How to Prepare Your Products for an E-commerce Photo Shoot

Great product photography starts before the camera ever comes out. The way you prepare your products for a studio has a direct effect on how fast the shoot goes and how good the final images look. At Out of New York Studio, we've photographed everything from cosmetics to handbags to full catalog runs for brands like Target, Walmart, and Costco — and we've built our process to take the stress off you. Here's what to know before your shoot.

Send more than you think you need

If you have extra merchandise, ship at least two of each item when you can. If one piece has a scuff, a loose thread, or a crease that won't steam out, we can swap in the backup and keep moving instead of stopping the shoot. For clothing and soft goods especially, a spare can save an entire set. It's not required — but if you've got the stock, it's a helpful cushion.

We handle the prep for you

You don't need to obsess over cleaning your products before you ship — that's our job, and we do it on set. Every item gets dusted, lint-rolled, steamed, and wiped down before it's photographed, so what you see is already clean and camera-ready. No worrying about a stray thread or a smudge on the glass. We make sure every product is perfect before the shutter clicks.

Be part of the shoot

This is one of the luxuries of working with our studio: we encourage you to be involved while we shoot, not just wait for the final files. Come on set and make changes in real time as you watch each shot come together. Can't make it in person? We shoot tethered and send images straight to your office as we go, so you can review them live and give feedback while we're still rolling. Your input shapes the shoot as it happens — nothing is a guess, and nothing is a surprise at the end.

Label and organize your shipment

If you've got a shot list or specific color and style variations, label each item clearly and include a packing sheet. When we can match every product to your list at a glance, nothing gets missed and nothing gets shot twice.

Tell us how the product should look

A product can be styled many ways. Should the handbag stand upright or lie flat? Should the shirt be on a ghost mannequin or folded? If you have reference images or competitor shots you like, send them. The clearer your vision, the faster we hit it.

Ready to plan your shoot?

Good prep is the difference between a shoot that flies and one that stalls — and with us, most of that prep is already handled. If you're planning an e-commerce shoot and want a studio that takes care of the details and brings you into the process, we'd love to talk. Reach out to Out of New York Studio to plan your next project.