Today, I am sharing tips on preparing for a product photoshoot so that you can expect smooth, on-the-spot images from your photographer. These tips result from years of experience working as a commercial photographer.
Prep Matters- Here’s Why
You bit the bullet and booked a Product Photography session with your photographer. Yayy! This is exciting and a little bit worrying at the same time, especially when you are working with the photographer for the first time.
Before the camera clicks, there are a few steps that you can take to help ease the whole process of a professional photoshoot and get the desired results from the money invested.
The main step here is to prep the products before they go in front of the camera. Too often, brands lose impact in photos because of wrinkled labels, fingerprints, broken packaging, or missing items. (Yes, wrinkled packaging, crooked labels, and broken pieces cannot be magically corrected in Photoshop.)
Here is the good news: A little prep goes a long way in ensuring your visuals are clean, consistent, and conversion-ready.
Here’s your go-to guide for showing up with shoot-ready products.
Product Condition Checklist:
Before sending the products to the photographer for a professional photoshoot, ensure they are in top condition. Professional cameras pick up every detail of the item in front of the lens. Here are a few steps to ensure the products are at their best.
No scratches, dents, or damaged packaging. (Big one)
Scratches, dents, flimsy packaging, or damaged goods can derail the photoshoot. And if there is no replacement for the item provided, the photoshoot will be delayed or halted. You want your products to look the best- Isn’t it?
Labels are straight, centered, and bubble-free.
When it comes to labels, ensure they are in top condition. Always check if they are well-centered, not crooked, or worse, have bubbles in them. Photographers are considered problem solvers, but when it comes to packaging, it is in your hands to give the best-looking product for the best-looking image.
Products match your current branding (no outdated versions)
Make sure all the products have the current branding- colors, labels, packaging, etc.
Pro-Tip: Send extra backups! Always include backups in case of smudges, spills, or multiple styling needs.
Labeling, Packaging, and Cleanup Tips:
Labeling, packaging, and cleaning up the products are small but crucial steps that can ease the photographer’s job. Let’s discuss more in detail.
Labeling: When the products are sent/ brought to the photographer, you, as a client, know them much better than the photographer. Many times, there are different products with similar packaging. Labeling each product and its contents will help the photographer differentiate between them. In short, there will be less confusion and back-and-forth.
Packaging: I cannot emphasize enough the importance of good packaging. Clean and dent-free boxes or general product packing go a long way. If the packaging is flimsy plastic or paper, then make sure at least the hero products are bubble-wrapped so that when they reach the photographer, they are not a crumpled mess.
Cleaning up: As mentioned, professional cameras pick up every detail, including dust, fingerprints, and tiny flaws. Hence, it is crucial to have clean products. I clean them before I set them in front of the camera. But starting with an already clean product means less time spent cleaning from my end, resulting in more polished images.
Here’s how to prep for perfection:
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down glossy packaging
Clean mirrored surfaces or glass with streak-free cleaner
Remove price tags or stickers unless they’re part of your branding
For boxed items, ensure corners aren’t bent or torn
If your product has an inner and outer package (like a bar in a box), bring both — styled shots may use both forms.
What to Bring (or Send) — And What Not to Forget
Here’s a checklist to make sure everything’s in the box (literally):
Bring/Send:
All products to be photographed (plus backups)
Any props you'd like featured (utensils, fabric, ingredients, etc.)
Branding elements: business card, thank-you note, custom labels.
Do Not Forget:
To label different product variations (scent, flavor, etc.) clearly
To specify if any product is a hero item that needs extra coverage
To let your photographer know of any usage restrictions (e.g., food allergies, materials, cultural sensitivities)
The better your prep, the smoother the photoshoot result, and your photos will look more intentional.
Ending Note:
Here is a quick guide to preparing for your next professional product photoshoot with your photographer.
Product prep may seem small, but it’s one of its most significant contributions to professional, scroll-stopping results.
Follow the checklist and you will be all set for the upcoming photoshoot.
PS: Your photographer will Thank You for these small steps.
I hope you find these tips helpful. Talk to you soon.
Do you need beautiful images for your amazing products? Let’s Talk: Email me at (hello@deepikahaldankar.com) or complete the form.