Introduction to On-White Product Photography – a step by step walkthrough for total beginners.
On-white product photography is a foundational skill for any budding product photographer. Whether you're capturing images for an Amazon listing, a store website, or a detailed product catalog, the goal is to present the product in the best possible light—literally and figuratively. Perfecting this technique will not only enhance the visual appeal of the products but also improve conversion rates by providing potential customers with clear, professional, and enticing images.
At TAP Photo Studio (Kepchar, LLC) based in Asheville, NC, we specialize in creating high-conversion marketing experiences through top-quality product photography. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to producing your own on-white product photography, ensuring your images align with the brand's aesthetic and meet professional standards.
If you are just getting started and want to create your own on white product photography, you’re in the right place! In this guide we walk you through everything you need to know to create simple on white images for your catalogs. We’ll recommend affordable equipment choices, cover the basics of shooting and editing, and equip you with the knowledge to complete your images and get them working for you ASAP.
It’s a long guide, but well worth the read if you are serious about shooting your own on white product photography.
You can do this!
In this guide, we'll cover:
Essential Equipment
Setting Up Your Studio
Preparing the Product
Camera Settings and Shooting Techniques
Post-Processing
Deploying optimized imagery that meets basic image requirements
Let's dive into the first section: Essential Equipment.
Essential Equipment
For high-quality on-white product photography, having the right equipment is crucial. Fortunately, you don't need the latest or most expensive gear to get started. This is very true, don’t be tricked into thinking you need to invest 20k in your studio setup. Here’s a breakdown of the essential equipment and some cost-effective (and ultra cost effective) alternatives.
Cameras
For web display, such as Amazon or store websites, your product photos only need to be around 1600px to 2400px square. This resolution is achievable with lower-resolution cameras, making it easier and more affordable for beginners. Here are some great options:
Canon 5D Mark II or Canon 7D: Both cameras offer excellent image quality and manual controls, ideal for product photography. We recommend these two cameras because of their price point and abundant availability. Each camera can be purchased for around $250 dollars and will give you everything you need to succeed at a high level!
Canon PowerShot G11: Our super budget-friendly option that still provides good quality and manual settings. Consider these old point and shoots if you need to get started at the lowest upfront cost. You don’t need a lens with a camera like this.
Canon 5D Classic: Another affordable choice that’s more than capable of capturing great product images for the web. Sub $200 and again, all you need! (for web ready product photography)
Check out KEH.com for great deals on tested, used photography equipment. The key is to have a camera that you can operate manually to ensure consistent results.
Lenses
Pair your camera with a high-quality lens to achieve sharp, detailed images. Again, in the realm of product photography a high-end result can be achieved with many affordable options on the market. Here are some recommendations:
Tokina 100mm Macro: Excellent for affordable product photography. Praised for its quality and price point. You can pick up a used for around $300.
Canon 50mm: A versatile and affordable option. The run and gun option for many photographers and available used for about $200. Consider 50mm if your space is limited.
Converted Nikon Lenses: Our super budget option. Consider an old Nikon 55mm macro lens and a converter for your camera body. This combination provides high optical quality at a lower cost. Get quality optics for as little as $60!
In our studio, we love the Laowa 100mm 2x macro lens, shooting on a Canon R5 for print and web. However, a Canon 5D Mark II with a 100mm lens can produce equally impressive results for web use. We use this lens for its sharpness and versatility, but rarely enter the macro range.
Tripod
Get a good set of legs and a nice tripod head to minimize frustration. Go on KEH.com and pickup some cheap Manfrotto legs and a 3 way head like a Manfrotto 3047. If you aren’t budgeting for the camera stand yet. go with whatever you can find. Tripods are abundant in second hand stores and they generally all have the same universal thread mount for any camera.
Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for product photography. Using strobes ensures you have enough light to overpower ambient sources and achieve even light temperature. Here are two price-point options:
Paul C. Buff Alien Bee 800s: Get at least two, preferably three, with soft boxes and light stands. These can be had for as little as $200 dollars per unit. And soft boxes for about 60 dollars per unit. Better strobes offer more features, but like a photography professor once said to me, light is light.
Softbox: get something like a Fotodiox 32x48in softbox. (different mounts exist for different strobes, so make sure its designed for Paul C. Buff or Einstein flash units). Look up “alien bees softbox” and get a cheap option.
Light stands: go on amazon, or go to your local camera store and pickup some cheap stands. Just make sure they hold the weight you need.
Sand bags: get some simple sandbags to hold your stand in place. (not a critical piece if you are careful)
SB-24 Flash Units: Our super budget-friendly option from KEH.com or off-brand strobes from Amazon. Get into the flash game super cheap. These can be had for sub $40 and with some cheap infrared triggers on amazon are a budget studio go to. You’ll need rechargeable AA batters though, or you’ll loose your shirt to energizer.
