Jul 13, 2025
Simple Product Photography Guide To Capture Clean, Professional Shots
Product photography is the ultimate way to showcase your products, whether you're selling them on your website or an online marketplace. Good product photos can help boost sales, attract customers, and elevate your brand's reputation. Product photography doesn't have to be complicated. Simple product photography techniques can help you capture clean, professional images of your products with ease.
In this guide how to shoot product photography, we'll cover the basics of how to shoot product photography, so you can get clear images of your products to help your business thrive.
Table of Content
Why Simplicity Sells In Product Photography
In a world saturated with content, less is more, especially when it comes to product photography. A reported 56% of online shoppers look at product images immediately after landing on a product page, often before reading a single word of text.
That first visual impression can make or break a sale. That’s where minimalist product photography shines.
The Power of Simplicity
Minimalism in product photography strips away distractions, with no cluttered props, no flashy backgrounds, and just the product, presented clean and clear. This approach doesn’t just look modern.
It aligns with consumer expectations, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z, who value transparency, authenticity, and intentional design. Simplicity suggests confidence. It tells shoppers, “This product speaks for itself.”
Why It Works
When you remove visual noise, the product becomes the hero. Minimalist setups naturally direct attention to what matters most, shape, texture, packaging, colour, without forcing the eye to compete with background elements. This is especially important in categories such as skincare, technology, or home goods, where design and ingredients significantly influence purchasing decisions.
Perceived Sophistication
Minimalism often reads as premium. A sleek product on a white or muted background suggests elegance and high-end branding, even if the price point is accessible. The cleaner the shot, the more refined it tends to feel. It’s the same principle behind luxury branding: simplicity signals quality.
Visual Relief in a Noisy World
Consumers are constantly bombarded with ads, pop-ups, and product choices. A minimalist product photo provides visual relief. A moment of calm in a chaotic feed. That simplicity stands out, builds trust, and increases the likelihood that a shopper will pause to engage.
Simplicity Is Also Practical
There’s a workflow advantage, too. Minimalist photography is:
Faster to produce: Fewer props, simpler lighting, and minimal setup
Easier to standardize: So your product catalogue looks cohesive
Highly repurposeable: One clean photo can be used on your site, in social ads, on Amazon, in email campaigns, and more
The Basic Setup You Need
The camera you choose plays a crucial role in the quality of your product images. While high-end DSLRs like the Nikon D850 ($2,200) with a 105 mm f/1.4 lens ($1,800+) can produce stunning results, they’re not necessary for most small businesses. You can achieve great results with either an iPhone or an Android device.
Start with whatever camera you have available and assess the results. Remember, the camera is just one piece of the puzzle. Great product photography is the result of thoughtful decisions regarding lighting, exposure, styling, and post-processing.
Tripods: A Stable Platform for Product Photography
A tripod is a three-legged stand that supports and stabilizes your camera. It’s crucial for product photography, ensuring consistent framing and composition across multiple shots. Tripods are handy when shooting with slow shutter speeds, which are often necessary when using small apertures to achieve greater depth of field.
They’re simple to use, set up on a stable surface, attach your camera, and adjust the legs and head to experiment with different heights and angles. For beginners, an affordable tripod is perfectly adequate. Many high-quality options are available for under $30.
Why You Need a White Background for Product Photography
A clean, white background and proper lighting control are essential for professional-looking product photos. There are numerous options for white backgrounds. If you plan to shoot frequently, consider investing in a white sweep. Paper sweeps are particularly useful, as you can easily cut off dirty sections and roll down fresh material.
For a budget-friendly option, visit your local art or drug store and purchase poster board, often available for as little as $7 for 10 sheets. Opt for pure white, as off-white or cream backgrounds are more challenging to edit to pure white in post-processing.
The Right Table Makes Product Photography Easier
Standard folding tables work perfectly for product photography. Aim for a width between 24 and 27 inches, providing ample space for most product setups without being overly large. Cover the table with your chosen background material, allowing it to curve up against a wall or backdrop stand for a seamless look.
Ensure you can work comfortably, whether standing or sitting. The table doesn’t need to be aesthetically pleasing, since it will be covered; focus on stability and the appropriate size.
Tape: A Simple Tool for Secure Product Photography Setups
Securing your setup is crucial for consistent shots. Tape is an excellent tool for holding your background in place.
