Essentials for In-House Product Photography
Doing all your product photography in-house can save you money and give you control over your product catalogue.
A lot of preparation goes into in-house product photography. In this article, we will help you through the essentials you need to remember to build an in-house product photography studio.
Advantages of in-house photography
- The whole process of product photography is in your control. The timings, the cost, the lighting set-up, human resources, and photo quality will all be directed by you.
- You will save on shipping fees. Photos are shot in-house, so you will not have to worry about the risk of shipping products or the cost.
- Communication between the photographers and the production department will be better and more accessible. Both parties will better understand what kind of photographs are needed, what kind of perspective is required, what the advertising strategy is, and so on.
- It will save you a lot of time. If you outsource your product photography, there will be instances where the outside vendors will be occupied with several other projects, and you will be asked to wait for shooting or editing. An in-house photographer ensures that your photos are shot as the priority.
Types of Product Photography
There are different types of styles and purposes in product photography. Some are simple and elegant for everyday use, while some are unique and special.
You can choose to keep a consistent look for all your products, or you can choose to introduce different perspectives on different products.
The critical part is understanding the difference between each type of product photography and deciding what you want to achieve with your product shots.
Remember to utilise good composition regardless of whichever shot you opt for. There are some great resources to learn about composition in photography:
- Expertphotography.com
- One Year With Film Only
Individual Shots
Individual shots are the most common option for most beginners in product photography. Individual shots will focus only on one product in the frame.
These shots are often taken to advertise on product catalogues or banners to highlight an individual product amongst a whole collection.
You can shoot this type of product photography on a clean white background to enhance the product's colour and the most delicate details and keep it simple so that the focus does not waiver from the product itself.
Group Shots
As the name suggests, group shots contain more than one product in the frame. So, if you want to display your product's range and variety, this is how you can do it.
Group shots help your customers to have a complete view of your entire product collection and what you are offering.
These photos best advertise your wide range of Instagram posts and other social media platforms.
Lifestyle Shots
Lifestyle shots are taken with the help of a model to make your products seem in use.
Lifestyle shots give a little edge to your products as they add a story and demonstrate to the customers how to use the product in their daily lives.
You can use these shots for various social media handles as well as other visual channels because they tend to make your products feel a little more personal and are suitable for attracting many customers.
These shots are also helpful when peppering into product descriptions as you describe the product’s features and benefits.
Scale Shots
Scale shots help your customers view the actual size of the product and help them know your product better by comparing it with other day-to-day items.
These shots make purchasing any item online much easier for customers. A common issue with online shopping is that the customers are always in a dilemma about the product size.
Detailed Shots
A detailed shot can benefit products requiring a close-up view, like jewellery or other small items.
These shots present a highlighted and detailed view of the different product features that a traditional shot might not be able to capture.
You will require proper lighting, camera settings, and background set-up for a great detailed photo.
Packaging Shots
Customers must have the best shopping experience while purchasing your products. To do so, photographs of packaging are an essential part.
You can have a great product, but if the packaging is not up to the level, it might dampen the enthusiasm of your customers.
But if your product comes wrapped in beautiful packaging, it might increase the selling chances.
Hence, packaging shots showing your packaging techniques can be handy selling tools.
These shots are also really similar to branding shots.
How to take great product photos
Taking great product photos requires a steady process, a few tips and hacks, and a creative perspective.
Then, there are other things you can take care of in your background, such as lighting, camera, product placement, etc., that will help you take the best product shot.
These preparations are necessary as the first impression of your photos in front of customers is essential.
In product photography, the product's essence must be enhanced to give a back story, which will help with advertising and marketing.
Great photos of your product will testify to the quality and value of your product and establish transparency between you and your customers.
But until your product reaches the hands of the customer, your photographs are all they rely on!
Lighting
Having adequate lighting is an essential element in product photography. It is hard to adjust the lights and create the mood you want for your product, but poor lighting can hobble even the most talented photographer.
A well-planned lighting setup for product photography is crucial to effectively highlight your product's details and features.
For product photography, you can choose from two lighting options – natural light and artificial light.
Natural Light
Natural light is considered the best option among many aspiring photographers. If utilised correctly, it can help you produce high-quality images.
Natural light is more suitable for outdoor or lifestyle shoots with a model. To get optimal light, set the time for the shoot so that the sun is at its peak.
If your product shoot is indoors, you can direct the shooting table and background near a natural light window. If you feel the light is coming on too strong, you can always use a light sheet or paper to drape over the window to adjust the light.
