How to Style Products for Photography: Tips for Small and Medium Businesses
If you’re considering hiring a professional photographer to capture your products, you already know the importance of great visuals. However, as the expert on your own products, you play a key role in ensuring they are styled to perfection. Styling is not just about aesthetics—it’s about communicating your product’s value and purpose to potential customers. Here’s how you can approach styling your products and collaborate effectively with your photographer to achieve stunning results.
1. Define Your Vision
Before the photoshoot, take time to think about your goals. One effective way to do this is by assembling a “look book” of existing product photos that match your vision. Include images that showcase styles, lighting, and setups you admire. These references can:
- Help you identify what works best for your product.
- Spark ideas for props, backgrounds, and compositions.
- Serve as a visual guide when discussing your expectations with the photographer.
- What message do I want my products to convey?
- Who is my target audience, and what appeals to them?
- How do I want these images to represent my brand?
Having a clear vision will help you communicate your expectations to your photographer and ensure the final images align with your branding.
2. Understand Your Brand Aesthetic
Your brand’s visual identity is the foundation of your product styling. Consider:
- Your Style: Is your brand sleek and modern, rustic and handmade, or bold and colourful?
- Your Audience: What type of visuals would resonate most with your ideal customers?
- Mood and Emotion: Think about how you want your customers to feel when they see your products.
Sharing this information with your photographer will help them plan the shoot accordingly.
3. Prepare Your Products
Your products should look their absolute best for the shoot. Steps to take include:
- Cleaning each item thoroughly to remove dust, fingerprints, or smudges.
- Inspecting for any flaws or imperfections that need addressing.
- Considering how to present different angles or features of the product.
Remember, you know your products better than anyone—think about what details you want to highlight and communicate that to your photographer.
4. Think About Props and Backgrounds
Props and backgrounds play a crucial role in styling. As the product owner, you can:
- Suggest props that complement your product and enhance its story.
- Share ideas for backgrounds that align with your brand aesthetic (e.g., a marble countertop for kitchen items).
- Avoid overcrowding—props should enhance, not overshadow, your product.
If you’re unsure about props or backgrounds, consider hiring a stylist to help with these decisions.
5. Collaborate on Lighting
While lighting is typically handled by the photographer, your input can help achieve the desired look:
- Share examples of lighting styles you like (e.g., bright and airy or moody and dramatic).
- Discuss how lighting can highlight textures or features unique to your product.
Your photographer will guide you on what works best, but your input ensures the lighting aligns with your vision.
6. Communicate Your Product’s Story
Every product has a story, and photography should capture that. Share insights about:
- How the product is used and its key features.
- The emotions or lifestyle you want the photos to evoke.
- Examples of photos you love from competitors or other brands.
The more context you provide, the better your photographer can deliver images that resonate with your audience.
7. Consider Hiring a Stylist
If styling feels overwhelming, hiring a professional stylist can be a game-changer. A stylist can:
- Bring creative ideas for props, compositions, and themes.
- Ensure everything is arranged beautifully and consistently.
- Work alongside your photographer to streamline the shoot.
8. Be Open to Feedback
While it’s important to have a vision, be open to suggestions from your photographer. Their expertise in composition, lighting, and angles can elevate your ideas and create stunning results.
9. Review and Refine
Once the photoshoot is complete, review the images with your photographer. Provide feedback on:
- Which images best capture your vision.
- Any adjustments or retouching you’d like to see.
- Ideas for future shoots based on what worked well.
Styling your products for photography is a collaborative process that starts with your vision and expertise. By thinking about your brand aesthetic, preparing your products, and communicating effectively with your photographer, you can ensure the final images represent your products in the best possible light. If you’re ready to elevate your product photography, consider partnering with a professional photographer and, if needed, a stylist to bring your ideas to life.