Product photography is a specialty and includes considerations such as ultra-high resolution, exposure, depth of field, and dynamic range. This article will share with you 9 product photography gadgets that will help you take better shots.
Camera Settings
If you’re new to product photography, or just looking to improve your shots, there are a few camera settings that you should know about. These will help you get the best results from your photographs, whether you’re shooting in a studio or on location.
First, let’s talk about the resolution. When it comes to product photography, you want to make sure that your images are as sharp and clear as possible. This means shooting at a high-resolution setting on your camera. For most DSLRs, this will be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch).
Next, we’ll discuss the depth of field. This is the amount of distance between the nearest and farthest objects in your image that appear in focus. For product photography, you usually want a shallow depth of field so that the background is blurred, and the focus is on your product. You can achieve this by using a low f-stop number (such as f/2.8 or f/4).
Finally, we’ll talk about shutter speed. This is the amount of time that your camera’s shutter is open when taking a photograph. For product photography, you’ll typically want to use a faster shutter speed so that your images are sharp and free of any blurriness. A good rule of thumb is to use a shutter speed that is equal to or greater than your lens’ focal length (for example, if you’re using a 50 mm lens, use a shutter speed of 1/50 second or faster).
Photographic Lighting
Good product photography requires good lighting, and there are many gadgets on the market designed to help you get the perfect shot. Here are some of the most popular photographic lighting gadgets:
- Softboxes: Softboxes are rectangular boxes that diffuse the light from your flash, giving your product a softer, more natural look.
- Ring lights: Ring lights are circular lights that mount on your camera lens and provide even, shadow-free lighting for close-up shots.
- LED lights: These are energy-efficient lights that come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be used for both studio and location shooting.
- Portable strobes: These are self-contained flash units that can be used both indoors and out, making them ideal for on-the-go product photography.
Tripod
If you’re serious about product photography, then a tripod is an essential piece of equipment. A tripod will help you keep your camera steady and avoid blurring, especially when shooting in low light or using a long focal length.
There are lots of different tripods on the market, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your needs. Consider factors like weight, height, and portability when making your choice.
Once you’ve got your tripod, make sure to experiment with different angles and heights to find the perfect composition for your shots. And don’t forget to use the timer or remote shutter release to avoid shaking when taking the photo.
Flashes
If you’re looking to improve your product photography, one of the best things you can do is invest in some quality flashes. Flashes can help you get better lighting for your photos, and they can also allow you to take pictures in different environments. There are a few different types of flashes that you can choose from, so be sure to pick the one that best suits your needs.
- Speed lights: Speed lights are small, portable flashes that are ideal for taking pictures on the go. They’re perfect for getting quick shots in low-light situations, and they’re relatively inexpensive.
- Studio Strobes: Studio strobes are larger than speed lights, and they’re designed for use in studios or other controlled environments. They typically offer more power and features than speed lights, but they’re also more expensive.
- Flash Bracket: A flash bracket is a device that holds your flash above or to the side of your camera, allowing you to get better lighting angles for your photos. Flash brackets are especially helpful if you’re taking pictures of subjects that are moving around a lot.
Filters
If you want to take your product photography to the next level, then you need to invest in some quality filters. There are a few different types of filters that can be helpful, depending on the look you’re going for.
Neutral density filters are great for reducing the amount of light that hits your sensor, without affecting the color balance. This can be helpful if you’re trying to shoot a long exposure during the day, or if you want to use a wider aperture without blowing out your highlights.
Polarizing filters are another must-have for any serious product photographer. They help reduce glare and reflections, so you can get a clear shot of your product. Just be aware that they can also darken your photo slightly, so experiment with different strength polarizing filters to find the right one for your needs.
If you’re photographing products with shiny surfaces, then anti-reflective or “golden hour” filters can be a lifesaver. This help reduces the number of reflections and glare, so you can get a clear shot of your product.
No matter what type of product photography you’re doing, having a good set of filters can make a big difference in your results. So don’t skimp on this important piece of gear!
Reflector
If you want to take your product photography to the next level, consider investing in some reflectors. Reflectors are great for bounced light and can help create a softer, more flattering light. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find one that fits your needs.
There are two main types of reflectors: white and silver. White reflectors will bounce back a cool, white light, while silver reflectors will bounce back a warmer, yellow light. If you’re not sure which one to get, we recommend starting with a white reflector. You can always add a silver reflector later if you want to experiment with different lighting setups.
Wireless Triggers
Wireless triggers are one of the most important product photography gadgets you can invest in. They allow you to take your photos without having to physically touch your camera, which can cause shake and blur.
There are many different types and brands of wireless triggers available on the market, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing one. We recommend the Phottix Odin II Wireless Flash Trigger Set, which includes a receiver and two transceivers. This particular set is compatible with Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, and Pentax cameras.
If you’re doing product photography on a budget, you can also use an infrared remote control. These are typically less expensive than wireless triggers, but they have a shorter range and can be more difficult to use.
Portable Backgrounds
If you’re shooting products on a white background, you’ll want a portable background that can be set up quickly and easily. There are a few different options available, each with its own benefits.
Foam Boards: Foam boards are lightweight and easy to transport, making them a great option for on-location shoots. They’re also relatively inexpensive, so you can buy a few different colors to use as backgrounds. Just be careful not to dent or bend the foam board, as this will show up in your photos.
Paper Backdrops: Paper backdrops come in rolls and can be hung from a stand or taped to a wall. They’re available in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find one that suits your needs. Paper backdrops are also relatively inexpensive and easy to transport. However, they can be tricky to set up if you don’t have help.
Seamless Backgrounds: Seamless backgrounds are made of fabric and come in rolls. They’re available in many different colors and patterns, so you can find one that suits your needs. Seamless backgrounds are more expensive than foam boards or paper backdrops, but they’re much easier to set up by yourself.
Photo Editing Programs
There are a variety of photo editing programs available to help improve your product photos. Adobe Photoshop is a widely used program that offers a variety of features for editing photos. Other popular programs include GIMP, Paint.NET, and PhotoS cape.
Each program has its own set of features and tools that can be used to edit photos. Some common features include cropping, resizing, color correction, and adding text or graphics. Experiment with different features to see what works best for your needs.
