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If you are an entrepreneur with a new brand that you're trying to get off the ground, then you're probably busy on a 24/7 basis. With so much to do, it can seem counterintuitive to slow down for an afternoon to capture some great photographs of your products and their packaging.

You might be wondering why in the world these photographs might be critical to your success. That is probably particularly true if you don't consider yourself an experienced and adept photographer.

However, there are many good reasons why it makes sense to capture some images of your products and their packaging on film, or at least digitally.

Here are a few of the benefits that you can gain by taking these photographs:

• Visual promotion of your brand
• Dial up your Instagram game
• Create eye-catching visuals for your website
• Promote seasonal or limited-edition designs
• Let fans have a sneak peek behind the scenes

If you want to learn even more about how photographs and other imagery can enhance your product packaging, get in touch with Mid-Atlantic Packaging. Our team of experts is waiting to provide the guidance and insight that you need to take your packaging game to the next level.

Taking Professional Photographs by Yourself

The idea of creating your own professional-quality photographs may strike fear into your heart, but don't let this stop you. Taking photographs that look like they were captured by a master of the art is easier than you think.

In fact, Mid-Atlantic Packaging is ready to give you valuable tips for taking great packaging photos.

Start with a Plan

It probably doesn't make the most sense to grab a camera, your product, and your packaging and start shooting. You may want to reflect a bit on how the photographs will be used before you begin.

For instance, ask yourself how the photo will best benefit the layout that you have in mind.

• How large or small will the photo be on the packaging?
• Will the photo be used on the packaging and also on marketing materials or the website?
• Will photos of the product itself be used on the packaging?
• Does it make sense to photograph your products in a variety of settings to maximize the usefulness of the images?

Designing the Photo

This process may happen in one of two ways. Sometimes, a product is photographed, and then a designer is asked to design the packaging, website, or other materials around whatever image was captured.

On the other hand, it may be possible for the designer to help create the photo so that it will fit the packaging.

Consequently, if you are using a designer for your packaging, you may want to get their input before you start shooting photos. A designer may have insight that you had not considered before.

The professional design team at Mid-Atlantic Packaging is always ready to help at every step of the packaging design process. If you want expert assistance and support, just ask us.

The designer may suggest using a lifestyle image to promote the product on the packaging. This basically is a photograph showing someone who belongs to your core demographic using your product. Because it involves the use of at least one model, capturing a lifestyle image is more complex when compared to the basic "product on white background" photograph.

In addition to a model, a lifestyle image involves a setting. The setting could be anywhere that your product can be used and enjoyed. Examples of settings may include:

• Offices
• Schools
• Outdoors
• Bathrooms
• Bedrooms
• Garages

The Most Common Ways to Photograph a Product

Three basic methods are used to photograph products. These are photographed on white, photographed with props, and photographed in use.

Let's discuss each of these in detail.

Also known as a beauty or hero image, photographed on white simply involves a photograph of your product against a white background.

This can be achieved with a seamless white backdrop placed behind your product when you capture the image. This background, then, may be dropped or knocked out of the background using software like Photoshop.

Why is it necessary to drop that seamless white backdrop from the finished image? It's because shooting on white doesn't actually produce an image with a true white background. Tone and shadow will always get in the way, marring the finished photo.

To drop the background, you just create a clipping path around the product in the digital image. Drop the background to zero-percent color, or you may choose to show just a bit of shadow beneath or behind the product to give it a more natural look.

Photographing with props can be a more involved process depending upon the product you are photographing and the effect that you are hoping to achieve.

Sometimes, the prop is just something that provides size context. On other occasions, the props are more elaborate. You may need to search for props that will convey just the right feeling to your photographs.

It also may be necessary to build structures to properly show the product. Obviously, this will require a significantly larger budget than you may have available.

The other method for photographing a product is photographed in use. Sometimes referred to as a lifestyle or application shot, photographed in use necessitates a setting or location that is appropriate for use of your product.

The location could be a specific room in a typical residence or a backyard. Depending upon where your product is typically used, it may be necessary to obtain permission to use someone else's property as the set for your photograph.

What Kind of Equipment Is Needed?

A sturdy tripod is a must for capturing a high-quality image. Additionally, you'll need a white backdrop, though black and other colors may be appropriate depending upon your desired effect.

Proper lighting is critical to good photography. If you don't have a lot of fancy lighting equipment, you may want to make use of the sun with an outdoor shoot. Alternatively, take your photos in a room that boasts plenty of natural light. If your budget stretches far enough, you may want to consider buying one or more soft boxes to provide bright, balanced light regardless of what the weather is doing. Light stands that support the lights in the desired position may be essential as well.

You'll also need a clear workspace that offers plenty of room. Using a sturdy, well-balanced table and something from which the backdrop can hang is recommended.

Of course, you'll also need a camera to capture those images. If you don't own a camera, consider borrowing one from a friend or finding a high-quality used model at a pawn shop or secondhand store.

Once you've captured a few images, you'll need software to edit them. Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop are favored by many professional photographers. These programs make it possible to adjust the contrast and color of the images, crop the images and remove imperfections.

What If Your Products or Packaging Have Reflective Surfaces?

Unless you prepare for the prevention of undesirable dark spots and hot spots, reflective surfaces will wreak havoc on your photo shoot. You also might end up with reflections of your camera in every picture, something else that will spoil your day.

Professional photographers deal with reflective surfaces by using a white shooting tent. The product or packaging is placed inside the tent, and the lights are arranged outside of the tent. This method will virtually eliminate issues with reflective surfaces.

Special Considerations When Photographing Food

If you're selling food products, then photos of your food on the packaging is a necessity. In fact, it's really the sole method for advertising what your product looks like, and this also suggests how your products will taste.

Accordingly, it's critical to keep certain considerations in mind when you're photographing food.

First and foremost, you'll need plenty of your products. It's essential to find a "perfect" specimen that is ideal for making a mouth-watering image.

If your budget allows for it, spring for a food stylist. These professionals are adept at making cooked foods, liquids, or anything that requires complex staging look fantastic.

Regardless of whether you use a food stylist or not, it's probably wise to have your photo shoot in a kitchen if you are photographing cooked food. Remember that cooked food tends to wilt fairly quickly. You'll want to capture images that are fresh out of the oven. Obviously, this is less critical if you are photographing foods that are dry or consumed right out of the bag.

Are You Ready to Add Photos to Your Packaging?

Photographs of your products or the packaging that contains them can be an instrumental part of your business plan. Images are a wonderful means of conveying the attractiveness, suitability, and functionality of your products.

You don't necessarily have to blow the budget on a professional photographer to get the necessary images. Using these tips, you have everything you need to take professional-quality photographs.

When you're ready to take the next step, get a custom packaging quote from Mid-Atlantic Packaging. We'll add your photographs to your packaging to produce an outstanding final product.