You’ll need a way to fire your strobes when the camera takes the photo. A basic PC sync cord is a reliable and inexpensive option. So look for a 15ft pc sync. (it’s a standard for more than 80 years) Alternatively, you can use infrared triggers with your on-camera flash to fire the SB-24 units or other cheap flash units. You can also trigger most all strobes using this method, you’ll need some type of on camera flash to make this work. (points for the 7D and G11)
Light is light, if it works and is balanced in temperature, you’ve got what you need.
Other Essentials
Savage Seamless Super White Backdrop: For a clean, white background, that won’t cast any color shift. Look up savage super white 01 on Amazon. Get a size the accommodates your space and product size. They range for 2 feet wide to 14 feet wide. If you don’t want to do this step, paint a section of wall with primer, try and get something that is pure white, no added color, to no cast any color onto your set and product.
Backdrop Stand: To hold your seamless paper. Buy one or make one. You just need to hang the paper behind your set. (its best to run the paper from all the way up to all the way down. Something like 8ft works great)
Sawhorses, Glass Tabletop, and White Plexi Top: These create a near-seamless white set, reflecting the light and making it easier to achieve a perfect white background. All together you can get your shooting table for under $100.
Having ample space is also important. Consider setting up in a basement or any available indoor area. Don’t worry about windows. Though strobe flashes can be concerning for the neighbors. You can make your setup work with less space, but when stands and soft boxes are deployed you won’t have much space to move around the shooting table.
With the right equipment, you're set up for success. Next, we’ll move on to setting up your studio for the shoot.
Setting Up Your Studio
With your equipment ready, it’s time to set up your studio for the shoot. Proper setup is crucial for achieving professional-quality product photos. Here’s how to get started.
Studio Setup
Background Setup: Hang your Savage seamless super white paper on the backdrop stand. Ensure it is smooth and without wrinkles by adding weight to the bottom edge with simple A-clamps. [Link]
Table Setup: Place your sawhorses where you plan to shoot and lay the glass tabletop on top of them. Then, place the white plexi top on the glass. This setup creates a sturdy surface and provides the reflective quality needed for a seamless white background. The glass surface may be used without the plexi as well depending on your needs.
Lighting Setup:
Background Lighting: Position one strobe on the ground behind the sawhorses, pointing it towards the background. This strobe should illuminate the background evenly. Aim to leave a gap of 4-6 feet between the background and the table to prevent light reflection from the paper onto the product. Make sure to use a strobe reflector or barndoors to keep the light facing the background and not the shooting table. A good tip: light the background and product separately.
Product Lighting: Much of the artistry in product photography is in the lighting of the subject, but lets keep it super simple for this how to product photography lesson. Set up two soft boxes on either side of the product. These should be positioned to light the product evenly from both sides. Make the left side light stronger to help build form through light and shadow. The light that hits the background will reflect off the tabletop surface, creating a near-seamless white set on the tabletop itself. Make sure you understand this concept and you will be miles ahead of other product photography DIYers. The plex1 will reflect the light of the background. Together with the background you will build a near white set, ready for a quick levels adjustment to achieve pure white. (more on this in the editing section.)
Test Shots: Take a test shot of the background and tabletop together without the product. The result should be a fairly seamless, near-white canvas. Adjust the lighting if necessary to achieve the desired effect.
5. Preparing Your Products
Make sure your products are clean and free of dust, fingerprints, and smudges. The more you can address these issues beforehand, the less time you'll need to spend in post-production. Inspect each item carefully, using a microfiber cloth to remove any unwanted particles.
Product Placement: Once your background is set, place your product on the tabletop. The plexi top will reflect the product, adding a professional touch to your photos. Decide whether to use or edit out the reflection based on your desired outcome. If the reflection is an issue, consider removing the plexi and shooting through the glass tabletop, filling the frame with the background paper. In this setup. Make sure the paper goes all the way down to the floor or even lays out on the floor to give you the white coverage you need.
Background Strobes: If you choose to shoot through the glass tabletop, consider using two strobes on the background at a 45-degree angle. These strobes should have reflective hoods or barndoors to direct the light solely onto the background. Scene-foil is a cost-effective option for creating hoods. [Link]
Camera Settings
Now that your studio is set up, it’s time to configure your camera. Here are the recommended settings for optimal results: (NOTE: set the camera to “M” manual to adjust all factors independently.)
ISO: 100 – you have more than enough light to avail yourself of the native ISO. When using older cameras, as recommended here, this is an important setting for a professional result.
