Product photography: how to take good product photos yourself
Good product photography comes down to even light, a calm background and the same set-up every time. Here you can read what is involved, how to do it in-house and which approach suits your industry.
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By Birgitta, MagicBOX · Updated 29 October 2026
In short
- A good product photo shows the product as it is: sharp, with true colours and without distracting shadows.
- The three most important things are even light from all sides, a calm background and the same set-up for every product.
- With a fixed set-up, such as a MagicBOX, you take those photos yourself with your camera or smartphone, with little or no post-processing.
- Choose your industry below for examples, tips and the model that fits.
Product photography by industry
Will it work for my products? Choose your industry to see examples, tips and which model fits. Or view all examples of product photos on one page.
What is product photography?
Product photography is photography in which the product plays the leading role, usually to sell or present it.
Think of photos for webshops, catalogues, marketing material or social media. Unlike portrait or event photography, product photography is mainly about sharpness, colour accuracy, consistency and a calm background. Where a customer in a shop can pick up and look at a product, online the photo has to do that job.
What types of product photography are there?
The four most common types are cut-out photos, lifestyle photos, 360° photos and detail shots.
- Cut-out product photos (packshots): the product on a white background, widely used for webshops and platforms such as Amazon.
- Lifestyle photos: the product in a realistic setting, to convey a feeling or show how it is used.
- 360° product photography: a series of photos or a video in which you can rotate the product.
- Detail shots: close-ups that show the material, finish or specific features.
Why does good product photography matter?
Because in a webshop or catalogue the photo replaces the product: the customer decides on what they see.
- Trust: sharp, consistent photos show that you work carefully.
- Clarity: the better the customer can judge the product, the smaller the chance that it looks different from what they expected.
- Recognisable range: the same lighting, angle and background give your whole range one consistent look.
What makes a good product photo?
Lighting, background, sharpness and composition, and consistency.
- LightingEven light without harsh shadows is the most important thing of all. Diffuse light from several sides gives a natural, calm photo.
- BackgroundA neutral, plain background, usually white, keeps the attention on the product. For webshops it is often the standard.
- Sharpness and compositionThe whole product is in sharp focus, with enough resolution for a larger screen. A central, balanced composition lets the product take the leading role.
- ConsistencyWith a larger range, you photograph every product the same way: same angle, lighting and distance. That keeps your webshop looking calm.
Which mistakes are common?
The most common mistakes are too little or the wrong light, an inconsistent style, too low a resolution and too much post-processing.
- Too little light or the wrong light source, so the colours are off or distracting shadows appear.
- A different style for each product in the same webshop.
- Too low a resolution, so the photo turns blurry when you zoom in.
- Too much post-processing, so the colour or shape no longer matches the real product.
Photograph it yourself or outsource it?
Outsourcing gives a polished result, but every new product has to go to the photographer. Photographing in-house with a fixed set-up suits anyone who regularly has new products.
Outsourcing a photo costs €15 to €20 per photo on average and needs scheduling. You buy a MagicBOX once and use it again for every new product, with your own camera or smartphone. You do not need any knowledge of studio lighting.
| Your own MagicBOX | External photographer | |
|---|---|---|
| Turnaround | Immediate, at your own location | Scheduling and waiting |
| Cost | One-off for the MagicBOX | Per session or per photo |
| Consistency | The same set-up every time | Depends on the session |
What is 360° product photography?
In 360° product photography the product turns on an integrated turntable (the light simply passes through it), giving you a video or a rotatable view.
The MagicBOX Square and MagicBOX Large are also available in a 360° version. That way you show customers the product from every side. View the 360° product videos.
A separate turntable can be placed in the other MagicBOX models.
Examples from the MagicBOX
View examples of product photos by industry, from flowers and jewellery to car parts, all taken in the MagicBOX. On our Instagram page you can see even more.
Bring your own products
We photograph them together in the showroom in Almere (the Netherlands), in English if you like. Prefer an online demo? That is possible too.
What do customers say?
The MagicBOX has a score of 5/5 from 45 reviews. Customers from various industries tell their own stories.
Frequently asked questions
What is product photography?
Product photography is photography in which the product plays the leading role, usually to sell it. Think of photos for webshops, catalogues and social media.
What does your own product photo studio cost?
The models range from €915 (Small) to €7,500 (Packshot Table). We make a custom studio on request.
Can I also take photos with my smartphone?
Yes. In the MagicBOX you take photos and videos with your camera or simply with your phone.
Do I need to edit the photos afterwards?
Usually not, or hardly at all. Thanks to the even light from all sides, the photos are ready to use straight away, with little or no post-processing.
Is in-house product photography cheaper than a photographer?
If you regularly photograph new products, it often is: you pay once for the studio (from €915) instead of per session or per photo. At the demo we look together at what it means for you.
Can the demo also be done online?
Yes, via Zoom, FaceTime or WhatsApp, in English if you like. Prefer to see it in person? Visit our showroom in Almere (the Netherlands).
Models and prices
From a compact box for small products to a packshot table. Not sure? During an information call or a demo we choose the right size together.
Small products
MagicBOX Small
Jewellery, glasses, cosmetics, etc.
€915
Photo and/or 360° video
MagicBOX Square/Square 360°
Medium-sized products, with or without a turntable
€1,145 / €1,460
Larger products
MagicBOX Frame Pro Extra
Flowers, plants, appliances, small furniture, etc.
€3,500
Need a different size? Custom-made on request.