How to do a product video shoot?
How to Do a Product Video Shoot and Understand Tabletop Videography
Creating compelling product videos is essential in today’s digital age, where visuals drive engagement and sales. As a still life product photographer its common to also get asked for addition video content and tabletop videography, a specific approach to filming products on flat surfaces plays a significant role in this process. Here’s how to get started with product video shoots and how to master tabletop videography.
What Is Tabletop Videography?
Tabletop videography is the art of filming products, food, or small objects arranged on a surface. This technique is widely used in e-commerce, social media advertisements, product demos, and food commercials. It involves shooting in a controlled studio environment to highlight details, textures, and the product’s best features. With precise lighting and composition, tabletop videography transforms ordinary items into visually captivating content.
How to Do a Product Video Shoot
Plan Your Shoot
Before setting up your equipment, define the purpose of your video. Are you showcasing a product’s functionality, creating an unboxing video, or emphasising its aesthetic appeal? Knowing your target audience helps determine the style and tone of the shoot, while a simple storyboard ensures a clear flow and saves time during production.
Prepare Your Equipment
Invest in a quality camera, such as a DSLR or mirrorless model with 4K video capabilities, to ensure crisp footage. Pair it with lenses like a 50mm or macro lens to capture sharp details and textures. Stabilise your shots with a tripod for static views or a gimbal for smooth movements. Lighting is critical, LED technology has progessed massively in recent times which allows for affordable hard lights which can then be controlled. Modern LED cob lights or panels combined with diffusers help create even illumination, while reflectors balance shadows. For your background, choose clean, neutral surfaces or textured backdrops that enhance the product without distracting from it.
Master Lighting Techniques
Lighting sets the mood and highlights your product’s best features. Use a key light as the main source, a fill light to soften shadows, and a backlight to create depth by separating the product from the background. For reflective or glossy items, diffuse the light to avoid harsh glares and ensure even illumination.
Frame and Compose Your Shots
Good composition makes your video visually appealing. Position the product using the rule of thirds for a dynamic layout, and experiment with different angles to find the most flattering view. Capture close-up shots to emphasize textures, logos, or intricate details. Negative space can draw attention to the product, while complementary props can enhance the narrative without overwhelming the subject.
Add Motion for Visual Interest
Static shots are effective, but adding motion keeps viewers engaged. Rotate the product on a motorised turntable for dynamic 360-degree views. Use a gimbal or slider for smooth panning, tilting, or zooming. Incorporate creative elements like slow-motion effects for pouring liquids or stop-motion techniques for quirky sequences.
Focus on Audio and Editing
If your video includes narration or sound effects, ensure high-quality audio by using a lavalier or shotgun microphone. In post-production, refine your footage with color grading to match the brand’s aesthetic and add transitions for seamless flow. Text overlays can highlight features or pricing, while music and sound effects enhance the overall experience. Editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve is ideal for achieving a polished result.
Tips for Tabletop Videography
When focusing specifically on tabletop videography, optimise your setup for precision and detail. Use a stable surface and clean, clutter-free background to maintain focus on the product. Zoom in on textures and intricate features to highlight craftsmanship, especially for small items like jewellery. Adding storytelling elements with props can elevate the composition, such as pairing a beverage with fresh ingredients or a gadget with complementary accessories. Experimenting with slow motion or stop motion adds an extra layer of creativity.
Conclusion
Product video shoots and tabletop videography are essential tools for creating impactful visual content. By combining careful planning, the right equipment, and attention to detail, you can produce videos that engage audiences and showcase products effectively. Practice, experiment, and refine your skills to make each product come to life on screen!
