch through the visual medium.
Tip: Play with side lighting to create shadows that emphasize texture, bringing your product’s unique features to the forefront.
Bonus Tips for Commercial Photography
Lighting is Crucial: Invest in some quality lighting equipment. Diffused lighting can soften shadows and highlight your product’s best features.
Know Your Gear: Whether it's a DSLR, a mirrorless camera, or a smartphone, know your equipment inside out. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for each product.
Allot time for Post-Production: Don’t shy away from using editing software to enhance your images. Adjusting exposure, contrast, and color balance can significantly improve the overall look.
Consistency is Key: Maintain a consistent style to create a cohesive portfolio that aligns with your brand identity. This helps build brand recognition and trust.
Elevate Your Commercial Photography Game
I hope you enjoy these studio photography ideas to make your products pop and your brand shine. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting until you hone your unique style.