Product Photography on the Product Powerhouse Podcast

There is nothing better than when you get to be on a podcast and during the interview you realize just how much you click with the host. That was my exact experience talking about product photography with Erin Alexander on the Product Powerhouse Podcast. 

The episode is Using Product Photography (and more) to Grow Your Product Shop and I’m thrilled with what a resource it has turned out to be! There is so much valuable information inside this 36 minutes. 

We talk about:

• A short intro about how I went from a nutritional scientist working in academia and public health to being a food and product photographer and stylist.
  

• Why it’s okay not to outsource everything. Photographing your own products can serve as a creative outlet you enjoy.
  

• Why narrowing in on your style is important whether you take your own photos or hire someone else to do it for you.
  

• Types of photos that are important for your small business beyond individual product photos.
  

• How it’s possible to create beautiful photos and not be that into expensive gear.

• Time management and tips for making the time to build your skills for photographing your own products. 

Head over to the Product Powerhouse Podcast to listen or find it on your favorite podcast platform such as Spotify. 

Even if you don’t listen to this one, I highly recommend checking out Erin, Product Powerhouse, and the valuable resources she has for creative product-based businesses.

The Three Parts of Photography

There are three parts that influence a final photo. A quality final photo. One that you love and that reflects who you are as the photographer and stylist. 

The ratio of importance is: 

30/15/55

Confidence/Gear/You

30% is your confidence level

For many of us, this one takes the longest to develop. It’s easy to think that photography is all about gear or the eye of the photographer, but if you don’t have the confidence that you are creating valuable work you are never going to put that work out there. 

Something starts to happen when we stop looking to others for what they do and constantly comparing our own styles to theirs. When we stop watching the responses they get, the recognition they receive, and the placement of their work.

You free up a large chunk of space that allows you to focus on your own work, what you like to produce, and your individual style. The more you do this, the more confidence grows, the more work you produce that reflects your individual style, and the better skilled you become. It’s a repeating pattern that fuels your work and your confidence level. Focus, confidence, desire to create, increased skills, and repeat. 

Confidence changes things. 

15% is the gear you use

You know I use minimal gear, but I don’t want that to be confused with implying that it’s not important. It is important that your gear matches what you are trying to create.

Want to take pretty flatlays that you only post on Instagram? Your phone will be just fine. Want to photograph splashes and motion? You’ll need to understand shutter speeds and have the lens capable of producing what you envision. I have to have my 100-400mm lens to photograph wildlife from far away. My 50mm f/1.4 allows me to photograph at a shallow depth of field. I love creating food photos with my 24-105mm lens. 

Once you use the gear necessary for the type of photography you are creating, its role stops there. The gear doesn’t control how you style and compose a shot, the angle you saw that no one else does, the way to plate something that is super creative, the color scheme used, the moment you captured that facial expression or snapped at just the right time that animal came into view.

55% is YOU. 

That brings us to the largest component of the photo, you. The photographer who is possibly the stylist, too. 

Trust me, when I got my first professional lens and I saw what I could create with depth of field, I rolled my eyes when I’d hear - it’s not the camera, it’s the photographer behind it. Because at that point in my career, it was most definitely the camera working the magic. 

But as my work and skill level has grown, I now know that what makes my photos mine, are what I bring to them. The scene I see, how I position myself, how I see the colors working together, how I arrange the vegetables, how I choose to create negative space or fill the frame, how long I can wait out the elk to capture him eating grass, the sunrise on the specific day I took the photo, the surfaces and props I’ve searched for at vintage shops, the things I’ve found to use in photos during my travels. 

You get it right? Hopefully, I’m being clear. It’s you. Who you are, where you are from, what you have access to, what you’ve been through, and where you are going. 

There are other things involved, but this is the most important part of your photo.

Five Dried Garnishes I Keep for Food and Product Photography

Dried garnishes are so helpful to keep around for adding new touches to your photos. They last nearly forever so you know they’ll be there to grab when you need them. 

Here are five of my favorite dried garnishes that I always keep on hand. 

Dried Citrus Slices

I bought a simple kitchen dehydrator this year for an article assignment I had to complete. It has been so easy to make dehydrated blood orange, lemon, and lime slices. Now I keep a bag around for garnishing cocktails and for still-life shots. 

Dried Eucalyptus 

This is by far my favorite green. I pick up a bunch at Trader Joe’s whenever I’m lucky enough to find it. It stays in a vase in my studio to use in all kinds of photos. 

Dried Chile Peppers

I like using dried Birdseye chiles or others similar in size. They fit well into most styled food scenes when the goal is to emphasize that it’s a bit spicy. They also add a nice pop of color even when dried. Mixing them in a shot with fresh peppers is a fun touch, too. 

Nuts In Their Shells

Nuts still in their shells will last for a very long time. I always keep walnuts around. They are great for baking photographs and for still-life centerpieces. I will crack open a couple every now and then so the nut is in view. 

Pinecones and Leaves

Autumn is my very favorite season so it’s likely no surprise that I use these a lot. Each year I set out on a harvest walk and gather up some new leaves and pinecones for my collection. I especially love it when I can find a few leaves that still have some vibrant color like yellow. Not every element of a food or drink photo has to be edible, especially when you are trying to create a seasonal scene. Have some fun with it.