The depiction of inanimate objects is called still life in the artistic field, in day-to-day business of a photographer are we talking about Object or product photography . Or from that classic advertising photography . Before the triumph of digital photography, a lot of effort was needed in the commercial sector in order to present products or very technical objects as excitingly as possible, if not even sexy, but the modern photographic possibilities allow very fast implementation of even demanding product photos if a few basic rules are observed regardless of the motif and the technology used. We ourselves are repeatedly confronted with the challenge of attractive product photos, which should also primarily reach the target group of photographers. For example, recently we have theie Creation of Key visuals for the Extremium round filtersdocumented . There is also a lot to consider when it comes to lighting, background and equipment, which is why we have included some for you Tips and a guide to product photography have created. We also recommend suitable Rollei products for product photographyequipment.
We would like to give you an overview of thisaspects, techniques and methods be as brief as possible, but also as detailed as necessary. Let's start with the basics. Because it is not easy to photograph a product with an individual image aesthetic and a statement that suits both the target group and the company.
Product photography tips & instructions for equipment, lighting, background & Co.
The correct lighting and the structure of lighting, background and the right equipment for product photography are among the tasks with a higher level of difficulty. The images must be sharp, usually without reflections and reflections, and also staged in such a way that the product stands for quality and/or a statement. After all, a modern and professional product photo should motivate to buy and arouse the customer's need as well as appeal to him emotionally. But how exactly does that work??
Product photography tip 1: Which camera?
Full frame cameras are best. But it doesn't always have to be an SLR or system camera. If you follow our tips for product photography, then digital cameras are sometimes completely sufficient. However, professionals tend to rely on higher-quality cameras anyway. by the way : which one camera type is right for you, you will learn more about it in one other articles on our blog . Even bridge cameras that have a manual setting of f-number and shutter speed allow, can be used for product photography.
Product photography tip 2: Define the image statement beforehand
Even before arranging the object, composing the light and choosing the background, you should be absolutely clear about the desired message or statement of your product photo. If you only want to present the new model of a product line to the viewer or, for example, convey the overall condition of a collector's item or used item as clearly as possible, then this is an optionch different views from all sides, evenly illuminated and on a background that is as neutral as possible. A flowing background that avoids edges is also often used here. On the other hand, if you want to give a more spectacular impression, you might use dramatic angles, use rather dark backgrounds and set the light selectively or directly from above.
Product photography tip 3: Which perspective to choose?
In addition to the frontal view of the object, which can seem a bit boring, especially with rather unspectacular objects, the 2/3 rule first prevailed as a suitable perspective in painting and then also in photography. You may know the faux 45 perspective from some video games. Here, the perspective distortion is overridden in favor of easier programming. In photography, this unnatural perspective is only possible through subsequent processing and only confuses the viewer. Instead, a subdivision of the four sides and the top view is made. The side facing the viewer (ideally the most interesting view of the object) takes up about 2/3 of the subject. This is where the lighting is brightest. The far side receives 1/3 of the lateral subject dimension and is darkest. Only a third of the top view is visible vertically and has a brightness that lies between the other two sides. This approach is immediately understood by the target group and is considered to have been learned. The spatial dimensions can be recorded directly; in the case of unusual formats, it helps to include a well-known commodity in the composition of the picture in order to convey the proportions.teln.
Product photography tip 4: shade yes or non?
Professional photographers often earn the necessary financial background noise with product photography for online or print catalogues. Exempted objects are usually requested by the clients. This gives the layouter the opportunity to place the objects freely in front of other objects or in front of backgrounds that are added later. However, this shadow-free state is only conditionally suitable for other tasks or uses. The objects seem free-floating and somehow unnatural. Either keep the minimal drop shadow when shooting on white or add an artificial object shadow in your photo editor. Even with the use of the lowest possible shadow parameters, you give your subject the necessary physicality and authenticity.t.
Product photography tip 5: Choosing the right props
If you can work artistically more freely or even intentionally and are not bound by strict specifications from the client, you also have the option of providing the product with props. Here it is up to you to choose the supporting actors, assign special tasks to the props, give the motif ironic, mysterious or other aspects or create your very own photographic style. Props are usually intended to underline the possible uses of the product or to convey it in the first place, to reinforce its value or to assign it to a certain lifestyle. Therefore, not only the placement of the props is crucial, but also their selection. A high-priced watch, for example, does not feel comfortable on the bonnet of a used small car, provided the image message is intended to underline the premium character. On the other hand, such combinations can also convey an outsider or indie philosophy.eln.
