If you're a small business owner looking for product photography in Johannesburg, you might be wondering where to start.
This post will help you to know what to expect, what to look out for, and how you can feel more prepared and confident taking on your next project.


Let's dive in and see what your perfect product photoshoot should look like...

Before the shoot


Choose your products

Which items will you be photographing? Is this a new business launch or a new product line? Are you gearing up for a season like Mother's Day, Valentines, Christmas, etc.?

Create a list of your products as well as any variants (colours, fragrances, flavours, etc.) and group shots you'd like to include.


Start your prep

Build a vision board of what you'd like to achieve with your content creation. Using Pinterest and Instagram can be a good place to find inspiration but be sure to stick to your brand vibe. Keep it simple and build a board of 8-12 images that match your brand's look and feel.


Planning

Decide on the type of location you'd like to use (studio, hotel, outdoor feel, etc.) and the types of props and styling you might want to include.

If your project is for e-commerce product photography, a plain, white background might be best but if you're wanting to create content for your website or social media, you might be looking for more character to infuse into your photoshoot.


Keep it simple

This part can become overwhelming if you're not sure where to start. Speak to your photographer about these details and they should be able to guide you with a lot of the planning as well as help with referrals for locations, styling, etc. You should feel supported when looking for product photography in Johannesburg, not feeling your way through the dark.

Bright yellow metal locker and cabinet with cactus decor, cowhide rug, woven wall baskets, and wooden bench in boho room.
Easter cookie decorating kit with bunny cookies, colorful candies, sprinkles, and pink frosting bag on white surface.
Max & Charlie Confectionery Co. Easter cookie gift box with decorated carrot and bunny sugar cookies on wooden table.

during the shoot


Arrive prepared

Being prepared and having a completed photoshoot brief is one of the most underrated aspects of a successful project.

Whether your product photography is being carried out in studio or on location, make sure that all products, props, styling, backdrops, storylines, etc. are ready and organised. This way shoot day is all about getting the "right" shot, not about trying to guess what looks good.


Collaborate

Your photoshoot should feel like a partnership with your photographer. It should feel like they "get you".

I guide all of my brand clients through a customer experience flow which allows me to get on board with their project, understand their vision, and execute a photoshoot that meets their goals.


Stick to the brief

It might be fun to experiment on the day with different looks and setups but be careful not to get too caught up in it.

Scene and lighting setups are what take the most time when photographing products so it's best to come back to the plan whenever possible.

Green ceramic dinnerware set with bowls, plates, and trays on rustic wood surface with eucalyptus leaves.

after the shoot


Selection & Editing

Once all is packed up and done the next step in the process is selecting the images you'll be using.

I apply a base edit to all usable images and angles from the photoshoot and send through a selection gallery to my clients. They then choose the photographs they will be using and I proceed onto doing the final edits. Depending on editing required - light consistency, deep etching, advanced retouching - final images should be ready in 1 to 2 weeks from selection.


Delivery

Once complete, I send my clients a private online gallery link where they can download their photos as well as send it onto their marketing, social, web design teams to start utilizing them.


Image use

Check the size and resolution you need for different platforms and use the photos accordingly.

I include instructions of how to use the images as well as options for high resolution and web use sizes. And my clients are always welcome to contact me should they need assistance after the shoot with image resolution, download and upload, or other guidance to get the most out of their new product photos.

Green metal locker dresser beside orange wall with woven basket, gray chair, straw hat, and decorative vase.
Colorful open lockers with wire baskets against a yellow wall, featuring rainbow hues including red, pink, blue, and green.
Yellow metal bed frame with white bedding and gray throw in a cozy bedroom with wood floors and safari wall art.

Product photography doesn't need to be an overwhelming process. When it's mapped out and well planned, it can actually be a lot of fun. So keep it simple, creative, and enjoyable.

And, when done right, having regularly updated images of your products can be as easy as sending a quick email and having your photographer assist with the whole process.

If you’re looking for product photography in Johannesburg, you’re welcome to get in touch and chat through what you need.

Orange candle holder with balancing lid and mini pinecones commercial product photography