Shutter Speed: 1/160th sec – your camera may sync at a higher shutter speed, but keep it easy and just set it to 1/160th.
Aperture: f/16, f/22, or f/32 (maximize depth of field, adjust if needed)
White Balance: Set to flash
Set your background strobes to near full power and your product strobes to half power to start. You can adjust these settings based on your specific lighting conditions. Balancing the light is as straight forward as creating a near white environment, and a well-lit product.
Next, we’ll cover the shooting process and some tips for capturing the perfect shot.
Shooting Your Product
With your studio set up and your camera settings configured, it's time to start shooting. This section will guide you through the process of capturing high-quality product photos that showcase your products in the best light.
Positioning Your Product
Initial Placement: Place your product in the center of the tabletop, ensuring it is well-positioned and straight. This helps in achieving consistent and professional-looking photos. Consider handling products with gloves to minimize fingerprints.
Rotation and Adjustment: Depending on the product, you may need to rotate it to highlight different angles and features. Make small adjustments to its position to find the most flattering angle. Move the product, not the camera.
Taking the Shots
Focus and Composition:
Use your tripod to stabilize your camera and frame your shot. This ensures consistency across all photos.
Focus on the key features of the product. If you’re using a manual lens, adjust the focus carefully to ensure sharpness.
Lighting Adjustments:
Take a few test shots to check the lighting. Adjust the power of your strobes if necessary to achieve even lighting across the product.
Ensure that there are no harsh shadows or overly bright spots. Soft boxes help in diffusing the light evenly.
Test and Refine:
After your initial test shots, review the images on your camera’s screen or computer. Look for any areas that need adjustment, such as lighting, focus, or composition.
Make any necessary adjustments to your setup or camera settings. It’s better to take your time now to get everything right rather than fixing issues in post-production.
Shooting Multiple Angles:
Capture multiple angles of the product to give a comprehensive view. This is particularly important for online stores where customers rely on photos to understand the product. Consider adding simple design work to your images to create infographic images that highlight key features. Give yourself space for the design.
Common angles include front, back, sides, and close-ups of important features.
Consistency is Key
Maintaining Settings:
Once you have your settings dialed in, maintain them throughout the shoot to ensure consistency. This makes the editing process easier and ensures a uniform look across all product photos.
Manual Mode:
Use manual mode on your camera to control exposure settings precisely. This is especially important in product photography to maintain a consistent look.
White Balance:
Set your camera’s white balance to flash to ensure consistent color temperature in your photos. This reduces the amount of color correction needed in post-production.
Checklist for Each Shot:
Before taking each shot, run through a quick checklist: Is the product clean and positioned correctly? Is the focus sharp? Is the lighting even? Are your settings consistent?
Tips for Specific Products
Reflective Products:
For products with reflective surfaces, such as glass or metal, position the lights to minimize reflections. Using a polarizing filter can also help reduce glare. In some cases, a polarizer can be a secret weapon to elevate the shot. Think glassware etc.
Textured Products:
For products with textures, like fabrics or wood, use side lighting to highlight the texture and create depth. Consider using only 1 of your 2 soft boxes and direct the light of the other across the surface in a way that highlights the surface.
Once you’ve captured all your product photos, it’s time to move on to post-processing. In the next section, we’ll cover how to edit your photos to make them look professional and polished.
Post-Processing Your Product Photos
Post-processing is a crucial step in product photography. It’s where you refine your images, ensuring they look polished and professional. Here, we’ll guide you through the essential steps in editing your product photos for web display.
Basic Adjustments
White Balance:
Although you’ve set the white balance in-camera, fine-tuning it in post-processing can ensure perfect color accuracy. Use the white balance tool in your editing software to correct any color casts.
Exposure and Levels:
Adjust the exposure to ensure the product is well-lit and the details are visible but don’t try and use the exposure control to take your near white background to a full white background instead use LEVELS.
Use the levels tool to move the near-whites to pure white, ensuring a clean background without losing product details. This is another one of those points you really want to understand. Using levels you can adjust just the parts of the photo that are near white. If you’ve done that correctly you will clip those highlights perfectly. This is one of those magic moments. If you product is bright as well, you will need to mask it back in. That is, to paint that part of the image that you don’t want the level adjustment to effect.
Contrast and Clarity:
Increase the contrast slightly to make your product stand out. Adjust the clarity to enhance the details and textures.
Advanced Adjustments
Masking:
Use masking to isolate the product from the background. This helps in making precise adjustments without affecting the entire image. Masking is especially useful for refining the edges and ensuring a seamless background.
Spot Removal:
Use the healing tool to remove any remaining dust, fingerprints, or smudges. Zoom in to ensure you don’t miss any small imperfections.
