How to Prepare Your Products for a Photoshoot: A Complete Guide for Brands

Professional product photography can be the difference between a product that gets noticed and one that gets overlooked. Beautiful, well-prepared images not only capture attention but also build trust, elevate your brand, and drive sales. But one of the most overlooked parts of a successful photoshoot actually happens *before* the camera comes out: how you prepare your products.

As a Brisbane product photographer who works with e-commerce brands, lifestyle businesses, and local makers, I’ve seen firsthand how the right preparation can make products shine. Whether you’re planning an e-commerce shoot, a social media campaign, or a lifestyle branding session, proper preparation ensures your products look their absolute best on camera.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get ready for your next product photoshoot.

1. Choose Your Hero Products

Not every product in your range needs to be photographed at once. Start by selecting the items that are most important for your marketing goals. These could be:

* Bestsellers you want to highlight.

* New arrivals that need promotional imagery.

* Products that photograph especially well and represent your brand’s aesthetic.

By focusing on your “hero” products first, you maximize impact and streamline your shoot.

2. Send Multiple Copies (if possible)

Products can get scratched, wrinkled, or smudged during handling. By sending two or three versions of each item, you give your photographer backup options. This is especially important for:

* Packaging (labels can peel or crease).

* Clothing and textiles (wrinkles are stubborn on set).

* Food and beverages (freshness doesn’t last long).

Having extras ensures the final photos are flawless.

3. Perfect the Packaging

Your product packaging is as much a part of the story as the product itself. Before the shoot:

* Ensure boxes, bottles, or labels are free from dents, scratches, or smudges.

* Remove price stickers or barcodes that shouldn’t appear in photos.

* Polish glass or metal surfaces to eliminate fingerprints.

Packaging that looks clean and fresh helps communicate quality to your customers and reduces the need for heavy retouching.

4. Prep Your Products Like They’re Going on Display

Think of your photoshoot like setting up a shop window. Your product should look polished, inviting, and camera-ready:

* Clothing & Textiles: Steam or iron them, and bring lint rollers for last-minute touch-ups.

* Jewellery & Accessories: Polish pieces to remove tarnish, and package them carefully to avoid scratches.

* Food & Beverage: Send the freshest items possible and consider consulting with a food stylist for optimal presentation.

Attention to these small details can save hours of editing later.

5. Provide Props & Brand Elements

Props can add context and personality to your shoot. If your product belongs in a certain lifestyle setting, consider sending:

* Complementary products (e.g., mugs with coffee beans, skincare with natural ingredients).

* Branded packaging, tissue paper, or boxes.

* Textures and surfaces (wood boards, fabrics, ceramics) that fit your brand aesthetic.

Even simple props can help create a cohesive brand story across your images.

6. Share Your Vision with the Photographer

The clearer your vision, the better the results. Before the shoot, provide:

* A shot list with must-have images (e.g., product-on-white, styled flat lay, lifestyle shot with model).

* A mood board with inspiration images, colors, and styling references.

* Your brand guidelines, including fonts, logos, and preferred color palettes.

This gives your photographer a roadmap and ensures the final images align with your brand identity.

7. Think About Scale & Size

If your products vary in size, make sure to note it for your photographer. This helps with:

* Choosing the right props for scale.

* Planning backgrounds and surfaces.

* Ensuring products are displayed consistently.

Consistency in size and proportion across your product photos creates a professional, polished look for your website or catalog.

8. Logistics & Timing

Finally, don’t forget the practical details:

* Ship or deliver products early to allow time for setup and preparation.

* Label each item clearly if you have multiple SKUs.

* Let your photographer know about deadlines, especially if images are tied to a launch date.

Being organized keeps the shoot efficient and stress-free.

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Final Thoughts

A great product photoshoot doesn’t start on set — it starts with preparation. The more time and care you put into getting your products camera-ready, the more polished and effective your final images will be. Remember: photography is an investment in your brand, and preparing well ensures you get the best possible return.

If you’re a business in Brisbane looking for e-commerce product photography or creative brand imagery, these steps will set you up for success — and I’d love to help you bring your products to life with professional, sales-driven photography. Request a discovery call or quote today!