How to Prepare Your Products for a Photo Shoot
A little prep makes a big difference
The best product photos start before the camera comes out. A bit of preparation means a smoother shoot, better images and, because studio time is money, a lower bill. Whether you're coming into the studio, shooting on location or posting your products to us, this checklist covers everything worth doing first. At British Muses in London, we share this with clients ahead of every booking so the session runs to plan and you get the most from it.
Clean and prep every product
This is the single most valuable thing you can do. The camera sees far more than the eye, and dust, fingerprints, smudges and lint all show up clearly in a high-resolution shot, then cost time to retouch. Wipe down glass, glossy packaging and reflective surfaces with a microfibre cloth. Steam or press any fabric so it hangs and sits properly. Polish jewellery and metal. Remove price stickers and peel off protective films. Anything you fix before the shoot is something we don't have to fix afterwards.
Based in London | Contact: elenkekina1@gmail.com
Bring backups and spares
Always have more than one of each product if you can. A spare means that if one unit has a scratch, a wonky label or a dent you hadn't noticed, we can swap it rather than stop to retouch. It also lets us shoot 'sacrificial' setups, opening packaging, showing the product in use, or cutting into food, without ruining your only piece. For anything fragile or perishable, extras are essential.
Plan your shots in advance
Know what you need before you arrive. For each product, decide which images you actually want: a white-background packshot, styled scenes, lifestyle shots, detail close-ups, scale references, or a 360 spin. Think about where the images will be used, your website, Amazon, Instagram, ads, since that affects framing and crops. A simple shot list, even a few lines per product, keeps the session focused and makes sure nothing is forgotten. If you have examples of a look you love, share them.
We'll guide you through it
You don't have to figure this out alone. When you book with British Muses, we talk through your products and goals beforehand and tell you exactly what to prepare, so nothing slows the day down. The result is more usable images, less retouching and better value from your session.
Your Pre-Shoot Checklist, Step by Step
Sort out branding and styling details
Gather anything that affects how the product should look. That includes your brand colours and any colour-match requirements, your logo and packaging in their final form, and any props or ingredients you want included, the garnish for a drink, the flowers beside a candle, the accessories with an outfit. If your product comes in variations, colours, sizes, scents, decide which ones need their own shots. The clearer the brief, the closer the results are to what's in your head.
Packaging products to send
If you're using a send-and-shoot service, pack carefully. Wrap each item so it arrives undamaged, label anything that isn't obvious, and include a short brief noting the shots you want and any special handling. Send spares where you can, and let us know in advance what's coming and when. Good packing protects your products and means we can start shooting the moment they land.
A quick pre-shoot checklist
Run through this before the day. Are all products cleaned, polished and steamed? Stickers and films removed? Do you have backups and spares? Is your shot list written, with intended use noted? Are brand colours, logo and final packaging ready? Are props, ingredients and variations sorted? For send-and-shoot, is everything packed, labelled and briefed? Tick those off and you're set for a productive shoot.
Ready to book?
Tell us what you're shooting and we'll send tailored prep guidance with your quote. Email Elen at elenkekina1@gmail.com. British Muses, product photography in London.