To avoid damaging your table, use strong, removable tape like painter’s tape or gaffer’s tape. Secure the edges of your background material (such as poster board or seamless paper) to the table, ensuring it’s taut and wrinkle-free as it curves up against the wall or backdrop stand.
Lenses: Choosing the Right Lens for Your Product Photography
Your choice of lens has a significant impact on the overall quality of your product photos. Consider your product size and shooting environment when selecting a lens. While lenses can be a considerable investment, aim for versatility.
A standard zoom lens allows you to shoot both larger products and minor details. Two popular options are:
24–70 mm f/2.8: Versatile for close-ups and wider shots, with an f/2.8 aperture for low-light situations.
50 mm f/1.8: This prime lens matches the human eye’s focal length, and its wide aperture suits various environments.
Experiment with different focal lengths to find what works for your products. Choose a lens that clearly and attractively showcases your product’s key features.
Lightboxes: Setting Up Your Product Photography for Success
Lightboxes are excellent for product photography, as they create even lighting and minimize shadows, resulting in a professional look. They help photograph small to medium-sized products.
Props for Product Photography: Less Is More
Props can help tell your product’s story by setting the mood, showing scale, or demonstrating use. It’s crucial to strike a balance; props should enhance, not overshadow, your product. For example, when photographing a coffee mug, you might include coffee beans, a book, or a pastry to create a cozy scene.
Arrange props naturally around the product, ensuring they don’t obscure key features. Consider color when choosing props to avoid clashing with your product. Take test shots and adjust your arrangement as needed to create a balanced, inviting image.
Optimal Lighting Conditions for Product Photography
Natural light is ideal for photography, whether indoors or outdoors. When shooting indoors, a room with large windows adjacent to a wall provides excellent lighting.
Outdoors, open areas or shaded spots under trees can offer great lighting. Controlling outdoor lighting can be challenging and may require additional tools, such as diffusers or reflectors.
Softbox Lighting Tips for Better Product Photos
To achieve better control over your lighting, try using a softbox. These light modifiers evenly diffuse light to minimize harsh shadows. They're handy for achieving consistent results, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Remember, distance from the light source affects your results; closer proximity creates softer light with darker, softer shadows, while greater distance produces lighter, sharper light. Experiment to find a space where you can manipulate light to achieve your desired look.
Revolutionizing eCommerce Visuals with AI
Caspa helps eCommerce brands create stunning product photography with AI, eliminating the need for:
Multiple tools
Photographers
Models that traditionally eat up to 20% of revenue
Comprehensive AI Editing
From creating ultrarealistic product shots with human models to editing existing photos, Caspa's all-in-one AI product photography platform handles everything, from background removal to upscaling, allowing brands to produce professional marketing visuals in seconds.
All-in-One Visualization Solution
Whether you need custom stock photos or complete studio editing capabilities, Caspa streamlines the entire product visualization workflow into a single, cost-effective solution.
Get product photos that increase your sales today
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Simple Styling Tips That Make a Difference
Crowding multiple products into a single shot might feel efficient, but it often dilutes the message. Featuring one product at a time keeps the viewer’s attention focused and makes it easier to appreciate details like packaging, texture, or design. It's also more versatile; a clean solo shot works across your website, ads, and social content.
Make the Rules Work for You: Use Symmetry or the Rule of Thirds
Composition guides the eye's movement through an image. Using symmetry can create a clean, balanced feel, ideal for minimalist or luxury products.
Alternatively, applying the rule of thirds by placing your subject off-centre at one-third of the frame adds visual interest and draws the eye more naturally. Both approaches are simple to apply and help avoid amateur-looking compositions.
Props Are Friends, Not the Stars: Only Add Props If They Enhance the Product Story
Props should never steal the spotlight. Instead, they should support the story you’re trying to tell. For example, a candle photo might benefit from hints of lavender or citrus to suggest the scent.
At the same time, a skincare product could be paired with its key natural ingredients or minimalist packaging. If the prop doesn’t add clarity or meaning, leave it out.
Create a Clean, Cohesive Look: Keep the Colours Clean and Consistent
A cohesive color palette enhances your brand and gives your feed or product grid a polished look. Stick to neutral backgrounds or tones that complement the product. Avoid clashing colors or overly bright props unless they align with your brand identity.
This consistency not only improves aesthetics but also builds recognition. Customers come to know your look and associate it with quality.
