How to Prepare Your Products for a Photoshoot
A successful photoshoot doesn’t start in the studio—it starts with how well your products are prepared. Whether you’re booking cosmetic photography, product still life photography, or full product photography in London, proper prep saves time, reduces retouching costs, and ensures your products look their absolute best on camera.
Use this step-by-step prep list to make sure your products arrive photoshoot-ready and stress-free.
Step 1: Clean Every Product (Yes, Every Single One)
The camera sees everything—dust, fingerprints, scratches, even tiny air bubbles.
Before your shoot:
Wipe all surfaces with a microfiber cloth
Remove stickers, glue residue, and price tags
Polish reflective surfaces (glass, chrome, metallics)
Check labels for smudges, peeling edges, or misalignment
For cosmetic photography:
Pay extra attention to caps, pumps, and lids. Makeup packaging attracts fingerprints like nothing else, and post-production retouching can only go so far.
💡 Pro tip: Bring duplicates. Even freshly cleaned products can pick up dust during handling.
Step 2: Label and Organise Your Products Clearly
If you’re sending multiple SKUs, shades, or variations, organisation is everything.
Best practices:
Label each product on the base (never the front)
Use consistent product names or SKU numbers
Provide a reference list with:
Product name
Variant (shade, size, scent)
Shot requirements (hero shot, angle, group image, etc.)
This is especially important for product still life photography, where precise styling and placement matter.
Step 3: Prepare Backup Products
Accidents happen. Products tip over, liquids spill, packaging gets scratched.
We recommend sending:
At least 2–3 units per hero product
Extra units for liquids, creams, or fragile packaging
Spare outer boxes if packaging will be photographed
Backups keep the shoot moving and protect your investment.
Step 4: Ship Products Safely (and Smartly)
How your products arrive can make or break your shoot timeline.
Shipping tips:
Use sturdy boxes with internal padding
Wrap items individually (especially glass)
Seal liquids in leak-proof bags
Label boxes clearly with your brand name and shoot date
Include a packing list inside the box
If you’re booking product photography in London, ask your photographer about:
Local courier recommendations
Studio delivery hours
Storage options for larger shipments
Step 5: Share Your Creative Direction Early
The more context your photographer has, the better the results.
Send ahead:
Brand guidelines (fonts, colours, mood)
Reference images or Pinterest boards
Intended usage (website, Amazon, social, print)
Any do-not-shoot notes (wrong angles, outdated packaging)
Clear direction allows your photographer to plan lighting, props, and compositions in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How clean do products need to be for a photoshoot?
Extremely clean. Cameras capture details the eye misses. The cleaner the product, the less retouching is needed—and the more natural the final image looks.
Should I send products in retail packaging?
Yes, if the packaging will be photographed. If not, send products unboxed but clearly labelled.
How many products should I send?
Always send backups. For cosmetic photography, we recommend at least two identical units per shot.
Do you offer prep services?
Many professional studios offering product photography in London can assist with light cleaning, steaming labels, or basic prep—just ask in advance.
What if my product arrives damaged?
This is why backups matter. If no replacements are available, the shoot may need to be rescheduled.
Ready to Book Your Product Photoshoot?
Well-prepared products lead to smoother shoots, faster turnaround, and stronger images that actually sell.
If you’re planning cosmetic photography, product still life photography, or premium product photography in London, we’d love to help bring your products to life.
👉 Get in touch to book your shoot or request a quote today.
Have questions before shipping your products? Just ask—we’re happy to guide you through the prep process.
