Planning Your Commercial Product Photo Session: A Step-by-Step Guide

Great product photos are essential for any business looking to attract customers and drive sales. Whether you’re launching a new product line or updating your online store, planning a successful commercial product photo session requires careful preparation. Here’s how to ensure your shoot goes smoothly and yields the best possible results.

 Define Your Goals - Planning Session

Before diving into the logistics, clearly define what you want to achieve with your product photos. Consider:

• Purpose: Are the photos for your website, social media, print ads, or all of the above?
• Style: Do you need simple white background shots, lifestyle images, or detailed close-ups?
• Quantity: How many products need to be photographed, and how many photos of each?

 Choose the Right Photographer

Thank you for choosing me.  My goal is to achieve the images you need and want for your business, website, marketing and social media.

Selecting the right photographer is critical to the success of your shoot. Look for a professional with experience in product photography and a portfolio that aligns with your vision. Discuss your goals and ensure they understand your brand’s aesthetic.

 Plan Your Budget

Determine your budget early on. Include costs for:

• Photographer fees
• Multiple photo sessions
• Props and backgrounds

 Create a Shot List - This will be reviewed at our planning session

A detailed shot list ensures you cover all necessary angles and styles. For each product, specify:

• Type of shot: Front, back, side, top-down, detailed close-ups, lifestyle contexts, etc.
• Props and background: Any additional items or settings needed for the photo.

 Prepare Your Products

Ensure all products are in perfect condition before the shoot. This includes:

• Cleaning: Remove any dust, fingerprints, or smudges.
• Assembly: Make sure all parts are correctly assembled and functional.
• Labeling: Remove any unnecessary labels or stickers that shouldn’t appear in the final photo.

 Select Props and Backgrounds

Props and backgrounds can enhance your product photos and convey the right message. Consider:

• Props: Items that complement or showcase the product’s use.
• Backgrounds: Simple backgrounds for clean, focused shots or more complex settings for lifestyle images.

 Organize Logistics

Coordinate all logistical aspects of the shoot to ensure everything runs smoothly:

• Location: Confirm the shoot location (studio or on-site) and ensure it has adequate space and lighting.
• Schedule: Create a detailed schedule, including setup, shoot, and breakdown times.
• Team: Ensure all team members (photographer, assistants, stylists) are aware of their roles and the timeline.

Day of the Shoot

On the day of the shoot:

• Arrive early: Allow plenty of time for setup and any last-minute adjustments.
• I will keep you organized: Keep products and props organized to ensure a smooth workflow.
• I will show you our progress: Regularly review the shots to ensure they meet your expectations and make adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

Planning a successful commercial product photo session involves meticulous preparation and attention to detail. Our Planning session (conversations) are very important and the time is worth it. By clearly defining your goals, place, preparing your products, and coordinating logistics, you can achieve stunning product photos that effectively showcase your brand and drive sales.