6 Steps to Mastering the Product Photography Workflow
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2024 9:45 am
Optimizing your product photography workflow is essential to getting your product to the customer as quickly as possible. Follow these 6 steps from the fast fashion industry
Featured image showing cameras on a blue background.
On this page
1. Plan your product photography session
2. Prepare your studio for the session
3. Style your product
4. Capture your shot
5. Process your photographs
6. Review and publish your product photos
Predictable workflow, predictable quality
FAQs about product photography workflow
Start your online business today.
For free.
Free trial
You don’t have to be a fast fashion retailer to appreciate the speed and canadian cell phone number efficiency with which they operate. It’s impressive how quickly they bring designs from the catwalk to the market, both online and in stores.
The best part is that you can learn from fast fashion when it comes to optimizing your product photography workflow. In today’s e-commerce-dominated world, streamlining your photography process is key to getting your products to your customers as quickly as possible.
If you follow this six-step guide to optimizing your product photography , you too can shoot like fast fashion retailers. Here are the best product photography tips to help you become a pro.
Click here to start selling online right now with Shopify
1. Plan your product photography session
Plan your session.
Before you head into the studio, you should have a clear idea of how the day of your shoot will unfold. Get organized. Gather all the materials you’ll need for your product photography session, research answers to any pressing questions, coordinate with photographers and models, and make sure everyone is on the same page.
You don't need super-technical project management solutions or fancy photo editing apps (yet).
What do you need? You need a call sheet and a shot list.
Shot list.
Plan your session in advance using a list of shots you will take during the session.
Your shot list is a living document that lists the products you're photographing, any features that need to be highlighted (such as embroidery or other details your photographer may not recognize on their own), how your product will be carried (whether it's flat lay or on a model, and what model or mannequin will be used), and practical details, such as whether you have the product on hand.
You should have the shot list available during your session and update it as the day progresses, to ensure you don't forget a necessary shot.
A call sheet is a document that roughly outlines the session schedule, location, and equipment. Its name comes from the “call times” for each team member: in other words, what time each person should arrive.
You don't want to have to pay a model to stand around for hours while you're still setting up your set. Try sending out your call sheet a week in advance to confirm everyone's availability.
Don't think about the editing process just yet, beyond taking the best product photos you can. Editing comes later.
2. Prepare your studio for the session
Consistency is key in your product photography workflow. You want to maintain a consistent look from shot to shot and session to session, so take careful note of the settings you're going to use.
Are you using natural light? What will the weather be like if you're shooting outdoors or near windows? These are important questions to ask in the preparation phase.
Record the position of your lights, camera, and products so you can replicate your setup in the future.
Prepare the study.
Document your studio setup so you can replicate it in future sessions.
If you're building your studio from scratch, you'll need a DSLR camera, a tripod, a white backdrop, a cardboard reflector, and a light source .
Protect your studio from accidents. Roll up cords and tape them to the floor to prevent tripping hazards. Use affordable solutions like tape, Velcro, zip ties, sandbags, and clamps to prevent costly accidents.
Safety against accidents.
Protect your studio to avoid costly and dangerous mistakes.
Featured image showing cameras on a blue background.
On this page
1. Plan your product photography session
2. Prepare your studio for the session
3. Style your product
4. Capture your shot
5. Process your photographs
6. Review and publish your product photos
Predictable workflow, predictable quality
FAQs about product photography workflow
Start your online business today.
For free.
Free trial
You don’t have to be a fast fashion retailer to appreciate the speed and canadian cell phone number efficiency with which they operate. It’s impressive how quickly they bring designs from the catwalk to the market, both online and in stores.
The best part is that you can learn from fast fashion when it comes to optimizing your product photography workflow. In today’s e-commerce-dominated world, streamlining your photography process is key to getting your products to your customers as quickly as possible.
If you follow this six-step guide to optimizing your product photography , you too can shoot like fast fashion retailers. Here are the best product photography tips to help you become a pro.
Click here to start selling online right now with Shopify
1. Plan your product photography session
Plan your session.
Before you head into the studio, you should have a clear idea of how the day of your shoot will unfold. Get organized. Gather all the materials you’ll need for your product photography session, research answers to any pressing questions, coordinate with photographers and models, and make sure everyone is on the same page.
You don't need super-technical project management solutions or fancy photo editing apps (yet).
What do you need? You need a call sheet and a shot list.
Shot list.
Plan your session in advance using a list of shots you will take during the session.
Your shot list is a living document that lists the products you're photographing, any features that need to be highlighted (such as embroidery or other details your photographer may not recognize on their own), how your product will be carried (whether it's flat lay or on a model, and what model or mannequin will be used), and practical details, such as whether you have the product on hand.
You should have the shot list available during your session and update it as the day progresses, to ensure you don't forget a necessary shot.
A call sheet is a document that roughly outlines the session schedule, location, and equipment. Its name comes from the “call times” for each team member: in other words, what time each person should arrive.
You don't want to have to pay a model to stand around for hours while you're still setting up your set. Try sending out your call sheet a week in advance to confirm everyone's availability.
Don't think about the editing process just yet, beyond taking the best product photos you can. Editing comes later.
2. Prepare your studio for the session
Consistency is key in your product photography workflow. You want to maintain a consistent look from shot to shot and session to session, so take careful note of the settings you're going to use.
Are you using natural light? What will the weather be like if you're shooting outdoors or near windows? These are important questions to ask in the preparation phase.
Record the position of your lights, camera, and products so you can replicate your setup in the future.
Prepare the study.
Document your studio setup so you can replicate it in future sessions.
If you're building your studio from scratch, you'll need a DSLR camera, a tripod, a white backdrop, a cardboard reflector, and a light source .
Protect your studio from accidents. Roll up cords and tape them to the floor to prevent tripping hazards. Use affordable solutions like tape, Velcro, zip ties, sandbags, and clamps to prevent costly accidents.
Safety against accidents.
Protect your studio to avoid costly and dangerous mistakes.