THE ANATOMY OF A PRODUCT SHOOT: FROM PREP TO POST

When people think of product photography, they usually imagine the click of the shutter and a perfectly lit bottle or gadget on a clean surface.

But in reality, a great product shoot begins long before any photos are taken—and continues long after the lights are turned off. It’s a process shaped by intention, preparation, and a lot of invisible decisions.

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set style and design

Everything starts with a conversation. We talk with the client about their product, their brand, and the story they want to tell. Sometimes it’s a bold campaign with color and texture. Other times it’s all about minimalism and sharp clarity. Once we understand the goal, we begin sketching out the creative direction

lighting setup and test shots

Set design is where things start to take physical form. Maybe it’s a sculptural setup using props and color backdrops. Maybe we build something more immersive with textures and layers. We think about balance, height, and how the product lives in the frame.A small surface shift or prop change can completely shift the energy of the image, so this part is all about experimenting until it clicks.

shoot deliverables

Lighting defines the mood, texture, and focus. Whether we’re going for clean and bright or shadowy and dramatic, we’ll: 


• Review images live on screen
• Adjust for symmetry, reflections, and product imperfections
• Keep everything consistent with brand tone and art direction

post-production

After the shoot, we move into the editing phase:

• Review images live on screen
• Adjust for symmetry, reflections, and product imperfections
• Keep everything consistent with brand tone and art direction

final thougts

A product shoot isn’t just about great gear or good lighting—it’s about intention. From styling choices to how we handle reflections, every step is about elevating your product and communicating value at a glance.

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