Creative Product Photography Hacks & Styling Tips
Great visuals don't always need expensive gear. I’m sharing the real-world 'jugaad' (hacks) I use in my Mumbai studio to create scroll-stopping shots, from clever pouring tricks to simple backdrop fixes.
Starting a product shoot? Here are some simple things you can keep with you to get your setup sorted without extra expense. I show you my go-to fabrics, props, and backdrops.
Here's a trick for getting the perfect pouring shot for commercials without wasting food. A mix of water and phenyl creates a liquid that looks just like milk on camera.
A game-changing tip for getting rid of wrinkles in your paper backdrops. A little bit of Blu-Tack can help you get smooth, professional-looking shots every time.
A quick and easy product photography hack. Here’s how I created a swimming pool effect for this kombucha shoot using an acrylic tray and clever lighting to create a water shadow.
Here’s how to make a simple GIF. By keeping your camera in a fixed position and taking a series of photos, you can create fun, looping videos that are great for marketing.
About Creative Hacks & Tutorials
Creating professional visuals doesn't always require expensive gear. For instance, when I need to capture a perfect pouring shot for a commercial, I don't waste gallons of real milk. I use a specific mix of water and a few drops of phenyl, which creates the exact texture and opacity needed on camera. It is a simple hack that saves resources while keeping the final shot looking premium.
Photography is often about solving problems on the fly. Whether it is a kombucha brand or a new food menu, my process in the studio is all about finding the most efficient way to get a clean, high-quality result.
My Go-To Hacks
- The Pouring Trick: As mentioned, water and a touch of phenyl mimics milk perfectly for commercials. It gives you the control you need without the cleanup or product waste.
- Paper Backdrops: Tired of wrinkles? A tiny bit of Blu-Tack at the edges can stretch the paper just enough to create a seamless, professional look without needing to iron or edit out creases later.
- The Swimming Pool Effect: For a recent beverage shoot, I used an acrylic tray filled with water placed just above the product. By using clever lighting, I created realistic water shadows that made the scene look like it was shot in a pool, all from my home studio in Mumbai.
Why Process Matters
Clients often ask me why I share these behind-the-scenes moments. I believe that understanding the effort, the patience, and the 'creative mess' builds trust. When you see how a shot is built, you understand the value of the final image. I don't rely on expensive, complicated setups. I rely on textured props, lighting logic, and a bit of DIY spirit. If you have a product you want to showcase, we can skip the fluff and focus on what actually makes your audience stop scrolling.
Sakshi Lodha
I am Sakshi, a Mumbai-based product and food photographer. My studio is often a 'creative mess,' but it is exactly where I turn simple products into visuals that spark desire. I don't believe in fancy gear, just clever techniques and a whole lot of patience.
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