After years of organising product shoots, I've made plenty of mistakes along the way. Some expensive ones, some frustrating ones, and quite a few that have taught me what actually works.
The biggest lesson? More isn't always better.
Product photography is an investment, especially for a small business. And when you're paying for a shoot, there's a temptation to squeeze absolutely everything into it. More products, more angles, more setups, more, more, more.
But I've learnt that this can actually take the focus away from what you're trying to achieve.
So here's how I approached my Christmas shoot for Peak & The Pantry.
1. Keep it small(ish) and focused
I had 12 Christmas gift boxes to photograph and a handful of products, that was my priority, and I built the shoot around them rather than trying to photograph half the website while I was there.
2. Make a shot list
I knew I wanted overhead shots, straight-on product shots, some group shots and a few wider banner images for the website.
I also wanted images that weren't obviously Christmas, so I could use them long after the decorations had come down.
Think beyond the immediate campaign. Good photography should keep working for you.
3. Don't bring the entire prop cupboard
I chose a small selection of props and backdrops that worked with my brand.
And because I will inevitably forget something, I look for a photographer who has their own collection of props and backdrops too.
4. Get organised before you arrive
Each of my 12 gift boxes was packed separately, with everything needed for that particular shot.
It sounds obvious, but when you're paying for studio time, the last thing you want is to spend it scrambling around looking for a jar of chutney.
5. Find the right photographer for YOU
I do a little social media stalking. I look at their previous work, how they shoot, their style and whether I can imagine working with them.
I also really appreciate transparency. I want to see rates, location, what's included and what to expect before I start making enquiries.
For me, it's not just about beautiful photographs. I want someone hands-on, who doesn't mind me getting involved, understands what I'm trying to achieve and isn't afraid to say, "I don't think that's going to work."
Because sometimes they're right!
6. Send a brief, but leave room for creativity
I always send a brief beforehand so the photographer understands the brand, the products and what I'm hoping to achieve.
But I've also learnt not to get too attached to a particular vision.
Sometimes something looks brilliant in your head and just doesn't work in front of the camera.
Be prepared to change direction. Some of the best shots can come from trying something completely different.
7. Wear comfortable clothes. Seriously.
Don't underestimate how physical a product shoot can be.
The moving, tweaking, rearranging, repositioning, standing back, moving it all again, and deciding that actually it looked better the first time.
It's work. Proper work.
8. Trust the person you've chosen
For this shoot I worked with Diana Stainton, and what I particularly valued was being able to get involved while also trusting her experience and eye.
I had my ideas, but I also wanted someone who could bring their own creativity to the table and help make the most of the time we had.
And that's probably my biggest takeaway after all these years.
Go in prepared, know what you need, but don't be so rigid that you miss something better.
A successful shoot isn't about walking away with hundreds of photographs. It's about walking away with the right ones.
For anyone looking for a photographer, this is who I worked with for my Christmas shoot:
