Getting Started with Product Photography at Home

Getting Started with Product Photography at Home

 

What you really need - and what you don’t.

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If you’ve ever tried to photograph a product at home and ended up with a flat, grey, uninspiring image - you’re not alone. The good news is, it doesn’t take a full studio setup to make your products shine (although that can help). With a bit of planning and the right tools (or clever stand-ins), you can get professional-looking results from your kitchen table.

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Start With What You Have

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You don’t need a fancy camera to get started. If all you have is a phone and a bright window, you’re already on your way.

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• Light is everything. A big window with sheer curtains makes an excellent soft light source. Add a white foam board opposite your light to bounce the shadows.

• Backdrop options: White card, wallpaper samples, plain fabric, old chopping boards. Keep it clean and consistent.

• Keep it steady: Prop your phone on a stack of books or grab a small tripod - anything to avoid camera shake.

 

Even with minimal gear, a well-lit, well-styled image will almost always outperform a technically perfect shot with poor composition.

The Gear I Use (and Recommend)

 

As a working photographer, I’ve built up my kit over time. If you’re ready to level up, here’s what I use and why:
 

Camera + Lens

• Canon R5 + my lens of choice for the shoot (listed below in my gear section) - A reliable all-rounder for sharp, detail-rich images.

• Tripod - Essential for product work. I use a basic, sturdy tripod with an adjustable head.

 

Lighting

• Godox SL60W with softbox - This is my go-to for consistent, clean lighting, especially when I need control or shoot in the evening.

• A good light will last you years. If you’re photographing products regularly, this is a worthwhile investment.

 

Backdrops

• Foldable PVC or vinyl backdrops in neutral colours.

• I keep a few options on hand: marble, concrete, warm beige.

• Paper backdrops - you can find these easily online or just use posterboard from your loacl craft supplier.

 

Reflectors and diffusers

• A 5-in-1 reflector is handy, as is a 4 in 1 board reflector, but a white card or tin foil works in a pinch.

• Diffuse harsh light with a shower curtain or tracing paper.

 

Styling Tips for Better Product Photos

• Keep the focus on the product. Props are great - but only when they support the story. A plain coffee mug on a wood backdrop says “cosy morning.” Add a book and a biscuit, and now you’ve got a mood.

• Think about texture. Wood grain, linen, paper - even subtle variation adds interest.

• Use layers: Elevate your product with risers (like boxes under the backdrop), stackable props, or folded cloths.

 

Editing Tools

You don’t need Photoshop and Lightroom to make a great image pop:

• Lightroom (Mobile or Desktop) - For fine-tuning exposure and colour.

• A free app for quick edits.

• Canva - Ideal (and free!) for laying out your product images in branded graphics.

 

Keep your edits clean and consistent. Avoid filters that dramatically shift colours - especially if you're photographing items for sale.

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You don’t need to spend a fortune to create high-quality product photos - but you do need to pay attention to the basics. Good light, a clean setup, and a bit of planning go a long way.

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If you’d rather hand it off, I also offer product photography here in Glasgow and beyond. Whether it’s for your online shop, brand, or portfolio, I can help.

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Want to book a shoot? Get in touch here.

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