Title: Mastering Brand Aesthetic: Beginner’s Guide to Stand-Out Product Photography

Mastering Brand Aesthetic: Beginner’s Guide to Stand-Out Product Photography

Welcome to my beginner’s guide on product photography - how to elevate your brand’s aesthetic through captivating simply photography.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your visual identity, I’m sharing my top tips and tricks that will help you create stunning images that perfectly align with your brand’s personality and tone.

1 - Embrace Authenticity:

When crafting your brand’s aesthetic, authenticity is key. Reflect on your brand’s values, personality, and target audience. Let these aspects guide your photography style and ensure that every image speaks to your brand’s essence - what are you trying to achieve?

2 - Simplify, Don’t Overcomplicate:

Avoid overwhelming yourself and your audience with overly complicated visuals. Keep your compositions clean and focused, allowing your products to take centre stage. Remember, careful and considered simplicity can often be more impactful than complexity.

3 - Harness the Power of Natural Light:

Utilise natural light to enhance your photographs - natural light is the best and gives the most amazing results. Position your products near a window to capture soft, flattering light. Experiment with different times of the day to find the best lighting conditions if that’s in your house, move around and see where the light falls at different times of the day. Or if the brief fits, go outside and use nature as your backdrop.

4 - Experiment with Composition:

Explore various angles and perspectives when photographing your products. Play with depth and distance to create visual interest and remember the rule of odds – group products in singles, threes, or fives for a well balanced composition.

5 - Tell a Story with Props:

Complement your products with carefully selected props that enhance the narrative. Consider the purpose of your images – are they for promotion or storytelling? Tailor your props accordingly - if you’re a coffee brand add a coffee cup, if you’re a skincare brand use ingredients, if you’re a bakery add flour or mixing bowls - this will add depth and attract interest. Remember  though, less is sometimes more!

6 - Infuse Personality into Your Images:

Let your brand’s personality shine through in your photography. Whether it’s through vibrant colours, minimalist aesthetics, or playful compositions, infuse your images with elements that reflect your brand’s unique identity and don’t be scared, this is about having fun and being experimental.

7 - Leverage Editing Tools:

Take advantage of editing tools to refine and enhance your images. Use overlays to add text or graphics that align with your brand’s messaging. Experiment with filters and effects to create a cohesive visual style across your photography and in turn your brand. 

8 - Pay Attention to Reflections:

When photographing reflective products such as bottles or mirrors, be mindful of unwanted reflections that can distract from the main focus. Before shooting, ensure that the product surface is clean and free of smudges or fingerprints. Additionally, consider the surrounding environment and how it might be reflected in the product. Sometimes, embracing reflections creatively can add depth and intrigue to your images - you can always adapt to situations. 

9 - Choose Background Tones and Colours Wisely:

The background of your product images plays a crucial role in enhancing its visual appeal. Select tones and colours that complement the product and reinforce its brand identity. For example, if you’re photographing a vibrant skincare product, opt for backgrounds with neutral or pastel tones to allow the product to stand out. Experiment with different colour palettes to find the perfect backdrop for you - remember this is about individuality. 

10 - Capture Products in a Series:

If you have multiple variations of the same product or a product line, maintain consistency in your photography to create a cohesive brand identity. Stick with a theme that works, including similar backdrops, angles, and lighting. While you can still experiment creatively, adopting a consistent look is beneficial for a cohesive grid on social media or product photography on your website. Consistency helps reinforce your brand’s visual identity and makes your products easily recognisable to your audience.

Remember, you can always message me if you need any extra tips ever. 

Thanks,

Ash