What is product photography?
Product photography is the craft of creating images that present products accurately, attractively and confidently. These photos help customers understand what they are buying long before they ever touch the item and they shape how people perceive your brand. High quality product photography Glasgow offers businesses a competitive edge across ecommerce, print and social media.
I have been shooting products for four years and it is where my journey began. I started by photographing jewellery and electronics for my first business and this eventually expanded into food, drinks, gym equipment, packaging and even large scale commercial cement trucks. Every product has a personality and each requires its own approach to help it stand out. This blog brings together the ideas, techniques and workflows that shape professional results. It also links to my guide on developing your brand imagery.
For additional reference on what is product photography, you can explore an industry favourite resource from Adobe.
Understand the big picture of product photos
A product photo is often the first moment a potential customer interacts with your business. It forms trust, conveys quality and influences the decision to buy. Ecommerce product photography depends heavily on clarity, lighting and consistency. Commercial product photography Glasgow and Scotland wide also needs to communicate brand identity and help customers imagine themselves using the item.
The best results come from a controlled environment with correct lighting, colour balance and simplified backgrounds. Product photography Edinburgh and Glasgow markets both demand a standard that competes with national and international brands, and strong visual presentation is key to this.
What sets product photography apart
Product photography is a detailed and precise discipline. It requires an understanding of angles, proportions, materials, textures and how light behaves across different surfaces. Even though product descriptions matter, the image captures attention first. A product photographer Glasgow must balance accuracy with creativity to create images that are both true to the item and appealing to the viewer.
As a product photographer, you also have to interpret the client’s vision. Some brands want clean white background shots. Others need bold lifestyle scenes. Many products require styling and structure so the final image is cohesive with their brand identity.
Creating clean product images
Clean product images are the foundation of ecommerce listings and are used by nearly every brand. These shots highlight shape, silhouette, detail and colour without distractions.
Before shooting, I always talk through angles, features, packaging and what matters most to the customer. These conversations shape the storyboard and guide how the product will be styled and lit.
The right equipment for product photography
You can view my equipment list in full on my gear page, but the core of my setup includes the Sony A74, a range of lighting modifiers, accurate colour controlled lighting and travelling backdrops for on-location work. For complex products I often use focus stacking, blending between ten and two hundred images to achieve edge to edge sharpness.
What Is a Good Camera for product photography?
The Sony A74 provides high dynamic range, excellent clarity and reliable colour. For video projects I use a dedicated setup which you can read more about in my
What Lense is Good for Product Photography?
Macro lenses are essential for jewellery and technical items. Standard lenses around 50mm offer natural perspective for general products. Wider lenses are reserved for lifestyle scenes or when creating atmosphere. My personal preference though that is just a cut above the rest is my trusty Sony 70-200mm GM ii lens, it is extremely sharp even wide open.
Tripods and shutter releases
Tripods ensure accuracy and consistency. I shoot tethered so clients can see images in real time and make decisions during the session. Remote shutter control helps maintain perfect framing.
Styling your product
Styling is collaborative. Products arrive cleaned, prepared and checked, and I work closely with clients on how they want their items presented. My perfectionist approach means nothing is left unconsidered. Dust, fingerprints, uneven labels and unwanted reflections are carefully removed before the shutter is pressed.
Product photography lighting and camera settings
Lighting defines the atmosphere and accuracy of a product photo. For most products I begin with a classic three point lighting approach and adjust from there depending on shape, colour and reflectivity.
Try a softbox
Softboxes offer soft, even light that reduces unwanted shadows. They are ideal for white background product photography and essential when accuracy and detail are priorities.
Use artificial light
Natural light changes throughout the day, so for product photography I rely mainly on artificial lighting. It provides full control and ensures consistent results across batches or repeat shoots. My portable lighting kits allow me to shoot commercial product photography across Glasgow, Edinburgh and wider Scotland.
Find the right angle for your light
Different materials react differently to light. Glossy products require angled lighting to avoid harsh reflections. Matte items need gentle shaping. I adjust light position until the product looks accurate and appealing.
Take multiple exposures
For reflective or complex textures, I shoot multiple exposures and blend them to achieve balanced detail. This technique is especially helpful for metals, glass and multi-surface materials.
Adjust camera settings
Low ISO maintains maximum clarity. Shutter speed is set according to lighting, and aperture is adjusted consistently throughout focus stacked sequences. These small adjustments create a polished final result.
Editing your product photos
Editing completes the process. I use the full Adobe Suite for retouching, colour matching and finishing work. Dust removal, reflection control, texture balancing and tone accuracy are essential to achieve commercial grade imagery. Every product photo is checked with a critical eye because minor imperfections quickly become distractions for customers.
What is Lifestyle Product Photography
Lifestyle product photography shows the product in context. These images help customers imagine themselves using the item and often accompany ecommerce listings, brand campaigns and social media work. I shoot lifestyle images across Glasgow and Edinburgh depending on the needs of the client.
Setting up your lifestyle shoot
Lifestyle shoots may include models, props or environmental setups. Natural light can work well when diffused correctly. The aim is to create authentic scenes where the product feels like it belongs naturally.
Editing lifestyle photos
Editing lifestyle imagery may involve removing background distractions, controlling glare, shaping colour and ensuring the product remains the focus. Consistency between lifestyle and clean product images is important for brand identity.
How to start a product photography business
Product photography is a profitable area of commercial photography when it is approached correctly. Consistency, quality and clear branding are the key ingredients to long term success.
Build a product photography portfolio
A strong portfolio should include clean product images, lifestyle scenes, detailed shots and examples across different industries. Clients want to see lighting control, technical skill and creativity.
Optimise your portfolio for the web
Fast loading images and clear organisation help customers navigate your work easily. Search friendly descriptions and mobile friendly layouts support better visibility across platforms.
Tell your clients about yourself
Your story matters. Clients want to know who they are hiring, what experience you have and what you specialise in. A clear about page and transparent communication make decision making easier.
How much should you charge for product photography
Pricing depends on experience, production complexity and deliverables. My typical day rate for product photography is between five hundred and seven hundred pounds. Larger commercial projects are quoted individually depending on scale, styling, retouching and video requirements.
Conclusion
Product photography is more than creating a good picture. It is a key part of how customers understand, trust and connect with your brand. Clean images communicate professionalism. Lifestyle images build emotion. Detailed shots prove quality. When these elements work together, they create a visual experience that helps your product stand out.
This approach is at the centre of the product photography Glasgow services I provide. Whether you need white background imagery, lifestyle scenes, detailed macro work or commercial scale product photography across Scotland, I build a process that helps your brand grow and supports your wider marketing strategy.
If you would like to explore examples of recent projects, you can view my portfolio. If you are ready to discuss a product photography Edinburgh or Glasgow project, you can reach me through my contact page.
High quality product photography starts with a simple conversation and I am always happy to help guide you through the first steps.