Artificial Light
If you want to invest in different studio lights to give your product a specific look or don’t want to shoot outdoors, you can always use artificial light.
You will require two soft box light setups to soften the shadows or use light clamps or bulbs as artificial light.
After setting up the studio lights, you can decide how to position your product.
It is worth noting that you can adjust the lights even after taking one or two practice shots if you are not content with how the photos have turned out, but keep one leading light in front of your product and the other for the backside a decent exposure.
- 【Illuminate Your Creativity】 Torjim softbox lighting kit is made of high-quality PET fabric and a foldable nylon cover, which has high reflectivity, softer and even light, and a wider range of illumination. The inner baffle of silver particles built into the lampshade makes the light cast evenly, which maximizes the soft light ability and eliminates shadows.
- 【Energy Efficient Bulbs】 Softbox photography lighting kit is equipped with 85W energy saving bulb, 3000-7500K daylight CFL lighting bulb, which can save up to 80% energy, the bulb not only can work in low temperature environment, but also the bulb life is beyond your imagination. While saving electricity, it also provides constant and even light, providing a good photographic environment.
- 【Sturdy and Reliable】 This studio softbox is equipped with a tripods with independent locking knobs, made of high quality aluminum alloy, and the sturdy locking system ensures that your items are not affected by any wobble during use. Experiments have proved that the tripod can easily resist scratches from hard objects, providing excellent safety, reliability and sufficient stability for your lighting softbox.
Showcasing the product
Showcasing the product vision is essential, as displaying it in the correct form can potentially convert just visitors into regular customers.
When you are selling your product online, the visual appeal or the feel of your product is your best tool to attract more and more customers to your website. Hence, the photos that appear most professional are very impactful.
Different angles
Customers are curious to look over the product they are buying very closely. So when you sell online, the customer will look for photographs taken from every angle to help them decide on their purchase.
So take photos from as many angles as possible and add a suitable description. Of course, this process gets more manageable if you have a professional camera.
If not, make sure that whichever equipment you use to take photos captures the elements and features of the product as closely as possible.
Gear considerations
Several gears are used during a product photoshoot. One is a shooting table or chair on which you will place your product and then capture it from several angles.
All these things included in his gear to create the perfect look for the product are integral for an in-house product photographer. But, of course, the essential part of his gear would be a camera and then a tripod.
Cameras
Choosing a camera for product photography mostly depends on your style and comfort. If you are comfortable with the settings of a DSLR, then invest in them, or if you prefer a mirrorless camera, that is a good option, too.
DSLRs
There are many choices among DSLRs. Some are budget-friendly and expensive, but you can always get a good deal through Amazon or other camera dealers.
According to my research, I have listed a few cameras that are the best picks for product photography:
- Nikon designed back side illuminated (BSI) full frame image sensor with no optical low pass filter
- 45.7 megapixels of extraordinary resolution, outstanding dynamic range and virtually no risk of moiré
- Up to 9 fps1 continuous shooting at full resolution with full AF performance
- High Image Quality: EOS 5D Mark IV digital 4K camera features a 30.4 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in nearly any light; delivers exceptional results with efficiency and ease
- Powerful Image Processor: High-performance DIGIC 6+ Image Processor allows for improved speed with up to up to 7.0 fps continuous shooting speed; 4K digital camera with ISO range 100-32000, expandable up to 50-102400
- High-Speed Shooting: Capture 4K Motion JPEG video at 30 or 24 frames per second; multiple video options include Full HD up to 60 fps, and HD up to 120 fps — an ideal 4K camera for video recording
- Class leading image quality, ISO range, image processing and metering equivalent to the award winning D500
- Large 3.2” 922k dot, tilting Lcd screen with touch functionality. Temperature: 0 °c to 40 °c (32 °f to 104 °f) humidity: 85 percentage or less (no condensation)
- 51 point AF system with 15 cross type sensors and group area AF paired with up to 8 fps continuous shooting capability
Mirrorless cameras
Mirrorless cameras are better than DSLR cameras in many respects, especially if you’re looking for something that’s not too bulky and easier to manage.
