Commercial or product photography is one of the most important aspects of eCommerce, branding, and marketing. Whether you're an entrepreneur launching a new product, a small business owner building an online store, or an established national organisation looking to launch a new range, getting the perfect shot can make all the difference.

In this blog post, I'll take you through the basics of product photography, answer some frequently asked questions, and share a few personal anecdotes that I hope will help you consider the type of photography you need for your business.

1. What is Product Photography?

Product photography is exactly what it sounds like: taking professional-quality photos of products to showcase their features, textures, and details. These photos are then used in marketing materials, online shops, catalogs, social media, and more. A great product photo can capture a potential customer's attention and convince them to hit "buy."

All of the commercial photographs below were taken by us, Dan Wilson Photography Southampton, for a range of different businesses we work with.

2. Why is Product Photography Important?

It’s simple—people shop with their eyes. The first impression of your product is often through a photo, especially when selling online. High-quality images build trust, convey your product's value, and ultimately help drive sales. On the flip side, blurry or poorly lit photos can turn potential customers away.

3. What Equipment Do You Need for Product Photography?

From our customers we need access to the products you want to sell. We can take photographs on location or at our studio in Southampton where we use a range of tools and techniques to capture images that will make your products seem irresistible:

Cameras: We use different DSLR and mirrorless cameras required for different shoots, a good smartphone can also produce quality shots with the right settings. Light settings, product size, material types and more all need considering to get the best photos.
Lighting: Proper lighting is key! Natural light works great, but when we need more control a softbox or a ring light is often used.
Backdrops: A clean, neutral background will let your product shine. We use a variety of different backdrops and fabrics to bring out the best of your products.
Tripods: Keeping the camera steady helps avoid blurry images.
Reflector: A simple reflector can help bounce light and eliminate shadows.
Editing Software: Photoshop, Lightroom, or even some free apps can help you tweak your photos. We typically use photoshop on images that need a little extra.

4. How To Set Up Your Product for a Photo Shoot

Clean your product: When shooting your new range we will make sure your product is spotless—fingerprints, dust, or dirt will all show up in photos and we make sure they don’t.
Find a simple, uncluttered background: Less is more! A clean, neutral background helps keep the focus on your product. Using a professional photography studio, like ours, is often easier than shooting products in store, as we are set up for this.
Use the right angles: Different angles (top-down, side views, close-ups) will show off the product from all its best sides.
Use props carefully: Props can add context but we make sure not to overwhelm your product. Props should complement, not distract.

Dan Wilson's Photography Studio, Southampton. A clean studio with photography equipment, lighting and tripods ready for product photography — Our photography studio in Southampton.

5. How To Edit Product Photos

Editing is where the magic happens. A little retouching can enhance the colours, correct the white balance, and remove distracting elements. Here are some tips for editing product photos:

Adjust the brightness and contrast to make the image pop.
Remove any background distractions (e.g., with Photoshop’s Content-Aware tool).
Use a white balance tool to make sure colours look natural.
Crop your images to focus on the product and eliminate unnecessary space.

Top tip: When you first learn how to edit photos, don’t go too overboard with filters. Too much editing can make your product look artificial. Subtlety is key! Focus on brightening the image and fixing any colour imbalances.

6. How Do You Make Your Product Photos Stand Out?

To make your product photos stand out in a crowded marketplace, we think about how to capture your product’s uniqueness. Here are some creative tips:

Show the product in use: If it’s a piece of clothing, show someone wearing it. If it’s tech, show how it fits into a workspace. Lifestyle photos help customers imagine how the product will fit into their lives.
Play with composition: Try different perspectives—overhead, angled shots, or close-ups to highlight texture or detail.
Tell a story: A simple image can tell a lot if you set the scene. For example, a cozy coffee mug next to a warm blanket and a book can invoke feelings of relaxation.

7. What’s the Best Way to Display Multiple Products in One Shot?

If we’re photographing a collection of products, we’ll keep things organised and visually appealing. Arranging the products symmetrically or asymmetrically, depending on the mood we want to create. We’re mindful of spacing, and will always make sure each product gets its moment in the spotlight.

Final Thoughts

Great product photography can help your stock fly off the shelves. With the right approach and a little creativity, we will take stunning photos that showcase your products in the best light.

Every product tells a story, and your photos should be a reflection of that. We will work with you to understand your brand vision and bring it to life.

Do you have products you want to sell? Contact us and find out how we can help.

Mastering Product Photography: Tips, FAQs, and Stories