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Shooting Techniques for Better Results
Don't rely on just one angle. Different views help highlight various product features, shape, texture, and packaging details, and give your customer a better sense of what they’re buying. A front-on shot is classic and straightforward.
A top-down angle works well for flat lays or symmetrical packaging. A 45-degree angle adds depth and dimension, ideal for most 3D products. Multiple angles also give you more content to work with for websites, social media, and marketplaces.
Use Focus Lock and Adjust Exposure on Smartphones
If you’re using a smartphone, take advantage of built-in camera features. Tap to focus on the product and then lock it (usually by holding your finger on the screen). This keeps your subject sharp and prevents the camera from refocusing mid-shot.
You can also manually adjust exposure by sliding your finger up or down after focusing. This helps prevent blown-out highlights or dark, muddy shadows. It takes just a second, but it makes a big difference in clarity and lighting balance.
Avoid Harsh Shadows: Use Diffused Lighting or Bounce Light Back
Harsh shadows can make products look unprofessional and uninviting. Instead of pointing direct light at your subject, diffuse it by shooting near a window with sheer curtains or using a softbox. If you're using artificial light, aim for soft, even illumination from multiple directions.
You can also use a foam board or white reflector to bounce light back onto the darker side of your product. This simple trick helps reveal more detail and creates a cleaner, more polished look.
Leave Space Around the Product for Cropping or Text Overlays
Always frame with flexibility in mind. Leaving space around the product, especially at the top or sides, makes it easier to crop the image to different aspect ratios or add promotional text and branding later. It’s a minor adjustment that adds significant versatility, especially when creating content for multiple platforms.
Basic Post-Processing for Clean Results
Product photography post-processing helps refine the image, correct imperfections, and present your product as clean, consistent, and ready to sell. The goal isn’t to overdo it; instead, it’s to make sure your visuals look polished and true to life.
Even the most well-composed product shot can benefit from a bit of post-processing. Here’s how to keep your edits simple and effective.
Use AI for Simple Editing
AI tools have taken the heavy lifting out of post-production. Platforms like Caspa enable you to transform a raw photo into a professional-quality image in seconds, with no prior experience with Photoshop required. Whether you need background removal, photo upscaling, or even ultrarealistic renders with models, Caspa simplifies the entire product photography workflow.
For eCommerce brands, this means:
No juggling between tools
No need for multiple expensive photoshoots
A 20% revenue savings on average from reduced production costs
With Caspa, you can instantly create studio-grade visuals that match your brand and scale them across your site, ads, and social media platforms without bottlenecks.
Adjust Brightness, Contrast, and White Balance
A few simple adjustments can make a big difference:
Brightness: Ensure the product is well-lit and stands out.
Contrast: Add subtle depth and definition to prevent images from appearing flat.
White Balance: Correct any colour tints (like warm yellows or cool blues) to ensure your product’s actual colour is accurately displayed.
This is especially crucial for online retail, as shoppers rely on visuals to make decisions, and misrepresented colors can lead to returns or lost trust.
Remove Dust, Smudges, and Background Wrinkles
No matter how careful you are during shooting, little imperfections often sneak in. Use spot-healing or clone tools to clean up:
Dust or fingerprints on reflective surfaces (like glass or packaging)
Wrinkles in paper or fabric backdrops
Stray shadows or light flares
Clean edits help maintain a premium, professional feel across your product catalogue
Crop to Standard eCommerce Ratios
Before exporting, crop your image to the correct format for its destination:
1:1 square for marketplaces like Amazon and Etsy
4:5 vertical for Instagram and social ads
16:9 or hero banner formats for your website homepage
Leave some space around the product during shooting so you can crop without losing essential details.
Get Product Photos that Increase Your Sales Today
Caspa is a game-changing AI product photography platform that helps online brands create stunning product images at lightning speed. The all-in-one solution eliminates the need for multiple tools, photographers, and models, streamlining the entire product visualization workflow into a single, cost-effective solution. Caspa helps brands produce professional marketing visuals to boost sales and improve product pages.
How Does Caspa Work?
Caspa uses advanced artificial intelligence to create ultra-realistic product images with human models. Start by uploading your product photos to the platform. Next, you can choose to either edit your existing images or let Caspa generate completely custom stock photos.
The platform also allows you to remove backgrounds, change settings, and enhance images, all in seconds. Its studio capabilities let you create stunning product visuals without a traditional photography setup.
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