These are some of the best mirrorless cameras you can use for product photography:
- 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor with is 100–6400 (H: 12800)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology
- 9-Point AF system and AI Servo AF
- Stellar Image Quality: Canon EOS R100 4K digital camera with 24.1 megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor for superb image clarity and detail can capture images with natural bokeh
- Compact Design: Compact, lightweight EOS R series 4K camera with an affordable price; smallest and lightest camera body in the EOS R series built for excellent mobility
- Powerful Image Processor: DIGIC 8 image processor allows for improved shooting functionality and 4K video capability; EOS R100 is a great starting point for users looking for mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses
- Enjoy interchangeable lens video shooting with the first EOS V series camera body.
- Built for creators with a redesigned user interface including a Vertical Video tripod mount and Front Record button.
- Slow and Fast mode – this allows creative control of the video frame rate and playback speed.
Tripods
Tripods are an excellent addition to your in-house product photography gear. They come in handy, especially when playing with the lighting, with a small aperture and slow shutter speed.
When your camera is at a low shutter speed, holding it still with your hands is tough to avoid blurring the photograph. This is when you will need a tripod to save the day.
Tripods also help you keep the camera in one position so you can replace the product in your lightbox/photography area and keep clicking away.
- 【Lightweight & Easy to Adjust】Upgraded trapezoidal flap lock tripod adjusted from 19.5″ and 74″ to meet different height needs for variety shooting environments and photography. 18″ compact size and 3.15 lbs weight make tripod easy to carry with travel bag
- 【Durable & Horizontally Stable】Professional tripod for camera and phones provides ultra stability and steadiness for various terrain. Rubber feet provide a firm grip strong friction. Thicker tube makes the tripod more torsional resistant & anti-shaking
- 【Tripod for Camera and Phones】Quick-release plates and phone hodler maximize the compatibility to the greatest extent. Standard 1/4″ screw compatible with all cameras, DSLR, SLR, webcams, projector, ring light, spotting scopes, lasers, binoculars, etc
Boom arm
Boom arms are superb tools for taking flat overhead shots or videos.
If you’ve ever watched a YouTube video where you’re looking straight down onto the workbench, these shots are achieved with a boom arm.
- 【Magic Arm with Super Clamp】 Crafted from robust aluminum alloy, the low profile but super grip boom arm camera mount supports gear or equipment like DSLR mirrorless cameras, action cameras, webcams, microphones (mics) or smartphones up to 500g/17.6oz. This table stand rig is ideal mounting accessories solution for overhead photography, vlogging, gaming, live streaming, video recording, Zoom calls and conferencing, videography podcast, etc. Recommended for use in static situations
- 【Articulating Arm with Ball Heads】 The two section friction boom arm offers a 55cm/22″ extended length, and is equipped with three sets of 360° dual ball head adapters, enhancing the flexibility of angle and height, and secured with a simple twist of the locking knobs. Each ball head comes with multiple rubber rings to firmly grip your gear and prevent accidental drops
- 【For Both Flat Surfaces and Tube Rods】 The V grooves and pivot tips of the desk camera mount securely grip flat surfaces (up to 2″/50mm thick) and cylindrical objects (up to 1.6″/40mm in diameter), such as desks, tripods, selfie sticks, light stands, shoulder rigs, bike/motorcycle handlebars, poles, etc. Also compatible with smallrig magic arms small rig camera accessories, compatible with DJI Ronin-M Ronin MX compatible with Freefly Movi 25mm and 30mm gimbal stabilizer rods
Lightbox
Using a lightbox for product photography makes lighting and setting up very easy.
All you have to do is place your product inside the box, position the angle per your requirement, turn on the lights, and then take a few practice shots.
The main advantage of using a lightbox is that it allows you to capture the details without having any distracting shadows or backgrounds.
- [High-CRI & Adjustable LED Lighting] – Equipped with 120 SMD2835 LEDs (CRI ≥95) for true-to-life color rendering, this 16″x16″x12″ lightbox ensures vibrant, accurate imagery while reducing energy use. Features 10 brightness levels and 3 color temperatures (white/soft/warm) to adapt to diverse shooting scenarios, from product details to creative setups.
- [Versatile 6-Color PVC Backdrops] – Includes black/white/red/blue/green/orange PVC backgrounds for dynamic styling. Durable, washable, and wrinkle-resistant, 16″x16″x12″ light box backgrounds attach via hook-and-loop fasteners for quick swaps. Ideal for jewelry, accessories, or product shots requiring bold contrasts.
- [Multi-Angle Shooting Flexibility] – Adjustable top and front openings enable 360° access, allowing photographers to capture products from any perspective. 16″x16″x12″ Photo box silver-textured interior fabric enhances light reflection, ensuring even illumination and sharp details—perfect for highlighting intricate designs or textures.
