In short: a good product shoot is prepared in advance: a precise shot list, flawless products, a choice between white-background and lifestyle photos, and formats suited to each use. Careful preparation lets you shoot more products in the same session, which lowers the cost per photo.
White background or lifestyle photo?
| Packshot (white background) | Lifestyle photo | |
|---|---|---|
| Use | Product page, catalogue, marketplace | Instagram, banners, ads |
| Goal | Show the product as it is | Inspire, show it in use |
| Pace | Fast, many products | Slower, staged |
Most brands need both: packshots reassure, lifestyle photos create desire.
The preparation checklist
- The shot list: for each product, the angles you want (front, back, detail, label, packaging) and formats.
- Perfect products: no dust, scratches or price tags. Bring a spare.
- Props: for lifestyle shots, choose items that fit your brand. In Marrakech: zellige, thuya wood, Berber textiles, ceramics, plants.
- References: 5 to 10 photos you like, to align on style from the start.
- Uses: website, Instagram, posters, printed catalogue. This determines framing and resolution.
Formats to plan for
- Square 1:1: product pages and the Instagram grid.
- Vertical 4:5: Instagram and Facebook posts.
- Vertical 9:16: stories and Reels.
- Horizontal 16:9: website banners and YouTube.
Ask the photographer to leave space around the product: you can then crop for each format without losing detail.
Mistakes to avoid
- Wrong colours: a customer who receives a product in a different colour sends it back. Demand accurate colour.
- An inconsistent series: same light, angle and background across a whole range.
- Forgetting video: a few seconds of a rotating product make a great Reel.
- Oversized files on your website: they slow pages down. Images must be compressed for the web.
How much does it cost?
Our photo and video sessions start at 1,500 MAD. The price depends on the number of products, the styling and retouching. We come to your premises in Marrakech or work in a studio.
See our photo & video production service or tell us about your products.