Product photoshoot ideas

By Mariya Harley · London · updated August 2026

Small brands shooting a catalogue themselves, and anyone whose listing photographs are costing them sales.

1. Clean on white, consistent

One background, one light position, every product photographed identically. Consistency is the entire value of a catalogue set.

2. Angled hero

Three-quarter view showing front and side. It reads as an object rather than a diagram.

3. Scale reference

A hand, a coin, a familiar object. The most common complaint about online product images is not knowing how big something is.

4. Texture close-up

Stitching, grain, weave, finish. It replaces touching.

5. In use

Being worn, poured, opened, held. The frame that sells; the clean shot only confirms.

6. Flat lay with context

Product plus the things it belongs with, arranged on a surface, lit from the side.

7. On a coloured background

For social rather than the listing. One saturated colour makes an ordinary object look deliberate.

8. The packaging

Buyers photograph unboxing; brands rarely photograph packaging themselves, and it is part of the product.

Where to shoot it

A table beside a window with a large white surface opposite to bounce light back. That is a complete product setup and costs nothing. For glossy or metallic items, the reflection of the room is the main problem — a white sheet on either side solves most of it.

Choosing a location, in order

1. Meaning first. Somewhere you actually go beats somewhere photogenic you have never been — it shows in how you stand.
2. Light second. Open shade or low sun; never overhead midday light on faces.
3. Logistics third. Two locations within a short walk is realistic in two hours; three means the travel eats the session.
4. Permissions. Most London parks are fine for a small personal shoot; commercial work in managed estates and some royal parks needs a permit — ask before planning around one.