"Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like.”
— David Alan Harvey
Are you impacted by the pandemic restrictions? Are your professional shoots on hold because of social distancing norms? Well, just like every other business is working from home, you might consider setting up your own photography studio at home regardless of the fact that you are a professional or amateur photographer.
Accessories you’ll need
For amateurs
- Camera: Any camera phone or entry-level camera will suffice.
- Camera tripod: Xenvo SquidGrip Flexible Cell Phone Tripod or GEEKOTO Camera Tripod.
- Lighting: You can shoot in natural light. But, if you want something extra, try LED Ring Light 10″ with Tripod Stand & Phone Holder (smaller) or Neewer LED Ring Light (larger).
- Backdrops: You could use basic household items like bedsheets and curtains that are budget-friendly and trendy at the same time. Keep a stand, chair, or table where you can place the products to be shot.
- Props: You can use anything that’s available and looks good from your decorative household items that will add a zing to your brand. You’ll be surprised at the props that might emerge from your home.
For professionals
- Camera: Sony A7III (28-70mm Lens)
- Camera tripod: GEEKOTO Camera Tripod.
- Lights: ESDII Softbox Lighting Kit
- Memory cards: SanDisk 64GB Extreme Pro SDXC
- Backdrops: Studio-98 Photography 10′ Wide x 7′ FT High Background Stand + SAVAGE 107IN X 36FT Backdrop
Ok, now that we have the equipment sorted, let’s focus on the essential tips. Here are 8 tips for taking those beautiful product shots from the comfort of your home studio.
Tip 1: Get the best source for natural light
Natural light can be the most wonderful source of light when used in the right manner. Ensure you get the best space in your house to shoot that has the best possible natural light. It could be anywhere, right from your garden to your bedroom to your kitchen. You just have to find it and presto, you have your shooting location!
Tip 2: Set design
Congrats! You have your studio location with proper natural light. Now, you have to design your set. Set aside a small area for your set. A blank wall could help the cause here, but in the event that you don’t possess one, you can also use a kitchen or bathroom counter to serve the purpose. You can also use a table or a stool. Remember that it should match your Instagram aesthetics in terms of quality. As long as it looks good, it doesn’t matter what it is!
In the case of a wall, it serves as a natural backdrop. But you can try out different backgrounds, colours and materials to add variety, character, and depth to your photos. Using bedsheets is a cool and trendy idea as they come in different colours and sizes. Put them on the wall using masking tape. Don’t forget those household props to add spice to your set. From household mirrors to plants to furniture, anything that’s camera-friendly works! But keep the props thematic to your brand and shoot.
Tip 3: Get the lights right
Even if you have the best source of natural light in your home studio, adding some artificial lights will only make your shot products even better. Many content creators prefer ring lights because of the continuous and balanced lighting that’s on offer. If you have the funds, it makes sense to purchase a softbox set. This helps you control the direct light and make it soft and diffused which makes your products look out of this world. Study the basics of a backlight, key light, and fill light to understand their functions in shooting a product.
Tip 4: A tripod is a must
A tripod is used to mount the camera and take balanced, steady shots. The use of a tripod is of prime importance in a product shoot. So, set it up properly to frame your subject and choose your angles wisely. Choose a good tripod that’s height adjustable so you can shoot top angle shots and low angle shots as per your product needs.
Tip 5: Be creative!
Product photography demands creative shot taking. For effective engagement with your audience, try and be creative. For example, if you think you should free yourself from the tripod and take some hand-held shots, go for it. Play with your camera angles and vary your shooting style from top shots to low angle to eye-level shots. Use different lighting styles and moods and experiment with the depth of field. Make designs on cardboard cut-outs to create interesting shadows on the backdrop with the use of light. Blow up some confetti! Just have fun! Creativity is all about having fun! But don’t go overboard as there has to be a method to the madness!
Tip 6: Use stop-motion animation
Using stop motion animation can turn an ordinary photo into an amazing GIF or video to grab those eyeballs! This can be done using editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro. But the good news is that a mobile app like Life Lapse allows you to get the desired results on your phone. Technology is king!
Tip 7: Get an input
It’s the age of collaborations. Even if you are a creative genius, you need to get a second opinion. Suggestions often help, so have a friend, partner, or co-worker validate your thought process before you begin shooting. It’s not called Brainstorming for nothing. Two minds work better than one.
Tip 8: Use photo editing software
The edit table is where it all comes into place. You can bring your photos into Adobe Lightroom for colour correction purposes or to add a branded style to them. You can also take the help of mobile apps like A Color Story and VSCO for photos that look professional in minutes.
Setting up a home studio is the answer to all your social media needs without the hassle of having to step outdoors to shoot something. The best part is that this content studio of yours won’t be too expensive to set up. Hey, even an iPhone camera is good to roll with it and get started.
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