Week 8 - Product Photography

Learn the fundamentals of product photography

Learn how to capture professional-looking product photos using a smartphone or DSLR, simple lighting setups, and reliable camera angles.

Dive In

What You’ll Learn This Week

Lesson 8 - Product Photography (Mobile & DSLR)

This lesson focuses on creating clean, professional product photos using simple tools and lighting setups. You’ll learn how to optimize your camera or smartphone, shape light to add depth, and use proven angles that consistently work for product and food photography.

By the end of this lesson, you will understand:

  • How to optimize smartphone camera settings for product photography

  • When to use a smartphone vs a DSLR for product shots

  • How to create professional results using one-light setups

  • How to use side lighting to add texture and depth

  • How to use a two-light setup for a clean, commercial look

  • How light height and tilt affect shadows and highlights

  • Three reliable product photography angles

  • How to choose the best angle based on the product

  • How to improve images using simple reflectors

Lesson 8 Downloads

These are the digital versions of the handouts you’ll receive in class. Download and save these to your computer for easy reference.

Download Lesson 8 PDF
Download Product Photography Cheat Sheet

If you misplace your printed handout, this is your backup copy.

🎥 Lesson 8 Video

This is your Lesson 8 video walkthrough. Watch this before class to prepare, or revisit it afterward to reinforce what we covered in the studio.

Take notes as you watch. Don’t worry about mastering everything at once - we’ll build this skill together through hands-on practice.

Video Block
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Week 8 Assignment

This assignment helps you practice product photography using simple lighting and reliable camera angles. Focus on clean lighting, sharp focus, and intentional composition.

Your goals this week are to:

  • Photograph one product, dish, or ingredient setup

  • Use at least one one-light lighting setup

  • Experiment with side lighting or a fill/reflection setup

  • Capture the product from at least two different angles

  • Ensure sharp focus and proper exposure

  • Create clean, evenly lit images suitable for web or social media

  • Select your strongest final image

When your assignment file is added here, you’ll also find:

  • Full instructions

  • What to submit

  • How to export your files (if needed)

✅ Download the assignment below once it’s available.

Download Week 8 Assignment

Next Lesson

When you're ready, continue on to the next lesson.

➡️ Lesson 9 Introduction to Photoshop