6 Unusual Accessories for Every Product Photography Shoot
Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, product photography emerged as a lifeline for many businesses, offering a creative outlet and a means of sustenance. While our blog typically delves into product photography props and backdrops, we've come to realize the indispensable value of unconventional accessories in our product photography toolkit. Let's explore the essentials for building a comprehensive product photography styling kit.
1. White Gloves and Microfiber Cloth
Alright, picture this: we humans, well, we're a bit on the oily side. It's one of those things you don't really think about until you're zooming in super close with macro product photography. Suddenly, every touch leaves its mark – a smudge here, a fingerprint there. And let me tell you, cleaning up those tiny marks on a bottle or an acrylic prop after it's been pawed at can be a real headache. That's where the magic of white cotton gloves comes in. Slip those babies on, and voila! Say goodbye to pesky smudges and hello to an easier editing process. Trust me, what might seem invisible to the naked eye will pop out in glorious detail in a 50-megapixel close-up. So, grab your gloves, grab a microfiber cloth, and let's keep those products and props squeaky clean!
2. Tweezers
Keep your set spick and span by zapping away crumbs, hairs, and other sneaky intruders with a trusty pair of tweezers. It's like playing detective, but instead of solving mysteries, you're keeping your photoshoot pristine and your post-processing workload light as a feather!
3. Blue-tack and Fishing Line
Get ready to work some magic with your product positioning! Whether you're aiming for that cool floating effect or setting up some intricate lay-flat shots, grab some blue tack or fishing line and let your creativity run wild. It's like being a puppeteer for your products, bringing them to life in ways you never thought possible.
4. Square Dowel (or Ruler)
Alright, let's talk about the grid game in product photography! Picture this: you've got a bunch of products laid out, trying to nail that stylish grid look. But getting the spacing just right? It's like trying to hit a bullseye blindfolded! That's where our secret weapon comes in – a handy-dandy 1cmx1cmx40cm stick. Plop that baby down on the set, nudge all the products snugly against it, and bam – perfect alignment every time! It's like playing a high-stakes game of Tetris, but with products, and way more fun! Sure, it's not flawless (blame it on the camera's funky perspective), but hey, it sure beats eyeballing it and saves a ton of time. Who knew a stick and some blocks could be such grid wizards?
5. White and Black Product Photography Cards
Ah, reflective surfaces – the sneaky troublemakers of product photography! They can really throw a wrench in your day if you're not ready for them. Sure, Photoshop's got some tools to tackle those pesky reflections, but let's be real, those gradients they create can look a bit wonky. That's where my trusty 12"x12" black and white cards swoop in to save the day! I snap a couple of shots: one of the product as is, and another with the white or black card strategically placed to nix those reflections. Then it's off to Photoshop to work some magic – layer masks, stacking images, you name it! Plus, these cards aren't just reflection busters; they're also perfect for adding some extra pop to your shots with micro highlights. Who knew a couple of cards could be such game-changers?
6. Lint Rollers
Alright, let's talk about the unsung hero of product photography accessories – the lint roller! Listen, if you're doing a fab fashion shoot or showcasing some snazzy clothing items, odds are, you're gonna have a few pesky hairs and fluffies making surprise appearances. But fear not, my friend! Say goodbye to hours of tedious post-processing and hello to the quick fix: the trusty lint roller. Just a few swipes, and boom – all those little blemishes vanish in minutes. Easy peasy, right? So, next time you're prepping for a product photography shoot, don't forget to toss a lint roller in your bag. Your photoshoot (and your sanity) will thank you later!
Beyond their primary functions, these accessories offer versatility, serving as bounce cards, positioning aids, and reflection controllers, enriching the photography process.
Ready to take your product photography to the next level?
Explore our range of props and backdrops to elevate your shots! Have we missed any must-have accessories? Got questions about gear? Join the conversation in the comments below and let's boost our photography game together!