Sharpening:
Apply sharpening to enhance the details of your product. Use the unsharp mask tool, setting it carefully to avoid over-sharpening, which can make the image look unnatural.
Final Touches
Cropping and Resizing:
Crop the image so the product goes right upto but does not touch, the edge of the frame. A tight crop means a larger display on sites like amazon. Resize the image to your desired dimensions, typically between 1600px and 2400px square for web display. For example, aim for 1800px square for a good balance between quality and file size. Websites utilize this size to active a zoom feature. If you don’t want or have a zoom feature you can go for something like 600px. That would result in an ultrafast loading file.
Consistency Check:
Ensure all your images have a consistent look and feel. Compare them side by side and make any necessary adjustments to maintain uniformity across your product photos.
File Format and Compression:
Save your final image as a JPEG with some compression to reduce the file size without compromising quality. In photoshop, for me we use JPEG compression of 8 to 10. This ensures faster loading times on websites, which is crucial for user experience and SEO.
Step-by-Step Example:
Open your image in your preferred editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom).
Adjust the white balance using the white balance tool.
Use the levels tool to move near-whites to pure white, ensuring a clean background.
Mask product if needed.
Increase contrast slightly and adjust clarity to enhance details.
Use the healing tool or clone tool to remove dust, fingerprints, and smudges.
Sharpen the image using the unsharp mask tool.
Crop the image to fill the frame and resize it to 1800px square.
Save the final image as a JPEG with some compression (8-10)
Examples of Editing Tools:
Adobe Photoshop: Comprehensive tools for professional editing, including advanced masking and healing options.
Adobe Lightroom: User-friendly interface with powerful tools for adjusting exposure, contrast, and clarity.
GIMP: Free alternative with a wide range of editing features.
Post-processing is where your product photos truly come to life, ensuring they look their best and are ready for web display. In the next section, we’ll provide a quick reference guide and summarize the key points covered in this blog.
Quick Reference Guide
Equipment Checklist:
Camera:
Recommended: Canon 5D MKII, Canon 7D
Budget Option: Canon Powershot G11
Lens:
Recommended: Tokina 100mm macro, Canon 50mm
Budget Option: Nikon 55mm macro with adapter
Strobes:
Recommended: Paul C. Buff Alien Bee 800s
Budget Option: 3-4 SB-24 flash units or off-brand strobes
Accessories:
Tripod: Cheap legs with Manfrotto 3047 head
Soft boxes
Light stands
Background: Savage seamless super white paper
Backdrop stand
Surface: sawhorses Glass tabletop and white plexi top
Setup Checklist:
Cleaning:
Ensure the product is free of dust, fingerprints, and smudges. Make your life easier.
Background:
Hang Savage seamless paper in the background.
Set up one strobe under and behind sawhorses to illuminate the background.
Surface:
Place the glass tabletop on the sawhorses with the plexi on top.
Lighting:
Set up two soft boxes around the product for even lighting.
Adjust background strobes to create a near seamless white background.
Camera Settings:
ISO: 100
Shutter Speed: 1/160th sec
Aperture: F/16, F/22, or F/32 for maximum depth of field
White Balance: Set to flash
Post-Processing Steps:
White Balance:
Adjust in post-processing for perfect color accuracy.
Exposure and Levels:
Ensure the product is well-lit and details are visible.
Adjust levels to move near-whites to pure white.
Contrast and Clarity:
Slightly increase contrast and clarity to enhance details.
Masking:
Use masking to isolate the product from the background.
Spot Removal:
Use the healing tool to remove dust and imperfections.
Sharpening:
Apply sharpening using the unsharp mask tool.
Cropping and Resizing:
Crop the image and resize to 1800px square.
File Format and Compression:
Save as a JPEG with some compression.
Conclusion:
Product photography for web display doesn't require high-end equipment; understanding how to use what you have effectively is key. By focusing on proper setup, lighting, and post-processing, you can create professional-quality images that enhance your brand's online presence.
TAP Photo Studio (Kepchar, LLC)
At TAP Photo Studio, an Asheville, NC-based photography studio, we specialize in product photography and new product launches. Our mission is to help businesses grow by equipping them with top-quality commercial art. We create high conversion marketing experiences that strengthen brand loyalty, deepen interactions, and create buyers who become brand ambassadors.
For one-on-one brand development and to elevate your product imagery, contact TAP Photo Studio. Let’s get you started on achieving true brand consistency that elevates customer trust and understanding. Email us or give us a call, and we can take your visual brand assets to the next level.
This comprehensive guide should set you on the right path to usable product photography for web display. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out.