How to set up a DIY lightbox
There are seven easy steps you need to follow to make your lightbox.
- Choose a giant cardboard box. The bigger your box is, the more you can use various objects of different sizes. You can buy one from a storage business or ask nearby stores to lend you unused cardboard boxes.
- Open the flaps of the box in front of you. Mark a point with a pencil approximately 2 inches from every edge on the side of the box. Connect the dots. Repeat the same exercise on the other side of the box. These are the windows for your lightbox.
- Cut the rectangular shape with a scissor or a sharp cutter and remove the extra cardboard from the middle.
- After your windows are ready, cut out a few pieces of a white sheet of paper to cover your windows, or you can use a white poster board. Make sure that they fit into the box perfectly. The white poster board adds an excellent feel to the product, and you can use different colours.
- After you have cut the fabric, fasten it to one of the windows with glue or tape. Then, move to the opposite side and let the material hang over the window.
- The sixth step is to apply a large piece of packing or duct tape to the upper edge of the poster. Next, fasten the tape from the inside of the lightbox to the upper part of the backside. Then, fasten the opposite edge of the board to the bottom.
- After making the entire lightbox, place it on a smooth surface. Make sure of the space for lights. Then, place your product in the middle and shoot away!
Here’s a video tutorial you can follow along:
Optimal camera settings for product photography
For all DSLR users, shooting in manual mode can get excellent product photography results.
While it is convenient to set the camera on auto mode to choose the ISO, shutter speed, and aperture automatically, the manual mode will help you take professional and unique photographs.
The settings you should use are as follows:
Keep the ISO as low as possible. For this setting to work, you will need adequate lighting. Higher ISO is not recommended, as higher ISO settings can lead to grainy photos.
While setting the ISO number, start from the lowest number(100) and gradually work until you have a perfectly lit photograph.
Keep the aperture as small as possible. By keeping a higher f/stop, you ensure that the depth of field is not shallow and the product is in complete focus.
With lower f/stops(larger aperture), you can create a shallow depth of field that is best when you want to focus on a specific part of the product and blur the rest.
Keep the shutter speed between 1/100 to 1/200. If you are shooting your product on a tripod, you will not have to worry about motion blur or handshake due to the slower shutter speed.
So, a slightly lower shutter speed will determine that your product images come out crisp and sharp. However, if you shoot a lifestyle shot, you may need to increase your shutter speed to compensate for the motion.
Avoid taking pictures with hand where the shutter speed is below 1/60, as that is too slow to avoid motion blur, even if you have an excellent built-in image stabiliser. Instead, you can start at 1/100 and adjust according to your light meter.
You can also use the aperture priority mode if you don’t want to use the manual mode. This mode will allow you to choose your aperture and ISO, and the camera will choose its shutter speed.
This setting is mainly used outside the studio, where the light changes due to the shade, and you want to adjust the depth of field to attract attention to specific features.
Keep the image format in RAW to store images on your memory card. RAW files are huge, but they produce the best quality images and more opportunities to edit post-production.
Keep your white balance automatic. If you are shooting indoors, it is best to let the camera decide what it wants to do about the studio lighting.
If you are familiar with white balance, you can choose the white balance setting yourself. As you go through the settings, you’ll be able to see the live image on your screen adjust if you’re using a mirrorless camera.
Choose the automatic focus setting for your camera and lens to lock the product through your lens and maintain focus.
It is not always feasible to manually focus every shot. After a couple of hours of shooting, your eyes might get tired. Since only the product is in the frame, you can let the camera do its job and let your hands be free of the lens.
Shooting product photos with your phone
If you are not planning to shoot consistently, smartphone technology has come a long way, so instead of a camera, you can take pictures with a smartphone.
Modern smartphones take perfect photos. While the sensor size is not that big, as long as your lighting is fine, the photos are good enough to use for your online store/social media.
You can constantly adjust your angles and backdrops or play around with lighting until you get your perfect shot.
Conclusion
In-house product photography may take a little time, but having control over your product photography can save you time and money and help you get creative.
Having the right gear is necessary, and it’s not that expensive. A good camera and a lightbox are all you need to get started, and if you can invest in a tripod or boom arm, that will make a big difference, too.
Finally, shooting from multiple angles and getting creative with your display products can help set you apart.
Last update on 2025-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