Product photography tip 6: 360 photographye
Especially for online shops, many products are now presented to potential buyers from all sides. In this way, the consumer identifies more with the object of his desire, because instead of the haptic experience in a real store, he at least has the opportunity to look at the product from different sides. The images (at least eight different views) are prepared for browser plugins using specialized programs. The customer can rotate the item, zoom in or out and solidify their purchase decision. The product is placed on a turntable and rotated through fixed angles. It is important that the lighting remains the same and that the shadows and depth of field do not change. Otherwise the desired effect would be destroyed.erden.
Product photography tip 7: The equipment tripod, studio flash, softbox & Co.
Fortunately, you don’t need one to achieve high-quality results in product photography photo equipment , which require investments in the high four-digit range. Currently at our online shop for photo accessories get one complete set for product photography for about. 1.299,- .. Next to a digital camera, the most important piece of equipment is without a doubt this classic tripod . Because an unstable or wobbly tripod can ruin even the recordings of an absolute professional high-end camera in a matter of seconds. Quality modern travel tripods can now also ensure crisp, sharp images in a studio environment, for example the Carbon tripods from the City Traveler series . When tripod head recommends one flexible ball head for different shooting angles. By working with the tripod, every product photo is blur-free and sharp, even with slow shutter speeds. It is also recommended that you use a remote trigger to work.
The camera itself does not necessarily have to come from the SLR family, but of course it is suitable for different subject distances interchangeable lenses at. It is also very comfortable direct connection between camera and computer , in order to be able to assess the images in full resolution immediately after exposure. Consider this aspect if you do not already have a suitable apparatus. By the way: with the Easy Cap mode, you simplify product photography enormously by using the cropping of the product photo in a matter of seconds allows. The necessary studio flashes such as Accesories receivehere.
No photography without light and in the field of product photography you are the absolute ruler of the lighting conditions! There are professionals who work for several days or even weeks on the perfect light for the corresponding motif, experiment with special effects or move the lamps or flashes back and forth by a few millimeters. You don't have to be that meticulous, but a careful and structured approach is also recommended here. You should work your way from the general to the specific. First set the overall or background light, then take care of the object lighting and then, if desired, place individual light highlights on the object. If you have too many reflections on the product, don't get rid of them by changing the light source(s) and thee Reflections disturb the overall impression of the picture , consider using one professional polarizing filter.
If your typical working environment has sufficient daylight, you can create a large number of images without the need for artificial lighting. Put the object in the light according to the 2/3 rule, maybe use a pure white reflective surface to brighten the far side of the object or to define the edges done. If you want to work no matter the weather, you should get a daylight lamp or two. ideally with diffuser attachments that provide a diffused, soft light. Professionals work with combined luminous flash lamps, but you can start with pure lamps without any problems. Since you are with onem tripod work, you are independent of exposure times. For smaller objects, light tents have proven themselves, which can be set up quickly and provide a pleasant and neutral basic light. You can then set additional aspects with individual lamps.
It is important for the light composition that you are working with light sources that are the same color temperature exhibit. Otherwise, yellowish, reddish or bluish tinges can appear and impair the overall result. To achieve the most natural effect possible, you should also avoid absolutely opposite angles of incidence and himself apparently avoid overlapping shadows . Of course, these effects can intentionally create exciting images, but if used carelessly, such errors do not cast a good picture on the photographer.
In addition to these pieces of equipment, there are also a few small items: modeling clay to fix objects at certain points, clamps to attach backgrounds, brushes and microfibre cloths to clean the objects and white and colored cardboard to be able to install backgrounds that run out quickly.
Product photography tip 8: post-processing with Easycap
We already mentioned the EasyCap recording mode that you can use with our HS Freezestudio flash can easily implement. When recording with Easy-Cap, two recordings are made. One with the desired lighting of the main subject and a second with the lighting of the background using the back flash lighting. The flashes trigger manually one after the other. With only backlighting on the second trigger, the subject stands out like a black silhouette against the illuminated background. This shot can later be used as a layer mask in post-processing with an image editing program such as Photoshop.The motif is released in a few minutes.
Conclusion
Product photography has quietly slipped out of the photo studios of famous professional photographers and can now be successfully practiced by creative amateurs and semi-professionals who are keen to experiment with an absolutely manageable effort. You can get suitable cameras and tripods for very fair prices, the remaining pieces of equipment are quickly put together with a stringent plan and far-sighted buying behavior. In addition to the necessary experimentation, our tips and suggestions should simplify your entry into this exciting photo discipline and lead directly to presentable results.
1 comment
Hallo, danke für deinen content – ich möchte dich aber darauf aufmerksam machen dass die Seite häufig ein paar Millimeter hoch und runter springt und die User Erfahrung stark beeinträchtigt.
LG David