DIY product photography: A guide to create stunning images

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You've got great products to share, and the whole world should see them! Show off your products in the best light possible (literally) with our simple DIY product photography guide.

No need to get super granular here, either! With the right equipment and a few simple hacks, you can transform amateur picture-taking into professional product photography that sells.

In just 5 steps, you'll create high-quality product photos to blast all over the Internet!

DIY product photoshoot equipment

What equipment do you need for a DIY product photo? When it comes to product photography, professional equipment can help you big time. Photos will simply look better and need less editing.

So, for your images to look highly professional, we suggest investing in the key items listed below. These will make your product photography over the top!

However, if you want to minimize the cost, we have some comparable substitutions to consider as well.

The DIY product photography ultimate wishlist

You don't need all of these items to be successful, but each can make the process (and results) significantly better.

• Professional camera or smartphone: Use a relatively new model with some of the most updated camera features. To make high-quality product photos, you'll want a high amount of megapixels so viewers can zoom in on the item.
  
• Photo studio light kit: There's no doubt that you will have great success if you use a professional studio light kit. However, you could replace such a kit with shower curtains and moveable, bright lamps.
  
• Tripod: In reality, you could prop your camera up onto any object. But, tripods are so secure and versatile that we definitely suggest purchasing one.
  
• Table: Find yourself a table that is large enough to expand beyond the camera's field of view, yet small enough so you can move it into the perfect spot. Sometimes hightop tables are best, since you won't have to hunch over as much during the photoshoot.
  
• Large glass sheet: Not a requirement, but it's something that makes for stunning product photos! A large sheet of glass can create a gorgeous reflection beneath your product.
  
• Photography sweep: In basic terms, a photography sweep is a backdrop that extends from the horizontal floor (or tabletop) to a vertical wall. It creates a seamless background behind your product. Even though you could purchase one, you can also make one out of paper or smooth white cloth.
  
• Reflectors: These are a must if you plan on using artificial light. You can buy actual photography reflectors or create the same effect using a big white board. Whatever you choose, it needs to have a surface that allows light to bounce off. During the photoshoot, it will face your item for a soft, bright glow and less shadows.
  
• White card or gray card: This is a photography tool that helps to make colors and tones look true to their natural hue. It can also help keep your lighting and tones consistent. These can be purchased online, or you can make one yourself. Just be sure your white card is "pure white," not "bright white" or "off white."
  
• Tape, clothes pins or clamps: With all this equipment in need of adjusting, purchase a toolkit of items to secure your sweep, shower curtains and more.

We know the equipment wishlist seems like a lot. Luckily, it's all a great investment in your business. After all, these show-stopping DIY product photos will help you rake in more sales - simply because they look more professional!

Step-by-step guide: How to shoot the best product photo

Once you have all your equipment at the ready, let's move on to getting the perfect shot! Even if you have no prior photography experience, you'll be on your way to taking pictures like a pro.

Step 1: Find the perfect spot like a pro

Not all locations, indoor or outdoor, are created equal. You'll need a great spot where all your equipment will fit and where you can adjust the lighting.

If you're limited on lighting equipment, a great spot to shoot is near a window. This lets natural light illuminate the product. A garage is another place to capitalize on natural light too!

Or, depending on how it looks, your product may look awesome in direct sunlight. Experiment with your glittery makeup or shimmering lotions.

Step 2: Adjust the lighting like a pro

Let's talk more about lighting: Lighting will make or break your photo. Unfortunately, sometimes you don't know that a product had bad lighting until you review the photos later.

If you have a professional photography light set and some blackout curtains, you'll be able to manipulate the lighting pretty well. However, if you're not an expert photographer, you may not know how to situate the lighting for the best effect.

Here's a tip if you're using artificial light: Some artificial lights are too strong for a photo. Instead, use your reflector to cast light on the object. Again, reflectors create a soft, even glow.

When you're doing outside product photography, lighting gets tricker. In general, aim to shoot on an overcast day. Set up your spot so it's free from direct sunlight and shadows.

Step 3: Take photos like a pro

Time for the money shot! Take tons of photos of your product, especially if you're inexperienced, to ensure you get the perfect one.

While you have everything set up, take photos of the product at different angles, in different arrangements and even with other products in the same collection. You'll be blasting these photos all over the Internet, so make sure you can be proud of them!

Step 4: Edit photos like a pro

With a really good camera and the right settings, you may only need minimal editing to make your photo rock. Until then, use a photo editing app or adjust the settings after the shot is taken.

The biggest adjustments you'll need to make involve lighting. Go figure! You'll want the picture to be light and bright (without looking oversaturated in color).

Step 5: Sell like a pro

When you invest in awesome shots, your brand will look top-notch. However, even though pictures are worth 1000 words, be sure to add convincing product description copy.

Doing this will help on-the-fence customers make the decision to buy. Romanticize the product, and describe what what a customer's life will be like if they purchase.

Extra tips for a high-quality product photo

Turn your "pretty good" product photos into great product photos! Here are some photography tips that will drastically boost the quality of your images without a ton of extra work.

Shoot the angles

Don't just take one perfect photo of your product. Take all different angles and perspectives. Doing this will help highlight impressive product features. Not to mention, it looks pretty cool.

Add some flare

Keep it classic with an all white, plain background. Or, add some eye-catching patterns to your sweep. You could also add extra accessories to your product photo - such as foliage, textures and other items (hello upsells!).

And here's another DIY product photography tip: Use fishing wire to suspend your products in the air. You can edit it out later!

Include people

Take great product photos of models using your items. For the best results, find models within your ideal target audience. Doing this will provide a new perspective and help customers visualize using it in their own lives.

Upcycle photos into promo videos

Now that you'll have tons of incredible product photos at your disposal, reuse them to create product videos.

Blend static product images with videos to create the ultimate commercial (without the ultimate workload). Talk about a savvy, time-saving marketing strategy!

In fact, you can create stunning videos right in the Mojo app! All you have to do is drag-and-drop your media, add preferred branding and colors, and you're done. High-quality promotional content in minutes. Ready to share on your socials in seconds.

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