Let’s explore the key items you’ll need to set up your own product photography studio:

Camera

The camera you choose plays a crucial role in the quality of your product images. While high-end DSLRs like the Nikon D850 ($1,800) with a 105 mm f/1.4 lens ($740) can produce stunning results, they’re not necessary for most small businesses. In fact, you can achieve great results with your smartphone—check out our guide to smartphone product photography for tips.

Start with whatever camera you have available and assess the results. Remember, the camera is just one piece of the puzzle. Great product photography is the result of thoughtful lighting, exposure, styling, and post-processing decisions.

Tripod

A tripod is a three-legged stand that supports and stabilizes your camera. It’s crucial for product photography, ensuring consistent framing and composition across multiple shots.

Tripods are particularly useful when shooting with slow shutter speeds, which are often necessary when using small apertures to achieve greater depth of field. They’re simple to use: set up on a stable surface, attach your camera, and adjust the legs and head to experiment with different heights and angles.

For beginners, an affordable tripod is perfectly adequate. Many quality options are available for less than $30.

White background

A clean white background and proper light control are fundamental for professional-looking product photos.

There are numerous options for white backgrounds. If you’ll be shooting frequently, consider investing in a white sweep. Paper sweeps are particularly useful, as you can easily cut off dirty sections and roll down fresh material.

For a budget-friendly option, visit your local art or drug store and purchase poster board—often available for as little as $7 for 10 sheets. Opt for pure white, as off-white or cream backgrounds are more challenging to edit to pure white in post-processing.

Table

A good table allows you to easily adjust the background, lighting, and products for various setups.

Standard folding tables work perfectly for product photography. Aim for a width between 24 and 27 inches, providing ample space for most product setups without being overly large.

Cover the table with your chosen background material, allowing it to curve up against a wall or backdrop stand for a seamless look. Ensure you can work comfortably, whether standing or sitting. The table doesn’t need to be aesthetically pleasing, since it will be covered—focus on stability and appropriate size.

Tape

Securing your setup is crucial for consistent shots. Tape is an excellent tool for holding your background in place.

To avoid damaging your table, use strong, removable tape like painter’s tape or gaffer’s tape. Secure the edges of your background material (such as poster board or seamless paper) to the table, ensuring it’s taut and wrinkle-free as it curves up against the wall or backdrop stand.

Lenses

Your choice of lens significantly impacts the overall quality of your product photos. Consider your product size and shooting environment when selecting a lens.

While lenses can be a significant investment, aim for versatility. A standard zoom lens allows you to shoot both larger products and smaller details. Two popular options are:

• 24–70 mm f/2.8: Versatile for close-ups and wider shots, with an f/2.8 aperture for low-light situations.
• 50 mm f/1.8: This prime lens matches the human eye’s focal length, and its wide aperture suits various environments.

Experiment with different focal lengths to find what works for your products. Choose a lens that clearly and attractively showcases your product’s key features.

Lightbox

Lightboxes are excellent for product photography, creating even lighting and minimizing shadows for a professional look. They’re particularly useful for small to medium-sized products.

Using a lightbox is straightforward: place your product inside on the white background. If your lightbox has built-in lights, turn them on and adjust for even illumination. For more control, consider using external light sources.

Props

Props can help tell your product’s story by setting the mood, showing scale, or demonstrating use. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance—props should enhance, not overshadow, your product.

For example, when photographing a coffee mug, you might include coffee beans, a book, or a pastry to create a cozy scene. Arrange props naturally around the product, ensuring they don’t obscure key features.

Consider color when choosing props to avoid clashing with your product. Take test shots and adjust your arrangement as needed to create a balanced, inviting image.

Optimal lighting conditions

Natural light is ideal for photography, whether indoors or outdoors. When shooting indoors, a room with large windows adjacent to a wall provides excellent lighting.

Outdoors, open areas or tree-shaded spots can offer great lighting. However, controlling outdoor lighting can be challenging and may require additional tools like diffusers or reflectors.

Remember, distance from the light source affects your results: closer proximity creates softer light with darker, softer shadows, while greater distance produces lighter, sharper light.