Start with the photographs your business needs
Before shortlisting a product photographer in London, decide where the images will appear. A white-background photograph for a product listing has a different job from a styled image for a campaign. You may need both, but they should be identified separately in your brief.
List your products, the views customers need and any colour variants. Include packaging, group photographs and close-ups where they explain something useful. For example, a skincare range might need individual packshots, readable label details and a collection photograph. This is a planning example, not a fixed package.
Our guide to packshots and lifestyle photography can help you choose the mix.
Look for relevant work in the portfolio
Look beyond a striking hero photograph. Ask whether the portfolio demonstrates the kinds of products you sell and whether several images work together as a consistent range.
For polished metal, inspect the reflections and whether the shape remains clear. For glass, look at the edges and transparency. With jewellery, examine small settings and fine details. For printed packaging, check that lettering is readable and the product has retained its natural shape.
Check backgrounds, framing and shadows across a collection as well as individual images. A consistent set makes it easier to present different products together on an ecommerce page. Browse our product photography samples to see examples across different product types.
Compare quotations using the same brief
A price per photograph tells you little unless you know what it includes. Send each photographer the same product list, required views, reference images and intended uses.
Ask each studio to confirm:
- The number of finished photographs included.
- The background, shadows and retouching covered.
- File sizes, crops and naming requirements.
- Intended website, marketplace, print and advertising usage.
- How feedback, additional views and changes are handled.
- Delivery timing, return carriage and any other charges.
Keep your launch date separate from the date you need finished files. Your team may need time to review images and upload them before launch. Our quotation guide explains the main factors affecting scope, and our prices page gives our current pricing information.
Decide whether you need to visit the studio
Consider whether you need to attend or simply need your products photographed to an agreed brief. If attendance matters, discuss it before booking rather than assuming it is included.
Product Packshot Photography is based in Loughton, Essex, serving businesses across London and throughout the UK. You can send products by courier or arrange a studio drop-off with David. Drop-off is different from attending the shoot: as our studio FAQs explain, we work from client briefs rather than offering attended product shoots. Being clear about the location and delivery arrangements helps you choose a workable service for your business.
For courier deliveries, let David know when your parcel is expected where possible. You can arrange return collection or include a return label. See our guide to getting products to the studio for the practical details.
Agree the finish before photography begins
Share examples and explain what you like about them: the camera angle, background, crop or shadow. If new photographs must match an existing range, include an approved image and identify the features that need to stay consistent.
Discuss retouching in concrete terms. Removing dust is different from changing a product’s shape or finish. Logos, labels, colours and defining details should remain faithful to what customers will receive.
Our photo editing services page explains the editing work you can discuss with us. Finally, identify who will approve the images and confirm the review process. A clear brief gives both you and the photographer a shared reference when discussing the finished work.
Product photography for London businesses
David Forcina works with brands, retailers and independent sellers from the Loughton studio. Explore our product photography service for London and Essex businesses and product photography work, or contact David with your product list, reference photographs and preferred timing.