Product photography can be a lucrative business. There are many contradicting recommendations about the best way to take product photos. Additionally, there is no one wrong way, but there are plenty of correct ways to shoot products.

We put together this list of the best product photography classes to get you started. Whether you have been shooting products for years or want to break into the industry, there is something for everyone on this list!

Introductory Product Photography Classes

These classes are best for photographers who just starting out in the product shoot genre. They are also great for photographers who want to explore product photography before investing too much money.

Learning Product Photography by Joseph Linaschke

This course is a great roundup of everything you need to know about product photography. The course is broken down into smaller lessons covering everything including shooting with your smartphone, lighting, and how to create beautiful content.

The series offers a variety of ways and techniques to incorporate backgrounds, props, and accessories of your own. You will learn how to shoot any product.

Product Photography: Creating Images that Sell by Olena Hassell

Stylist and tea photographer Olena Hassell teaches students everything they need to know about product photography. This class is great for people who want to learn about photography business techniques as well as how to shoot.

Hassell specializes in utilizing social media to sell more products and teaches students how to use natural light while growing their following on Instagram. Her course is full of the essentials you need to get started today.

Your Complete Guide to Beautiful Product Photography! by Ted Nemeth

Ted Nemeth covers an array of topics. Additionally, he answers just about any questions you could have about product photography. The course covers the psychology behind branding food photography and other products. Also, you will learn advanced techniques to strategically plan a product campaign.

Even more, the course teaches you how to use many different types of equipment including smartphones. Lastly, you will gain access to ideas that will give you the best results using photo editing software to make your products pop.

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Product Styling

Knowing how to style your subjects could be the most important thing you learn about this type of photography. The following courses cover the top styling techniques for everything from styling food photos to photographing watches!

Tabletop Product Photography by Don Giannatti

Don Giannatti has specialized in commercial photography for close to 40 years! He is known as an expert in the field and in his videos he focuses on tabletop lighting, DIY gear, and how to organize your product shoot. Don Giannatti starts with the basics and ramps up to better results through advanced lighting techniques.

Tabletop Photography Fundamentals by Andrew Scrivani

Each class in this course is packed with everything you need to know about how to style tabletop images. Andrew Scrivani proves you do not need a professional studio to take professional-grade product images. As a regular contributor to The New York Times, Scrivani will share his work and how to photograph tricky subjects. This course also include ways to expand your services and market your business.

Mastering Small Product & Jewelry Photography by Photofonz Media

This class is focused specifically on how to photograph small products and jewelry. Be aware it is an advanced class, so you should understand the fundamentals of how to shoot before purchasing. Each video teaches you the tips and tricks you need to better sell. Using their proven methods you will be able to sell your products for 35 to 50 times more than your competitors. Each video will talk about a different piece of jewelry including earrings, necklaces, and rings.

Product Photography: Style and Edit for Stronger Images by Tabitha Park

This class is composed of multiple smaller lessons to walk you through how to take still-life images. Using a tabletop, extra items, and one light, Tabitha Park teaches you how to style. Each video tutorial walks you through how to create a brand aesthetic, work with natural and artificial light. Lastly, you will learn the top 3 apps to edit your images. This course is for DSLR and smartphone users.

Lighting for Product Photography

Lighting can be one of the most tricky parts of any genre of photography. Access all the information you need to take better product photos with each video class listed below.

Commercial Photography: Taking Product Photos That Sell by Chris Grey

This two-hour class with Chris Grey teaches you how to correctly use lighting to create dynamic images. Through step-by-step guidance, Grey takes you inside the world of art directors and how he finds clients consistently. Lastly, he teaches you how to use Lightroom and Photoshop to polish your images even more.

Lighting for Still Life and Product Photography by Steve Hansen

With over 36 thousand students and counting, this course have proven results. You will enjoy 6 video lessons and lifetime access. More importantly, you will learn how to create texture and depth with your lighting for still life photos. The class covers strobes, natural light, and bokeh. This course also include a live demo in a kitchen using actual food, so you can see exactly how to create beautiful lighting in your images.

Product Photography – Master Level by Photo Art Study

This class is for advanced students. Access a master level of lighting and photography as the class guides you through setting up studio lighting, different surfaces, and how light reacts to different scenarios. More importantly, you will learn how to properly add light to reflective surfaces that can oftentimes prove tricky.

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Shooting Crafts and Your Own Products

If you want to learn how to sell your own products or crafts online, this list of courses is for you. Content includes DIY lighting, editing, and other product photography basics.

DIY Product Photography: Style & Shoot Creative Stills by Rachel Gulotta & Daniel Inskeep

Photographer team Rachel and Daniel Inskeep teach students creative topics to make their photos popular on Etsy and Instagram. Their introduction includes access to the method they use to photograph anything from artwork to clothing.

They also offer business savvy techniques such as utilizing YouTube and different locations to transform your product work. The course ends with some popular hacks and tips to make your photographs one of a kind.

Craft Photography Fundamentals by Candice Stringham

Do you sell craft products? This one course offers it all when it comes to the world of craft photography. Topics include affordable backdrops, lighting techniques, Photoshop edits, and the use of textures. Photographer Candice Stringham’s course offers students some of the best ideas when it comes to staging your at-home crafts.

Product Photography at Home by Jessica Marquez

If you want to up your product photography business, Jessica Marquez’s course is a great starting point. She offers workshops all over the country, and this class covers everything she teaches internationally.

She teaches you the equipment you need to improve sales and gain an edge in the marketplace. Her process and lessons are simple to follow. By the end, you will know how to connect with your dream clients and grab their attention with jaw-dropping images.

Shoot It! A Product Photography Primer by Caro Sheridan

As one of the top product photography courses on Craftsy, Caro Sheridan covers it all! In a series of video tutorials, she teaches students the difference between quality photos and amateur techniques. Students enjoy her upbeat attitude and detailed instructions for creating product content.

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Free Product Photography Courses

Looking to learn on a budget? These classes are completely free and worth checking out!

The Ultimate Guide to Product Photography by Ross Floyd

This free video class offers everything you need to know about product photography including fundamentals, business strategy, and how to edit. Not only will you learn to shoot better but also how to build client relationships.

Product Photography for E-commerce by Jeff Delacruz

Learn from Co-Founder and President of White Photography, Jeff Delacruz. He has worked with over 2,000 businesses to help them take better photos and sell more. You will learn the “gold standard” for e-commerce photography and how to shoot with a model. Lastly, Delacruz teaches you how to outsource your work once you grow a flourishing business. The class is completely free.

FAQ

Have more questions? We have the answers below.

How to get started in product photography?

It’s essential to build your portfolio and publish your work. Just like many other genres of photography, the best way to get started is to research local photographers in your area who shoot products. Reach out to the ones you admire and seem busy. They might need a helping hand. The best way to learn is to help a pro for a low price or even free until you gain the confidence and skills to shoot alone.

What do you need for product photography?

Your gear will change based on what you are shooting. But here are some of the essentials. A DSLR or smartphone camera. An array of lenses but start with the 50mm f/2.8. A tripod, clamps, backdrops, softboxes, and lighting stands. Lastly, a reflector might become your best friend.

How much does a product photoshoot cost?

Rates vary based on your experience and location. But the top pro photographers in the world charge around $200 to $600 per hour and amateurs typically charge around $25 to $60 an hour.

How much money do product photographers make?

The top earners make just over $50,000 per year. But the average earnings per year are somewhere around $39,000 per year. There are ways to earn more including selling your stock images, writing courses, and teaching.