How to DIY your way to pro-level product photography.

Get ready to take your product photography skills to the next level without a studio or expensive new equipment.

Getting started in product photography can seem daunting, with many photographers assuming you need expensive lights and equipment to get pro-level results. However, you can DIY your way to magazine-quality images in no time with just a few simple tricks and some common household items.

Build a DIY product photography studio.

To take great product photos, you’ll need a good workspace. You can build a DIY product photo studio in your home or office using a few simple materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Table: Any table in your home or office will do, you just need a sturdy, stable surface to build your “scenes.”
• Backdrop: This can be as simple as a black or white bedsheet or other opaque fabric. The key is to have a clean, solid color environment that can make your products “pop.”
• Tripod: You’ll want a steady hand when shooting product photography, and the easiest way to do this is by mounting your camera on a tripod. Don’t have a tripod? A stack of books or crates can become a DIY camera stabilizer.
• Light: You don’t need expensive strobes to capture high-quality product photos. A few simple lamps or a sunny window can provide all the light you need to make stunning images.

Use household props to add visual interest.

In product photography, “setting the scene” with props and interesting textures can make the products stand out and add visual interest that draws the eye to the image. Here are some common items you can use in your product photography:

• Jewelry
• Seashells
• Mirrors
• Fruit and vegetables
• Spices (for example, coffee beans or whole peppercorns)

It’s easy to DIY your way to creating interesting, high-quality product photography. Discover more ways to use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to make your product photography pop.