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5 Hidden Mistakes That Ruin Product Photos (And How to Fix Them)

By: Tracy Allard

If you’ve ever tried to take a photo of something beautiful - like a stunning bouquet of flowers -only to find that the picture didn’t do it justice, you’re not alone. The truth is, creating a high-quality product photo is about far more than just pointing a camera and pressing the shutter. In my Carrollton studio, I offer professional commercial photography services that turn everyday products into irresistible visual representations that clients want to buy.

Let’s take a floral arrangement as an example. These images are often the only representation clients have before making a purchase decision. There's no fragrance to help sell it, no physical presence to admire. Just the photo. And that photo needs to be perfect.

Below are a series of photographs for just ONE arrangement; I've pointed out the subtle changes made to each frame before we finally achieve the result that will be on the website. 

(click on any image to view full screen)

Why Product Photography Is So Much More Than “Just Taking a Picture”

Floral arrangements are intricate and full of detail. Color, shape, light, and dimension all come into play - and if you get even one thing wrong, the image can fall flat. When photographing something as complex and delicate as flowers, five key visual challenges need to be addressed to ensure the final image is polished, professional, and persuasive.

First Image

1. Tangents

Tangents happen when two elements in the frame barely touch or awkwardly meet in a way that distracts the viewer. For example, if the tip of a flower touches the edge of the vase, it creates visual tension. In the studio, I adjust the composition to give each element room to breathe, helping the flowers stand out and the overall image feel more refined. “Star flowers” like orchids and roses need to be prominent in the composition, while “supporting actors” like carnations, daisies and greenery need to literally support the stars; they’re in the composition, but should not have front and center placement.

2. Colliding Elements

This is when components in the arrangement visually “collide” with one another; maybe two blooms are mashed together or the ribbon overlaps awkwardly with a leaf. These collisions can create confusion and take away from the product’s beauty. In the studio, I carefully space and angle the blooms to maintain clarity and separation, making sure each petal has its moment to shine.

3. Negative Space

Too much negative space can make a product feel small or lost in the frame; too little, and it feels cramped. A large area of negative space within the image will draw the of the view away from taking in the overall scene. Striking the right balance is key. I shape the background space intentionally, so the floral arrangement feels elevated, centered, and complete. It's not just what’s in the frame -it’s also what's around it that matters.

4. Visual Weight and Balance

A photo should feel anchored and balanced, with no side feeling heavier than the other. A lopsided bouquet or one that's too top-heavy can throw off the entire image. I use compositional techniques and strategic lighting to evenly distribute visual weight and draw the eye naturally through the image, just like a well-written sentence. You want the viewer’s eye to move through the arrangement and see everything that it includes.

5. Correct Exposure and Professional Post-Processing

Light is everything in photography. Exposing the photo correctly means showing off the richness of the flower colors without blowing out the highlights or losing the delicate shadows that give the arrangement depth. After the photo is taken, I finish each image with careful post-processing to bring out the details, correct color casts, and polish the final image without going overboard because there needs to be truth in advertising. You don’t want a client to be disappointed when they receive their flowers, you want them to be satisfied that what they received, was exactly what they saw and purchased on the website.

Final Image - Before Retouching

Final Image - Retouched

Client review

Why This Matters For Your Business

In commercial photography, the image is the pitch. For floral designers, online retailers, and small business owners alike, your product photos are often the first (and sometimes only) impression customers will get. A poorly lit or unbalanced image could cost you the sale before you even know someone was interested.

Professional product photography - especially of something as visually rich as a floral arrangements - isn’t about vanity; it’s about strategy. It builds trust, conveys quality, and drives action.

Final Image - on the website and available for order

The Penny Whistle Difference

At Penny Whistle Photography, commercial product sessions in the Carrollton studio are designed to take the stress off your plate. I handle the styling, lighting, and all the little details that make a photo sell. Whether it’s a bouquet, a boutique gift, or a handcrafted item that you sell on Etsy, I understand how to highlight what makes your product special, and ensure it comes across beautifully in every image.

If you're putting love into your product, your photography should reflect that. And if the picture is the only thing your client sees? Let’s make sure it’s the one that seals the deal.

Need commercial photos that do more than just “show” your product? We'll create images that sell.

Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Master of Photography, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer, holding the M.Photog., Cr.Photog., and CPP degrees from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), designations held by fewer than 2,000 photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism. 

Penny Whistle specializes in both on-location and studio photography providing pet, family, and high school senior portraits as well as corporate headshots and commercial photography services in her studio located in historic downtown Carrollton as well as on location in Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, Flower Mound and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas.

Contact Tracy about your commercial photography needs
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