Video Tutorial: How to Shoot Product Videos on a Budget
Product videos have to look good — whether you have a budget or not. Follow these tips to improve your production values without breaking the bank.
In this video tutorial, I’m going to cover a few things you can do to improve the production value of your product videos, even if you’re working with a limited budget. Let’s dive right in.
Lighting
Your first step is to set up an overhead lighting system to create a flattering glow for your products. You can do this using lower-end softbox lights.
If you don’t have the budget to purchase a softbox, you can also pull off this look by either positioning your product by a window or using your cellphone as a spotlight.
Background
To darken your backdrop, simply move your subject closer to the light source. This will create more contrast and focus your audience’s attention on the details of the product, rather than the composition of your shot.
Camera Movement
Your biggest priority is to showcase the most important details of the product — from close macro shots to medium dolly moves. If your setting isn’t the greatest, keep the camera focal lengths closer, revealing less background and more product detail.
Stylized Detail Reveal
The best technique for dynamic detail reveal is mimicking a fan movement with your light. The goal is to swivel the source light and highlight different areas of your product. You often see this technique in cell phone and car commercials.
And that’s it! As simple as could be, but remarkably effective. And if you’re looking for more ways to improve your production value, check out these articles.
