Everyone’s lens is the best for product photography. If you are also suffering from the same problem and wondering which lens to buy and which not to buy, read our article. We are sure that after reading it, you will get answers to all your questions.
Whatever the lens, the photographer captures the image with it, but cleaning and other tasks can be difficult because these require a good lens.
What is Product Photography?
It is a particular style of business photography geared towards capturing product images for advertisement and marketing campaigns. At its core, it represents anything of the product to make the object’s features, textures, or details appealing to a customer. Quality product images are sure triggers for online shops, catalogs, and ads to trigger a final purchase from a buyer.
Types of Product Photography
Individual Shots
These are shots of one product, usually taken one product at a time. The shots are mainly used to individualize the features or design of the product. This is among the most frequently used types for e-commerce listings, which entails mostly taking an empty background.
Group Shots
Group shots show several products. This is good when a collection or group of products is to be displayed. Examples: a collection of kitchen tools, makeup, or the entire product line. This will tell the range or variety.
Lifestyle Shots
It is either the product being used or a shot in real life. Lifestyle photography helps the potential customer imagine how the product is integrated into his daily life, hence the emotional component attached and his appeal to the product.
Scale Shots
Scale shots are product shots taken next to an object of known size—such as a hand or common item—so the customer can get an idea of size. This helps avoid confusion among online shoppers.
Detailed Shots
These are also close-up shots. In such shots, the focus is usually on the details of the product, such as textures or stitching, materials, or particular features that will impress. These work well for products with unique craftsmanship or intricate details.
Packaging Shots
These images concentrate on packaging, necessarily focused on products in which packaging adds some value to the customer experience, such as premium or luxury products, cosmetics, or gift items. Such shots of packaging focus attention on the brand’s presentation and its brand elements.
Two Types of E-commerce Product Photos
There are two types of photos of an e-commerce product.
1. Clean-Cut, White Background, Product-Only Images
Product images are placed on a spotless white background with no distractions. These images are mostly used for e-commerce websites and catalogs, where the product is the only attraction. This type of photography gives a very clear, professional look and allows customers to see the product without distractions. It is also quite effective in cases where the product’s design, shape, or color must be visible.
2. Lifestyle or in-context photos
This type of photography is referred to as in-context or lifestyle shots, where the product is shown in real life or used by an individual. Such pictures help a customer conceptualize how a product would fit into a customer’s life. They connect the customer’s story and often drive engagement by providing that personal, more relatable experience. This kind of photography is often implemented in advertising and social media campaigns to build a connection with people.
What is the best lens for product Photography?
The best lens will be determined by what you plan to photograph, but some of the best include:
1. 50mm Prime Lens
A 50mm is very sharp and can very closely simulate the field of view of the human eye, so it is great for product images where what you capture needs to match the natural view of the human eye. It’s excellent for individual It’ss and lifestyle photos and provides good depth of field.
2. 85mm Prime Lens
The 85mm lens works well with larger product photography or when you want to isolate the subject and produce a very shallow depth of field. Its sharp image and good bokeh can help make the product pop and make it ideal for use.
This multi-tasking lens can be applied to nearly any product type. Zoom can get close to the subject, allowing for great latitude in framing; it’s useful for individual, grit images and some close detail.
3. 100mm or 105mm Macro Lens
A macro lens is perfect for shooting fine details, especially for smaller products such as jewelry, watches, or electronics. It allows shooting close-ups without losing clarity and is ideal for detailed shots focusing on textures.
4. 35mm Prime Lens
This is a good choice for lifestyle product shots, requiring more environment inside the frame. It gives you a wider field with a lot of sharpness, which is very good for in-context photography.
FAQs on lenses for product photoshoots
What is the best ISO for product photography?
It’s best to use a low ISO for product photography, typically between 100 and 200. A lower ISO keeps the images clean and noise-free and maintains the highest quality. Always prioritize good lighting to avoid increasing the ISO unnecessarily.
How do I start product photography?
- Step 1: Learn the basics of photography (aperture, shutter speed, ISO).
- Step 2: Invest in a good camera and lens (start with a DSLR or mirrorless camera and a 50mm prime lens).
- Step 3: Set up a simple studio at home or in your workspace with a white background and adequate lighting (natural or softbox lighting).
- Step 4: Practice shooting different products from various angles and experiment with lighting and composition.
- Step 5: Edit your photos using software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop for clean and professional-looking results.
Do product photographers make money?
Yes, product photographers can earn good income depending on their experience, portfolio, and the types of clients they work with. Common revenue sources include:
- E-commerce companies need images for their websites.
- Brands seeking professional product photos for marketing and advertising.
- Freelance work is available for small businesses, individual sellers, or even stock photography. Rates can vary widely, from $50 to $500 per hour or more, depending on the project and the photographer’s expertise.
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