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EXPERT GUIDE

Plan Your
Perfect
Product Photography
Shoot

For over 25 years, I've worked with ambitious startups to global

names like L'Oreal. As a leading Sussex Product Photographer in Brighton,  I've learned exactly what it takes to make a brand shine through Photography.

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Product Photographer by Sussex Photographer
Professional product photography in Sussex
Sussex Product Photographer
25+

Years Experience

200+

Brands worked with

10K

Photos Delivered

100%

Client Satisfaction

01 - Foundation

Define Your Brand's Audience

Before briefing a photographer or approving a single shot, articulate who you're speaking to. Your audience dictates every visual choice that follows.

product photography guide from Brighton Photographer

Luxury Seekers

Premium positioning demands sophisticated lighting, refined compositions, and elevated aesthetics that communicate exclusivity.

product photography guide checklist

Practical Minimalists

Function-focused audiences appreciate clean, straightforward imagery that highlights utility and clear product benefits.

product photography guide checklist

Vibrant Creatives

Bold expression through saturated colors, dynamic compositions, and unconventional styling that captures attention.

02 - CREATIVE

Establish Your Visual Style

Visual references are invaluable for communicating style preferences. A mood board allows you to

collect inspiration and share a cohesive vision.

Colour Palette for product photographers

Colour Palette

Define your color scheme to ensure final images align with your brand.

> Bright palettes communicate innovation

> Muted neutrals suggest sophistication

> Earth tones ground sustainable brands

Lighting Style for product photographers

Lighting Style

Lighting sets the mood and enhances your product's best features.

> Soft, diffused for natural products

> Dramatic shadows for tech/artisanal

> Stark contrast for futuristic feel

How to compose for product photographers

Composition

Choose the approach that best serves your goals.

> Clean e-commerce (white background)

> Creative flat lays

> Environmental lifestyle shots

Don't be afraid to share what you don't like! Showing the photographer examples of styles to avoid is just as helpful as showing what you love—it ensures you're both on the same page from the start.

PRO TIP

PRO TIP

03 - TECHNICAL

Determine Image Requirements

Define where photos will live—website banners require landscape, while Instagram stories need portrait 9:16. Each platform has specific requirements.

Website Banners

Landscape orientation with negative space for text overlay. Ideal for desktop hero sections.

Instagram Stories

9:16 vertical (portrait) aspect ratio to fill mobile screens completely.

Instagram Feed

1:1 square or 4:5 vertical format for grid consistency and maximum visibility.

E-Commerce

Clean, white-background shots with product occupying 85% of frame for Amazon, Shopify.

Always ask the photographer to leave plenty of background space around your product so you can insert text at a later date. This flexibility is crucial for marketing materials.

PRO TIP

IMPORTANT

04 - PLANNING

Create Your Shot List

Identify and list every image you'll need for a seamless rollout across all social platforms, your main site, and PR kits.

Core White Background

Essential clean images for e-commerce platforms:

> Hero Shot: Eye-level on pure white

> 3/4 Angle: Shows depth

> Back/Reverse: Technical details

> Detail Macro: Close-up textures

> Group Shots: Product ranges

product photography guide checklist

Lifestyle & Marketing

Focus on storytelling for high engagement:

> Website Hero Banner (16:9)

> Product-in-Use (4:5 Vertical)

> Social Story (9:16 Portrait)

> Flat Lay (1:1 Square)

marketing product photography guide

05 - styling

Props & Ingredients

Carefully chosen props help set the mood and tell a story, while fresh, well-styled ingredients add authenticity and visual interest.

Backgrounds

In my studio, I offer a variety of backgrounds to help bring your vision to life, including vibrant coloured papers, textured tiles, natural wooden surfaces, and unique hand-painted boards. You’re more than welcome to use any of these for your shoot. To ensure everything runs smoothly, please let me know in advance what you’d like to use before finalizing your plans. That way, I can confirm availability and make sure the studio is perfectly prepared for your session, so we’re fully ready on the day.

product photography background

Props

I keep a curated selection of props for your product photoshoot, including drinking glasses, bathroom accessories, mirrors, test tubes, and more to enhance your visuals. If you have a specific concept or theme, these props can help bring it to life. Availability varies, so please get in touch before planning or arranging props. This ensures I have the items you need, allows for alternatives if needed, and helps the shoot run smoothly, efficiently, and exactly as planned on the day.

Sussex Product Photograper Props

Ingredients

Product ingredients can be a valuable addition to your images, especially if you want to highlight specific features of what you offer. I’m happy to source many commonly available ingredients on your behalf,  however, some items may be highly specialised, brand-specific, or difficult to obtain, in which case you may need to provide them directly to guarantee accuracy. If including ingredients is important for your project, please get in touch so we can discuss your requirements and make the necessary arrangements in advance.

product photography guide checklist

Props and ingredients play a crucial role in bringing a product shoot to life. Keep props to a minimum in each shot, using them only to accent and support the composition. The main focus should always remain on the product you are selling.

PRO TIP

TIP

06 - LOGISTICS

Timeline & Business Terms

Define a clear timeline to manage expectations and ensure on-time delivery of your photography assets.

Time Milestones

> Product Handling: Shipping instructions

> Shoot & First Review: Approve hero shots

> Draft Delivery: Initial proofs (1–7 days)

> Final Delivery: High-res files deadline

Retouching Scope

> Basic: Blemish removal, color correction

> Advanced: Background replacement, complex edits

> One re-shoot round included per image

Quick Checklist: Everything to Tell Your Photographer

Shot List & Details

Create a comprehensive list including cut-out on white and lifestyle shots. Define specific product details that must be highlighted.

Mood Board & References

Examples of images you like (and dislike) to establish the desired vibe, lighting, and atmosphere.

Brand Guidelines

Information on brand colours, target audience, and specific composition dos and don'ts.

Props & Backgrounds

Who sources props, and what specific items are needed. List background textures or colors required.

Intended Use

Where images will live (Amazon, Instagram, print catalogs, website banners) dictates composition and lighting.

File Requirements

Specific aspect ratios (1:1, 4:5, 16:9), file formats (JPEG, PNG, PSD), and resolution needs.

Timeline & Milestones

Firm deadline for final delivery and any intermediate milestones for image approval.

Retouching Scope

Clarify if budget covers basic cleaning or advanced manipulation, and number of allowed revision rounds.

Got a Question

Please ask me..

Ready to Create Exceptional Brand Imagery?

Don't worry if the process feels complex—I'm here to lead the way and provide end-to-end guidance backed by years of experience with both startups and multinational corporations.

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