When your product is lit and ready to shoot, the next challenge is making sure that your camera interprets the light in the way that is closest to what your eye sees … this is called exposure. Some cameras may offer very little control over exposure (shooting in what is often called a “fully programmed” mode), but often cameras have a number of choices, usually called exposure modes. Once again, there’s no way around reading the manual here to get the most out of your camera. Check out what exposure modes your camera is capable of, and which matches your situation best.
Don’t be afraid to experiment – if you’re not sure which exposure mode will work best for you, try a few different options and see which is best … it’s always easy enough to delete shots that don’t work. The more you experiment, the more you’ll know how to use your camera to get the best shots.
Last but not least, if this all sounds a bit complex it’s because in many ways it is. Talented pro photographers achieve the results they do because they have an intimate understanding of lighting theory and practice, as well as understanding exactly how to get the most out of their equipment. No question about it … professional quality photography takes a lot of work. In the end, if you’re struggling with your equipment and unhappy with trying to produce images yourself, consider going to a pro. Good photography is absolutely critical to online sales (since your products can’t be seen in person), and is a key to strong product marketing in print as well. Handing the photo duties off to someone else can pay for itself very quickly, and free you up to do what you do best!
