Why Preparation Matters

Professional photography captures every detail — both the good and the bad. A fingerprint, dust speck, or crooked label will stand out on a high-resolution image. Preparing your products ensures they look perfect from the start, so you don’t waste money on excessive editing.

Step 1: Clean and Polish

• Wipe down shiny surfaces (glass, bottles, electronics).
• Remove fingerprints, dust, and stickers.
• For textiles, ensure items are freshly ironed or steamed.

Step 2: Check Labels and Packaging

• Make sure labels are applied straight and without bubbles.
• Tighten caps and ensure seals are neat.
• Use pristine packaging — no dents or scuffs.

Step 3: Organise Quantities

Bring multiples if possible. Sometimes one product won’t photograph well, or a backup is needed if something gets damaged during the shoot.

Step 4: Plan Angles and Variations

Think about what shots you need:

• Hero/front-on.
• Side and back views.
• Detail/macro close-ups.
• Lifestyle/in-use shots.

Step 5: Communicate with the Photographer

Provide a shot list in advance. Let the photographer know where the images will be used (e.g. Amazon, Takealot, catalogue, website banners). This ensures the right formats and aspect ratios.

Pro Tip

Bring props or context items if you want lifestyle shots — for example, a cup and saucer for coffee beans, or cutlery for food photography.

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