Meet the Maker: Getting noticed with good photography
Product photographer Yeshen Venema shares his top tips for photographing your work
You only have one opportunity to create a good first impression. Having consistently good quality images is essential to inspire, engage and connect.
Get the basics right first
If you are time poor, have access to your bio, images (saved to high resolution) saved to a Dropbox
Taking a good photo is ‘not about your product but how it looks on camera’.
When you photograph something, it changes as it is influenced by lighting and styling. You need to make careful choices about what you want to say about your product rather than how people interpret it.
A north facing single light source will give the most flattering light for your product (as it gives you softer light).
Good positioning is essential, therefore we recommend placing the products in the frame slightly off centre.
If you want to get featured in magazines, you will need a set of cut outs of products where the background is totally white as press can easily insert these into a page or magazine; these are not always the most flattering but for selling work they are the most effective. To achieve this, photograph your work on a plain background with consistent lighting, then edit to create the plain white background.
When taking photos, have them ready (with image credits) to send to press as well as ready for your own website.
“It's not about your product, it's about how it looks on camera”
- Yeshen Venema
Consider the storytelling for your images
Can you build a set to enhance your storytelling? You could use plinths, raised surfaces, coloured paper, paint on board, and props. Try to use props that enhance your brand and make you memorable.
Make it easy for the press to use your photos – if there is a particular magazine you are aiming at, look at the styles they represent. Is there an overall look and feel that is in keeping with your brand
Think about the mood you want to create from your photos and where you want to get them used
If your work is for the food industry i.e. glassware and tableware - think about adding simple items of food and drink to enhance your narrative and bring your products to life.
Yeshen Venema
About Yeshen Venema
Yeshen Venema is a Product Photographer, Squarespace Specialist and Educator with a passion for helping designer-makers and micro businesses thrive. He works from a home studio in Islington, London established in 2012.
Links to associated resources:
- Running a crowdfunding campaign with Heather Corcoran from Kickstarter (aired on 27th May)
- Search Engine Optimization with Toyin Laketu (aired 24th June)
- Legal factors for your business with Briffa legal (aired 8th July)
- Visibility vs Invisibility on Social Media with Karen Patel and Arati Devasher (aired 22nd July)
- How to work with retailers with Reiko Kaneko (aired 5th August)
