3 Tips To Ensure Your Product Photos Don't Suck

Back in January, we shared a video tutorial with you from the talented Mango Street all about styling still life shots and now we have part two to this series to share with you. 

The three points covered in the tutorial are:

1. Lighting

Always face your light source or place it side-on so light falls across your subject and creates dimension. If you position the light source behind you, your subject will look flat and you might cast shadows.

2. Textures, Colour And Layers

Not only do these elements create interest but they also help to tell a story / create a feeling. Colour can also be used to direct the eye to a specific point in the image should you need it to. As for layers, these work well when you think something might be missing in your photograph as layers add depth. With all still life work, it's actually good practice to gradually build the image, adding bits and pieces as you think they're needed until you have a complete shot.

3. Composition

Composition is one of the main ways to convey a story/feeling in your image. For example, negative space can be used to create a sense of solitude or indeed minimalism while a crowded shot of pots and pans conveys a message of business and tells a completely different story altogether.

If you have an interesting still life shot, please do share it with us over in the ePHOTOzine Gallery.