A setup guide and a checklist to go, please

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Do it yourself or get help

We understand that not every business owner can afford professional product photography, especially when you’re just starting out. It is not the end for you, my friend. There is a thing called DIY photography and it can be mastered by your everyday man or woman. You might even enjoy it. With that said, a little effort has to go into the setup and may cost you a quick penny. You would have to ensure that you have the correct tools and equipment. The nice thing about DIY it could be lying around in your house.  

The simplest form of getting it done

It may look and sound like a mission but DIY photography is the simplest form of photography. It consists of a basis of four tools: a white background, a window, a white reflector board and a camera on a steady platform. This technique is quick and easy to set up and can result in beautiful, high-quality images.

1. A white background: for your background, you could use any colour really but most eCommerce sites have a white clean background. For this, you could use a white wall, cardboard or some even use a white ironed fabric.
2. A window: find a bright space where a window is located. For the brightest light, shoot between 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. This is important for capturing the details of your product.
3. A white reflector board: similar to the white background, the reflector board could be constructed out of matte white cardboard. This is used to diminish the shadow that may fall on the side of the product. If you prefer the shadow for aesthetic reasons, then exclude the reflector board.
4. A camera on a steady surface: if you do not have a tripod then setting your camera on a steady table or stool helps. You have to ensure that it is steady so you do not have inconsistency in your product shots or worse, camera shake. When it comes to cameras do not panic. I have seen many professional shots taken on a smartphone. The trick is the lighting. If you have a point and shoot camera that works too. Try and not use the flash. It’s simply not a good look.

Give it a try and then try again, eventually, you will get a knack for it and find it a good way to start selling on your online store. To add a clear illustration of the set up below we have added an image to direct you.

Need help?

Download a copy of our checklist here.

Would you like a consultation to evaluate the state of your product shots currently online? Send us an email and we can help you out! info@enhanceretail.com