When it comes to great product photography, lighting may be the most important element. It may seem quite simple at first thought, but the amount of detail involved in the process requires extensive set-up, time and planning. Due to these details involved, product lighting mistakes occur on a regular basis. These are some of the most common.

Keeping Your Distance

Human photography offers the advantage of collaboration between the individual or group of people and the photography. Product photography relies only on the photographer to create the perfect image. In many cases, this requires the photographer to get much closer to the subject material.

When dealing with living subjects, getting so close can be inappropriate and cause an invasion of the subject’s personal space. However, in product photography it makes all the difference. Before the photographer even starts to set up lighting, the subject material must be carefully studied to determine the best approach.

Complex Settings and Harsh Shadows

Product photography should always be focused on the product itself. Photographers should minimise distractions as much as possible and keep a clean look on set. This helps to highlight the object and emphasise its details.

Harsh shadows are a common, but extremely noticeable mistake in product photography. Softer lighting can be created with the use of a soft box or light tent and emphasises the details of the product. Most good photographers start by focusing two lights on the subject and then adjusting angle and brightness to boost texture appearance.

For clients who want to add text content or position multiple products on a single promotional page, simple composition and minimal distraction is even more important.

Taking the Simple Path

While complex settings and harsh shadows are mistakes in product photography, unique approaches are essential. There is almost always a simple approach available for lighting a given product, but a great photographer knows to take the path less travelled. Creativity and fresh ideas make certain photographers stand out among the competition and keep clients coming back for more.

Being Tough to Work With

One of the biggest complaints of people in the product photography and promotional industries points to how difficult some photographers are to work with. Great photographers know how to collaborate with art directors and stylists without interfering with their work. They understand that each team member is selected for their expertise.

Most clients choose the different experts to add to the team, but it is always a good idea to bring some good stylists into your professional network. They can help you create the best visual presentation for the client.

Although lighting is just one of many elements that go into great product photography, getting it wrong will undoubtedly destroy the whole project. On the other hand, exceptional product lighting will make highlight all of your other skills and make all your photographs look bigger and better! The true value in photographers typically revolves around their understanding of the details of all the elements involved in product photography.