How Doing Different Types of Photography Can Make You Better

The first time I photographed jewelry, I saw myself in it—literally. Reflections, tiny details, and high expectations taught me that even with years of experience, there’s always more to learn. I came into product photography with a solid foundation from my portrait work. I knew how to use my camera, shape light, and compose an image.

But the moment I started shooting high-end jewelry for a boutique client, I realized that applying those fundamentals in a new genre required fresh eyes, and a few humbling adjustments.That’s the evolving truth about photography: the fundamentals, understanding your gear, lighting, composition, and editing, are universal. But how you apply those fundamentals shifts dramatically depending on your subject.

The Same, But Different. Product photography is its own beast. It demands a level of precision I hadn’t needed in portrait work. My lighting, once expressive and moody, had to become subtle and controlled. I had to think less about emotional storytelling and more about clarity, consistency, and branding.

It didn’t take long for the genre to start revealing gaps in my workflow—and even in my wardrobe. One day, I showed up to a shoot in a dark, patterned shirt. I didn’t think anything of it until I reviewed the images and noticed odd dark shapes reflecting off the polished jewelry. Turns out, I was the distraction.

From that moment on, I became my own bounce card, always wearing a clean white t-shirt to avoid unwanted reflections and to softly fill in shadows on metallic surfaces. A small change, but one that made a big difference.

Rebuilding My Setup and My Thinking. I also realized how critical the right tools are for product work. I invested in backgrounds that matched my client’s aesthetic—bright, airy, high-end—and created a small product studio that let me work efficiently. Every choice, from the lens I used to the surface I styled on, was guided by the brand and the product itself.

This wasn’t just about making pretty pictures. It was about supporting a business’s identity with intentional imagery. That level of alignment meant thinking like both a technician and a visual strategist.

What It Reinforced. Photographing products reminded me that photography is a craft of constant refinement. It’s one thing to know the rules, it’s another to bend and shape them to fit your subject.

No matter what you photograph, these truths remain:

• Gear matters—but so does knowing you might need to invest in different gear when you shift into a new genre.
  
• Lighting is everything—this holds true across the board, but understanding how to sculpt light to fit your subject is what makes the difference.
  
• Composition should enhance, not distract—know your style, know your intention, and let that guide your framing.
  
• And you never stop learning—each new subject, shoot, or challenge brings growth if you’re willing to stay curious.
  

10 Quick Tips for Photographing Products

Here are some hard-earned lessons I picked up while transitioning into product work. Feel free to use them as a checklist or cheat sheet next time you’re on a shoot:

1. Wear white or neutral clothing – Prevents unwanted reflections, especially with shiny items like jewelry. .
2. Choose the right lens – A macro or prime lens helps highlight detail and minimize distortion.
   
3. Mind your reflections – Position lights, camera, and yourself to avoid showing up in reflective surfaces.
   
4. Use diffused lighting – Softboxes or diffusers reduce harsh shadows and glare.
   
5. Match the background to the brand – Select surfaces and props that support your client’s aesthetic.
   
6. Keep the setup clean – Wipe products, surfaces, and your lens to avoid extra editing.
   
7. Compose creatively, not chaotically – Use angles, lines, and negative space to enhance the product, not overwhelm it.
   
8. Understand the brand’s vibe – Is it edgy and bold, or clean and minimal? Let that guide your visual decisions.
   
9. Use reflectors strategically – Bounce light into shadows to reveal texture and shape.
   
10. Edit with restraint – Aim for clean, color-accurate edits that accurately represent the product.
    

Final Thoughts

Switching genres didn’t erase what I knew, it deepened it. It reminded me that every great image starts with the same core knowledge, but grows with each new challenge. Photography isn’t about perfection, it’s about curiosity, responsiveness, and adaptability.

So, whether you’re photographing people, pets, or pearl-studded pendants, remember this: the fundamentals are your foundation. But your growth lives in the tweaks, the pivots, and the moments you realize… maybe you should’ve worn a different shirt.