Things Every Product Photographer NEEDS

If you’re a Product Photographer shooting flatlays, lifestyle shots, etc, you know how messy the process can be.

Right from ideation to sitting down to edit the pictures, a lot goes on behind the picture.

Even a simple-looking minimal flatlay can end up being your studio/room being in a total mess. You don’t want to spend half of your energy cleaning that up post-shoot.

It is quite tiring to create a setup from scratch. After spending years in this field as a Photographer, I’ve come across things that really help smooth out the process.

Believe me, you’ll think why didn’t I use this before? After you buy and use the things I’m going to recommend to you. I only wish someone introduced me to them before. Unfortunately, these suggestions never popped up in any YouTube tutorial or a blog post.

But worry not, I’m pouring out everything I know and use in this blog post.

Some of them might seem small and not of much significance, but it really does make a difference.

Also Read: Mental Health Podcasts That Can Help You | GarimaShares

Save every bit of energy that can be saved so that your creative self can bloom at its best.

Items that will make Product Photography a bit easier

Tripod for over-the-head mounting

For the longest time, I thought that I can do without a tripod that lets you mount your camera perpendicular to your flatlay.

I knew it’s a great addition to my gear but I never thought that it is absolutely necessary.

But when your Product Photography work starts to expand, when you spend more time perfecting a setup, you need a tripod.

It lets you stand back and see exactly how your setup would look like in the final shot. A tripod also opens up a host of possiblities.

You can shoot smooth stop-motions and flatlays that have your hands in the picture.

I assure you, your photographs will be visibly sharper when they are taken on a camera mounted on the tripod.

Still not convinced?

Here’s one more advantage.

Think of when you’re taking a picture and the light is a bit too dim? With your camera mounted on the tripod, you can reduce the shutter speed to get in more light in your shot.

This wouldn’t be possible if you shoot handheld because at a lower shutter speed it would look hazy. I use a Digitek 520BH tripod which has the overhead-mounting option and can also be converted into a monopod.

Also Read: Enhance your flatlays by following a color palette

Remote Shutter

Well if you’re mounting your camera on the top for a flatlay, how are you going to press the shutter button?

Setting a timer would be cumbersome. Turning the timer on and then moving to place your hands or items in the flatlay can be tricky.

A remote control, however, would be a great choice.

You can be comfortably ready to shoot without having to go back and forth to press the shutter on your camera.

Simple trigger the timer with the remote put it on the side and get shooting!

These are the remotes you can use for Canon, and Nikon cameras. (Check twice if the remote is compatible with your camera model before ordering)

Feel like you don’t have enough props for your flatlays? Check out my Amazon storefront where I have carefully curated a collection of the most versatile and widely used props in flatlays.

Mobile App for connecting your camera to your phone

The mobile app is the alternative for a remote shutter. Every camera brand has an app available for its users.

Using the app, you can shoot and transfer pictures directly from your camera to your smartphone.

It will also make it easier to see your setup live in your hands while you fetch the props. The view from Sony’s app is something like this:

Sony: Imaging Edge (Android/iOS)

Canon: Canon Camera Connect (Android/iOS)

Nikon: SnapBridge (Android/iOS)

Fujifilm: Fujifilm Camera Remote (Android/iOS)

Tethering Wire

To take the ease-of-shooting to the next level, you should invest in a tethering wire.

Your camera can be connected to your desktop/laptop using a tethering wire. This will allow you to see your setup more clearly on a bigger screen. You can also shoot remotely using a tethered camera.

Each brand has its own software that allows tethering, or you can use Adobe Lightroom as well.

Tethering wires from the brand Tether Tools are the ones that are most widely used. Double-check the pin on your camera before buying a tethering wire. Also, make sure that it is of adequate length.

A more affordable option is the tethering wire from Amazon basics which comes for around Rs. 649.

If you’re into Food Photography, check out this great video by Joanie Simon on how you can shoot tethered for Food Photography,

Tack-it

Wanted a different colored wall for a picture but didn’t know how to place your sheet on the wall? Using tape for sticking your backdrop on a wall can harm both the wall and your backdrop.

Get yourself a pack of tack-it ASAP. It comes in small pre-cut rectangular pieces which can be used individually.

It is sticky and leaves no residue on the walls or on your sheet. And it is pretty affordable too!

You can use tack-it to stick your products and props that seem to roll away.

Foldable table

If you shoot some of your projects at home, you need a table surface just for your setups.

A table that can be easily folded and kept aside when not in use. When you use any table that is already in your home, serving another purpose, you will have to clean it up after every shoot.

A folding table will be very easy-to-use and a sturdy option for your product photography setups.

I bought this table from Flipkart for just Rs. 1,149.

Also Read: How to create a product photography setup at home

Laptop Stand

Over time, my neck started to hurt because I spent a lot of time on the laptop editing pictures, finding new ideas, etc.

I bought this laptop stand from Amazon for Rs. 749 that elevates your laptop so that the screen matches your natural eye level.

You’ll be able to sit down and work for a longer time with less strain on your neck and eyes.

Also Read: Take Texture Shots in Product Photography With PERFECTION! | GarimaShares

White and Black Boards

Whiteboards are a great way to soften the shadows while shooting flatlays or general product pictures.

The light bounces off the white board and falls on the side of the product that was previously in the dark.

Here is an example,

These boards can also double up as a surface/backdrop when you’re photographing small items like rings or other accessories.

A pair of white and blackboards is available on Amazon for Rs. 599.

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