The Basics
Product photography is considered a niche by many and I believe the first thing that comes to mind for many people when they hear about it is a boring stock photo of random product.
In reality, things are a lot more complex. First of all, product photography has many subcategories and it is present in a huge variety of mediums. Those boring stock photos that many think about are one example, but so is a multinational campaign for a luxury watch manufacturer.
So what does it take to be a good product photographer? Apart from the necessary equipment which we will guide you to purchase, let's talk a little bit about the skill set. It would be unfair to claim that it is the most difficult type of photography, but in all fairness, it does require some practice and basic lighting skills. There are many similarities to still life photography, and a good understanding of composition is essential.
But what about the resources? What gear do you need to take your first steps in product photography? A macro lens would be nice for starters because much of the work that involves shooting products is centered on details.
You're going to need a table to place your products and your light sources. The larger the table, the more light sources you'll be able to place and the larger the items you will be able to photograph.
A background is absolutely necessary because you don't want anything else in the frame that's going to steal attention. Many beginners try to use a wall as a background, but quickly realize that it's not a good solution, especially after they see the ugly shadows behind the object.
White backgrounds are most often used in product photography, for a number of reasons. White highlights the product and reflects light, thus eliminating shadows almost completely. Some beginners try to use a white sheet as a background. It's totally fine, especially when you're learning, but it's not really a solution if you want to take professional product photos. Most images require a lot of detail, and that means they have to be shot with a small aperture. But using a small aperture will most likely cause the texture of the sheet to be visible, and that's not something you want for your image.
This sort of improvisation is often caused by the belief that having a product photography studio is expensive. That might have been true ten years ago, but now there are solutions that help you deliver professional results easily and effective.
The MyStudio kits form Procyc come to the aid of beginner product photographers and eBay sellers with a range of table top studios designed to be functional and easy to use.
Expensive backgrounds and lighting are no longer necessary, as these kits have everything you need to deliver professional level results.