8 Photography Composition Rules for Taking Impressive Product Photos
Composition is an eternal story for all those interested in photography. A good composition will draw the viewer's attention to the main object that needs to be emphasized. At the same time, it also helps create comfort for the reader with visual principles, contrast, making the enjoyment of the work more pleasant. In this article, we will go through 8 golden rules used in product photo composition, condensed briefly and concisely.
Use the front and center positions to highlight the product
When the composition rules are applied correctly, it will create a beautiful photo. In product photography, the most common composition is to place the product in the front and center. This arrangement will direct the viewer's eyes straight to the subject without being distracted by the surrounding things. In addition, you can display a part of the product to arouse curiosity, making the viewer imagine the rest and fill in the gaps in the photo.
This is one of the basic tips. Most people think it is too simple but if you go to Pinterest and especially Instagram, the center composition is always the majority.
The position of the product can be in the foreground or midground, which is a good idea for creating depth for the photo. In addition, you can create depth with light or take advantage of contrast and color reflection.
Choose the camera angle to show off the outstanding features of the product
The camera angle not only creates a beautiful photo but also makes the product interesting. Camera angles are often of special attention to photographers to create depth for the product and help the product show as much as possible.
Usually, when taking product photos, the 45-degree tilt angle is the most used angle. This angle will create a photo similar to the way our eyes look at objects on tables or shelves. This photography technique makes the product more realistic in the eyes of the viewer. If you shoot the product from a straight angle or a top-down angle, you may not see some parts of the product.
Use the space to draw attention to the product
Negative space guides the eye to the products in the photo. In product photography, you often add a few quotes or introductions to your image, so using negative space allows you to do this easily.
Taking photos using negative space is not a simple thing because if you do not shoot well, your photo will look forced. If you want to use negative space in your photos, you can refer to the advertising photos of professional photographers to learn more.
Apply the odd number rule to make the product layout more attractive
The rule of odd numbers is a useful product photography composition that helps make the photo more attractive.
In the human subconscious, when dealing with a scene with an even number of elements, we often tend to easily pair the elements together, so the scene will become boring. But when the image is composed of uneven elements or an odd number of elements, it is difficult to connect them together, thereby creating focus and attracting the viewer's attention.
If you only have one product, you can add some other objects in the scene to increase the appeal. For example, shaving foam will be suitable for shooting with towels and razors. This combination will make the product more credible.
Moreover, in Asian culture, odd numbers are luckier than even numbers. Pay attention to this. These factors will help make styling more sophisticated.
The classic rule of thirds
The rule of thirds has long been applied in photography to bring about the perfect beautiful photo. The rule of thirds is the opposite of placing the subject in the middle of the frame. In this rule, the subject is placed on the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines.
This rule makes the image more interesting when our eyes have to search for the product.
The rule of thirds appears in many areas of photography. This can be considered a golden rule that anyone should know when starting to take photos.
Background blur to highlight your product
In product photography, you can leave the foreground in focus and blur the background. This is a way to highlight the product when placed in the foreground.
By arranging the products, styling the shots intentionally, you will create a story that connects the objects together, rather than simply placing the product and shooting it.
Use diagonal lines to direct the viewer's eyes
The technique of creating diagonal composition is a popular method in product photography. Lines are the most powerful element of design, and you can use them to draw attention to your product. Lines help guide the viewer’s eye from the frame to the product, emphasizing the most important element of the scene.
According to the diagonal rule, we should place important elements of the picture along diagonal lines. Diagonals will breathe life and energy into a static composition.
A more unique perspective: shoot from above or from below
Flatlay or top-down shooting is very effective in highlighting the product. Normally, we are familiar with product photos taken from a 45-degree angle or straight from the front.
Flatlay shooting style is often used in food photography. This shooting angle gives us more space to arrange objects, thereby making it easier to convey the message of the photo.
In contrast to the top-down shooting angle, the bottom-up shooting angle brings a sense of majesty and arrogance to the product.
Conclusion
Mosyne hopes that these 8 golden rules of product photography will help you find the best ways to take photos to get beautiful product photos. Remember that with each product, you need to have a different approach and creativity in composition to make the product look its best.