Cleanliness is key

When shooting products, especially shiny ones, every tiny smudge and speck of dust counts. Photographer Eugenio Franchi advises that you clean products carefully beforehand. “I always handle items with cotton gloves. I never use my bare hands – even if I’m just adjusting something on set,” he says. “You can get them online or from most photographic stores like Calumet or the Pro Centre.” He also recommends investing in a can of Dust-Off spray and a very soft brush or cloth. “Clients blow images up to scrutinise in detail so fingerprints jump out.”

Intelligent design

Experiment with interesting ways to display products by using mannequins and rigging your set with flexible rods and other props, which you can then remove post-production. “I use a lot of fishing wire”, says Eugenio. “You always try to use the smallest thing you can get away with. Some clear fishing wire is only ¼mm thick, so it’s easy to get rid of.”

Although product designer-makers need images of their products on a plain background to be used as cut-outs for press, they also need pictures that demonstrate context. “Get images of the products in situ,” says Ellen O’Hara, Head of Business Development at Cockpit Arts, an organisation that supports designer-makers. “So if it’s tableware, show it set up on the table too.”

Sturdy does it

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve kicked the camera stand or tripod,” says Eugenio. “That’s frustrating because I’ve spent time focusing and then it all moves.” To combat this, get hold of a good camera stand or a super sturdy tripod  – “the bigger and heavier the better.” 

Beyond the product

“Think about the finished product, but also the process and backstory,” says Ellen, adding, “makers’ studios are often really interesting visually and can make great photos.” Although she encourages designer-makers to invest in professional images for press, Ellen stresses that “It’s fine for people to take their own photos if they’re using social media for their marketing, because having that rough-and-ready feel is more personal.”

Light up your life

When it comes to lighting “Aim for consistency”, says photographer Ravi Juneja. “Don’t use natural light if you’re shooting more than one product, because all it takes is a cloud to pass over and it can change.” Equally, “If you’re shooting more than one item, don’t assume the same lighting set-up will work each time. I did a shoot recently with rings and they all required completely different lighting.”  

Ravi has a tip to help you get to grip with lighting: “We’ve got a great degree of tonal range in the way our eyes and our brains see but cameras don’t have that, so learn to see how your camera does. Try to see light as a series of tones, almost in two dimensions. If you squint your eyes, it raises the contrast and you can see highlights better.” 

Practise, practise, practise

Ultimately though, nothing beats experience. “You’d never put a pint of beer down and shoot it. You need to figure out the best way to get spritzing on the glass to make it look wet and cold, how long you have before the head disappears, all these things,” Eugenio says. “And, as with anything in life, the more you practise, the more you understand it.”

Visit the Cockpit Arts website to find out about their workshops and seminars. 

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Ring by Calleija © Ravi Juneja. Follow Ravi on Twitter. Beer © Eugenio Franchi.