Capture Perfect Shot: Photo Tips for Meds, Supplements, and Shelves
Good product photos sell trust. A clean, sharp shot of a medicine bottle or supplement jar convinces a customer faster than a long description. You don’t need fancy gear to capture perfect shots—just a few reliable rules and a little practice.
Lighting & Setup
Natural light is your friend. Shoot near a window in soft daylight and avoid direct sun that creates harsh shadows. If you must use artificial light, place two lamps at about 45-degree angles to the product to reduce glare. Use a plain background—white, light gray, or soft wood works best—so labels stay readable. Place the product on a non-reflective surface and remove clutter that distracts from the item.
Stabilize your camera. A simple phone tripod or resting your elbows on a table cuts blur and keeps focus sharp. Always tap the screen to lock focus on the label. For small items or blister packs, bring the camera closer but not so close that the lens can’t focus—use the phone’s macro mode if available.
Composition & Detail
Keep shots simple and useful. Capture one main image straight-on so the label is easy to read. Add a second angle at 30–45 degrees to show shape and size. Use a close-up for expiration date, dosage, or important warnings. When photographing boxes, make sure text and logos are centered and legible.
Add context without clutter. A clean hand holding a bottle or a small spoon next to a supplement jar gives scale. For lifestyle images, show the product in a bathroom shelf or a kitchen counter scene but keep the product clearly visible and avoid making health claims in the image.
Color accuracy matters. White balance set to auto usually works, but check that whites look white, not blue or orange. If colors look off, tweak the white balance in your phone’s camera settings or a basic editing app.
Editing & consistency
Crop to center the product and remove extra space. Don’t over-edit—sharpen lightly, boost exposure a touch, and keep contrast natural. Use the same editing preset for all product photos so your site looks consistent. Resize images for web use to keep pages fast—aim for files under 200 KB while keeping clear detail.
Label legibility and compliance
Make every important line readable: brand, strength, quantity, and warnings. Avoid showing personal medical records or faces without consent. If you use lifestyle shots, don’t imply specific medical outcomes; stick to neutral imagery to stay on the safe side legally.
Quick checklist before you upload: 1) label readable, 2) lighting even, no harsh shadows, 3) background clean, 4) consistent crop and size, 5) file optimized for web. Do one test product and use it as the template for the rest.
Small changes make big differences. Clear photos reduce questions, build trust, and make your products look professional. Try these tips with your next batch of shots and notice how much easier it is for customers to choose the right item.
