Gone are the days when photos were clicked by the bulky professional camera only. Smartphone photoshoot has evolved and coupled with AI gives strong competition to even the most expensive DSLR.
But no matter how powerful technology is, it will go wasted if we do not use it correctly. So is the thing with the camera in smartphones. Everyone uses it but not everyone knows how to use it the right way. Most importantly if you are a digital creator or selling products online. These smart tricks can do wonders than what a camera can do for product photography.
But remember, any camera will capture only what a mind creates. If you have ideas with skills, these tricks will add the thrills.
1. Cleaner the lens, better the picture
Getting a clear and neat shot is a prerequisite and should be given its due importance. Also, remember to clean it with a lens-friendly solution to avoid damaging the screen eventually. You can simply clean it with a clean cloth.
2. Use natural light whenever possible
When it comes to product or E-commerce photography, natural light is recommended. Sunlit pictures have their own charm. You can use the fill flash feature if available while shooting and try to take a wide shot such that the coverage is large and the shadows can play their role. You may also need to create your shade if it’s too bright to counterbalance the whites.
3. Focus on the product more than the props
When you are taking pictures of the products, props are recommended to complete the entire look however the focus should always be on the product not on the props. For an instance, during food photography, the focus should be on the food, and not on the table or other elements.
4. Use a tripod stand/clamp or remote shutters
No matter how hard we try to keep the camera still, there will always be some vibrations while capturing. Using a tripod or a smartphone clamp can fix this. You can also work with a selfie stick. On Android smartphones, Google Assistant can help time the shot and open the camera for you. There are remote shutters available that can be paired with the phone and are portable and inexpensive to work with.
5. Close focus >> digital zoom
Digital zoom reduces the resolution of the image and makes it appear grainy. It is equivalent to cropping and resizing the shot which eventually results in a loss of quality. Move close to the object and shoot. (Pro tip- Suppose you are clicking a picture of a circular glass frame, go closest to the object, place the phone on the top, making the object appear like a semi-circular object, and SNAP!)
6. Respect the frames/grid lines
Turn on the gridlines to capture a balanced and neat shot. The object is usually placed around the position where grid lines meet or on the vertical gridlines. They will stabilize the picture. Follow the famous rule of thirds- the screen is divided into 9 equal rectangular zones, and you must fit the object in one of the intersections of these zones.
7. Know which mode to use- landscape or portrait
Based on the marketplace or the social media platform you want to list the product on, choose your photography mode. Your choice may also depend upon the product you are taking photographs of. Use portrait mode for photography intended to deliver a strong visual message and appearance. They are good for upright crisp images. Use the landscape to create a more soothing and calm shot.
8. Symmetry is wonderful
The human lens is biased towards symmetry and makes sure your photography uses this technique to the fullest. A symmetric click will make it look more oriented, balanced, and clean. You can use abstract backgrounds, walls, gates, and any random object to append this filter to the photo.
9. Use leading lines
Leading lines lead a viewer to a certain part of the frame. Imagine shooting on a train track, staircases, or simply roads that appear converging. It adds depth and intensity to the shot, making it visually attractive and appear creative.
10. Negative space is positive
By negative space we mean, elements that are not a part of the object but will enhance the object. For example, clicking a fruit basket(object) placed on a large wood table (negative space). The table will only enhance the object. Look for negative spaces that complement the product.
11. Editing tools work great
Editing apps can add the magic that you want, but cannot shoot. Cleaning up the picture, changing or removing background, fitting the right template, and changing the layout can make the content more appealing. Try out the Blend app for more such creative features available easily with just a click.
12. Understanding colors
Some products just brighten up on a black background. An opaque object will look great on an abstract patterned background, and glass will usually need a dull background to shine. Such is the thing with colors. And it will come with experience. The thumb rule does not overemphasize the colors and aims to achieve neutrality.
13. Explore the phone’s inbuilt tools
The smartphone itself has a lot of features to get you going with pro photography easily. Some of the most easily available to use include:
a. Panorama mode is excellent while capturing a wide landscape but you have to be swift and smooth while clicking every frame to get a vivid shot.
b. Slo-mo is working excellently with trending Instagram reels. The slow motions make the users wait for the ultimate climax. It creates a drama on its own.
c. Time-lapse feature is great for demonstrating sequence in a blink. Make sure you give enough time to capture to yield a great one.
d. Burst shots are good for extremely fluctuating objects such that it snaps the right one.
e. Contrast, brightness, and saturation are the effects that have been used since the start. Every effect/filter that we try to make is essentially a combination of these. No matter how brilliant you are technical, a hit and trial on these effects is the most productive way out.
14. Use flash consciously
Use a flash only when you completely understand the purpose. A poorly lit place, intense sunlight, and extreme shadows are a few situations where they work great. But mostly, the intensity has to be set on the picture to override the glaze.
15. Rule of odds
It is another concept in photography that odd-numbered objects in a picture are more aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, and appear more oriented. If you work with multiple objects at a time, use this to create and conceptualize your design.
Think different
This can work as an alternative to all the 15 points stated above. If your thought is different and very weird and does not adhere to standard principles of creating and designing, that definitely needs to be snapped and published. We’re bored of the same kind of stuff, Right?