Product Photography Guide

Great photos sell products. Learn how to capture stunning images that showcase your farm products, tell your story, and connect with customers.

Why Photos Matter

More Sales

Products with photos sell more than those without

Decision Factor

Many shoppers say photos are the primary factor in purchase decisions

Trust Building

Quality photos build confidence in product freshness and grower professionalism

Remember: You don't need expensive equipment. Great product photos are more about technique than technology. Most smartphones today can capture excellent images.

Equipment Essentials

📱 Camera Options

  • Smartphone: Modern phones work great for most product photos
  • Point-and-shoot: Good for consistent results
  • DSLR/Mirrorless: Best quality but not necessary

Tip: Clean your lens before every photo session!

💡 Lighting Tools

  • Natural light: Free and often the best option
  • White foam board: $5 reflector for fill light
  • Sheer curtain: Diffuses harsh sunlight
  • LED panel: For consistent indoor lighting

🎨 Backgrounds & Props

  • White poster board: Clean, simple background
  • Wood surfaces: Adds rustic farm feel
  • Natural settings: Show products in context
  • Baskets/crates: Group similar items attractively

Mastering Natural Light

🌅 Best Times to Shoot

  • Golden hour: First hour after sunrise, last hour before sunset
  • Overcast days: Nature's softbox - even, diffused light
  • Open shade: Bright but not direct sunlight

Avoid harsh midday sun which creates deep shadows and washed-out colors.

🪟 Indoor Window Light

  1. Position product near a north-facing window (consistent light)
  2. Use sheer curtain to diffuse if too bright
  3. Place white board opposite window to fill shadows
  4. Turn off overhead lights to avoid color mixing
Common Mistake: Using camera flash creates harsh shadows and unnatural colors. Stick to natural or continuous lighting for better results.

Composition Techniques

📐 Rule of Thirds

Imagine your frame divided into nine equal sections. Place key elements along these lines or at their intersections for more dynamic compositions.

🎯 Fill the Frame

Get close! Your product should dominate the image. Customers want to see details like texture, color variations, and freshness.

📦 Multiple Angles

Show products from different perspectives: overhead for flat items, 45-degree angle for dimension, and close-ups for texture.

🌿 Context Shots

Include photos showing products in use: vegetables in a recipe, flowers in a vase, or produce fresh from the field.

Tips for Different Products

🥬 Leafy Greens

  • Mist lightly with water for fresh appearance
  • Photograph soon after harvest
  • Show both individual leaves and bunched product
  • Backlight to show leaf structure

🍅 Fruits & Vegetables

  • Group similar sizes together
  • Show both whole and cut versions
  • Include leaves/stems when attractive
  • Highlight unique colors or patterns

🌻 Flowers

  • Photograph at peak bloom
  • Show full bouquets and single stems
  • Include foliage for context
  • Shoot at flower height for best angle

🥧 Value-Added Products

  • Show packaging and product together
  • Include ingredients when relevant
  • Style with serving suggestions
  • Ensure labels are readable

Basic Photo Editing

Essential Adjustments

  • Crop: Remove distractions, improve composition
  • Brightness: Ensure products are well-lit
  • Contrast: Make colors pop without overdoing it
  • Saturation: Enhance colors slightly (keep natural)
  • Sharpness: Crisp details help sell products

Free Editing Tools

  • Phone apps: Snapseed, VSCO, Lightroom Mobile
  • Desktop: GIMP, Photos (Mac), Photos (Windows)
  • Online: Canva, Pixlr, Photopea

Tip: Save your original photos! Always edit copies.

Keep it Real: Edit to enhance, not deceive. Customers should receive products that match your photos. Over-editing leads to disappointed customers.

Photography Best Practices

✅ Do's

  • Update photos seasonally
  • Show actual products you're selling
  • Include scale reference (hand, coin, ruler)
  • Take more photos than you need
  • Maintain consistent style across products
  • Showcase your farm's personality

❌ Don'ts

  • Use stock photos or others' images
  • Photograph wilted or damaged products
  • Over-filter or heavily edit colors
  • Include clutter or messy backgrounds
  • Forget to clean products before shooting
  • Rush the photography process

Pre-Shoot Checklist

📸 Before Every Photo Session

  • Clean camera lens
  • Check lighting conditions
  • Prepare backgrounds and props
  • Clean and arrange products
  • Charge camera/phone battery
  • Clear storage space
  • Have reflector ready
  • Plan shot list

Ready to Start Photographing?

Great photos are just the beginning. Here's what to do next.

Add Products Set Pricing Best Practices