What Are Some Good Sources To Learn Product Photography?

Introduction

Eye-catching product images grab consumer attention, convey key product features, inspire desire and drive sales. Yet crafting pro-level product shots is both an art and science. Luckily, a wealth of online resources exists to help you master this critical skill. From blogs detailing practical tips to YouTube tutorials demonstrating techniques, aspiring product photographers have access to a robust education just a click away. In this article, we uncover the best websites for honing your product photography chops. You’ll discover leading blogs sharing industry expert advice, top YouTube channels with helpful video tutorials, online courses delivering in-depth training, and more. 

Follow our guide to handpick resources tailored to your experience level, product niche, and learning preferences. Whether you’re a jewelry seller looking for lighting tricks, a food photographer seeking pro composing advice, or a makeup brand desiring the perfect product images, these websites will help strengthen your skills. 

Blogs and Articles

When getting started in product photography, blogs and articles offer invaluable foundations through expert tips and tutorials. Industry veterans share hard-won lessons on lighting, backgrounds, editing and more through informative posts.

For beginners, Tom’s Product Photographer is a trove of fundamental knowledge on everything from camera settings to studio fundamentals. Their quickstart guides on essential gear and simple DIY lighting rigs build confidence to dive into practice. 

More advanced learners appreciate Photigy, where pro product photographers unpack nuanced topics like working with reflective surfaces and post-processing workflows. Their nitty-gritty lens reviews also inform investments for budding professionals.

Specific niches also have tailored blogs, like Food Product Photographer offering backdrops and propping advice to make dishes irresistible. Their lighting diagrams demonstrate enhancing textures. Retouching tutorials remove distracting foregrounds.  

Subjects commonly covered include:

- Gear, equipment and studio fundamentals

- Building lighting setups for flawless illumination

- Mastering compositions, angles and perspectives  

- Post-processing techniques using Photoshop & Lightroom

- Tricks for reflective products like metal and glass

- Niche advice tailored to industries like fashion, technology, food etc.

You can also have a look at these blogs to get a deeper insight into the world of product photography!

YouTube Channels

While blogs provide critical knowledge, YouTube delivers hands-on education through searchable video tutorials on every product photography topic. Dynamic visuals demonstrate techniques clearly for visual learners.

For beginners, Photos With Dom offers straightforward tutorials on product shooting fundamentals, from white background studio setups to basic lighting diagrams using affordable continuous kit options. Watching Dom walk step-by-step through creating soft lighting builds confidence to replicate.

FroKnowsPhoto’s Jared Polin brings his infectious enthusiasm to product photography education through detailed videos like “How to Light and Retouch a Watch” packed with pro techniques. His real-time commentary talks through each decision, great for intermediate learners. 

Sean Tucker demystifies advanced concepts like 3D CGI rendering and 360 photography through step-by-step explanations aimed at professionals. His crisp cinematography provides clear views of gear.

You’ll find channels specializing across niches too, like Food Fabulous’ videos illuminating objects from hard-to-shoot chocolate to reflective drink cans. Their tutorials on background choices, compositing and lighting provide concrete ways to make ordinary items irresistible.

Topics commonly covered through YouTube channels include:

- Gear guide videos for beginner equipment recommendations

- Easy studio setup tutorials using limited space  

- Lighting diagrams demonstrating sculpting illumination

- Shooting and editing walkthroughs from start to finish

- Retouching tutorials for polish using Photoshop & Lightroom

- Motion product videos rotating and showcasing items

Online Courses

For structured product photography education from foundation to mastery, online courses provide immersive, self-paced instruction. Top elearning platforms like Skillshare, Udemy and CreativeLive offer both beginner basics and advanced techniques through lessons and assignments.

For starting out, Udemy’s Product Photography A-Z nails fundamentals through instructor Mikkel Aaland’s concise modules on essential gear, simple lighting setups, shooting workflows and more. Quizzes reinforce concepts, and the Q&A section provides community support.

Skillshare offers excellent specialization for intermediate learners seeking to master specific skills. Try Retouching and Editing Product Photos to polish images in Photoshop and Lightroom through hands-on projects with step-by-step guidance and peer feedback. 

CreativeLive delivers pro-level education like Product + Retail Photography with Sue Bryce guiding commercial shoots start-to-finish. Her course materials and ratings of student work help professionals hone specialty skills.

You’ll also find targeted niche courses, like Food Styling for Camera on Skillshare using projects to build skills as a food product shooter. Their lessons on food selection, arrangement and lighting turn ordinary ingredients into irresistible images.

Typical curriculum across online courses includes:

- Interactive lessons explaining core concepts

- Equipment guides helping select proper gear

- Shooting walkthroughs and example projects

- Post-processing workshops building retouching skills   

- Instructor feedback to improve techniques

- Quizzes and assignments reinforcing learning

- Certificates upon completion for portfolios

- Q&A sections enabling student collaboration 

Podcasts

Podcasts provide product creatives valuable on-the-go education through longform interviews, panel discussions and audio tutorials from top names in the industry. Whether commuting or editing images, podcasts expand knowledge flexibly.

For inspiration, This Week in Photo’s Product Photography Interview Series shares tips and insights from pros in niches from clothing to cosmetics. Hear their journeys first-hand plus how they shape creative visions.

Digital Photography School’s podcast delivers tutorials in talk format on fundamentals like product lighting, propping, and post-processing - perfect for cementing concepts hands-free. Their relaxed hosts explain techniques conversationally.

Advanced shooters gain strategy listening to Setting Your Editorial Rate where product pros advise on pricing creative work based on experience. Freelancers especially appreciate the insider financial tips.

Popular product podcast subjects include:

- Gear talk episodes and recommendations

- Interviews with niche industry creatives

- Audio versions of popular tutorials  

- Business, branding and marketing education

- Shooting/editing workflows for on-location inspiration

Conclusion

Whether through blogs distilling pro tips, YouTube tutorials demonstrating techniques, online courses providing structured education, or podcasts with industry access, ample resources exist online to master product photography. 

Consistently practicing the craft remains critical for developing skills over time. But supplementing hands-on learning with tailored online education accelerates growth by building foundational knowledge, shaping creative vision, and expanding niche capabilities. 

Follow our guide to curate online resources matching your experience level, product niche and learning preferences. Accessing the abundance of instruction just a click away will quickly strengthen your product shooting prowess.

The websites and experts shared above represent just a sample of the invaluable education that awaits aspiring product photographers online. As technology progresses, so will the platforms for building skills digitally. But one truth remains constant - consistent practice plus online learning is the formula for product photography mastery.