Behind the Scenes: A Natural Approach to Product Photography

At a previous job where I photographed natural care and eco-responsible products, I developed a practical, efficient workflow that emphasized simplicity, consistency, and authenticity. The goal was to visually represent the brand’s values while creating clean, high-quality images suitable for both e-commerce and marketing. I relied heavily on natural lighting and a straightforward setup to capture the products in a way that felt honest and approachable. Below is a step-by-step outline of my typical process:

Step 1: Set up the workspace
I used a stable table placed near a large window to take advantage of soft, natural light throughout the day. This helped avoid the need for artificial lighting and kept the look consistent with the brand’s natural ethos.

Step 2: Prepare the backdrop
I used a neutral backdrop—usually white, beige, or a light textured fabric—to keep the background clean and unobtrusive. This ensured the product remained the focal point while subtly reinforcing the eco-friendly branding.

Step 3: Arrange the product
Each product was carefully positioned to show its best angle, with labels clearly visible and packaging neatly aligned. For certain shots, I incorporated minimal, brand-appropriate props like small plants, wood accents, or natural fabrics to enhance the visual story.

Step 4: Capture the images
Using a DSLR or high-resolution camera, I took multiple shots from different angles and distances, always adjusting for lighting and composition. I relied on natural light, occasionally using whiteboards or reflectors to soften shadows if needed.

Step 5: Review and edit
After the shoot, I selected the best images and performed light editing—adjusting brightness, contrast, and sharpness while avoiding heavy filters. The goal was to keep the final images looking clean, natural, and true to life.

Step 6: Finalize and organize
Once edited, the images were saved in organized folders based on product category and usage type (e.g., web, print, or social media), making it easy for the marketing and e-commerce teams to access and use them as needed.