It’s been proven by research that almost 75% of online consumers make purchase decisions based on product photos. Quality photos of products can evoke emotions in the viewer’s mind and encourage customers to make a purchase.
Candle photography showcases all the details, features, fragrances, and other unique selling points of candles. The photography has to be polished and professional to capture the attention of customers.
In the article, we will be covering absolutely everything about the photography of candle products.
Exclusive Tips for Candle Product Photography
It is a realization that the e-commerce era requires high-quality photos of candle brand products. The stronger the visual, the higher the sales.
Equipment with proper camera settings, lighting, composition, and angles will enable one to have extraordinary candle photos.
Now, let us delve deep into the tips related to product photography for candles.
Adjust the Candle Product Photography Camera Settings
Any camera that is decent in its specifications will be fine for candle product photography when shooting candles. You can always turn to a DSLR camera to capture your candles.
But even a mirrorless one can work quite nicely in a photoshoot for a candle. Further, when nothing else works out, then a smartphone camera is enough in most cases.
The best ones for capturing images of candles are the Canon RF 50mm F1. 8 STM and the Canon EOS R6. The 50mm prime lens is also quite ideal for capturing images of candles.
Now, remember three things:
Shutter speed: This is the length of time the shutter stays closed. Fast shutter speed allows very little light in; on the other hand, slow shutter speed allows more light in.
A fast shutter speed will allow you to have clean and crisp images. For candle photography, set your shutter speed from 1/100 down to 1/1000.
ISO: It changes light sensitivity, which is great to have the right exposure. Set your ISO 100-500 for a photoshoot of candles.
Aperture: The lens’ aperture determines how much light the camera will let in. The smaller the aperture, the less light will get in. The larger, the more it allows. Choose an aperture from f/1.2 to f/2.8.
With a tripod, one can hold the camera tight and get the perfect shot.
Setup Lighting for Candle Photography
Perfect photos require a proper lighting setup. Use natural lighting for your product photography. If it’s done right, the look of the lighting will be soft, and the shadows will appear soft, so your image will look natural.
Setting up your photography setup near a large window will provide sunlight, which again will create soft shadows and show the texture of the candle. If this is still not enough, try artificial light.
It provides better control over the lighting effects and is available in a short, effortful flash of bright lights that enables one to freeze motion and create dramatic effects.
Continuous lighting for experiments with the lighting effect—therefore, the adjustment of the lighting towards your candle product photography is easier this way.
Use a reflector when your shots have dark shadows in them. You can buy one from Amazon or use a foam board to bring down your budget.
Reflectors will ensure the filling of dark areas and unwanted shadows that fall on your face. You can also move reflectors to adjust the effects of natural light on makeup products.
Try Different Angles to Photograph Candles
Explore different angles for your candle product photography to get higher engagement and increased brand awareness. Try various angles to showcase your product to your customers.
What do you want to show in your candle photography?
- A close-up shot for product listing?
- Macro shot to show details?
- An aesthetic shot?
It would be best to capture your candle by showcasing the product and its label. Amazon requires this type of photograph for your product listing.
Macro shots can capture intricate details of your candles. Capturing from an extremely high or low angle gives your products a unique perspective and gives you complete compositional control.
Side angles showcase the size and design of the candles, and you can capture the flame’s dynamic movement.
Diagonal angles add a sense of versatility and movement to the composition. It helps create a more dynamic composition with diagonal lines by candle and props.
Prepare the Candles Background
Use a white background in product photography to emphasize the fine details and features of the product and direct attention to the same. In a case like that, a candle transparent background may be the solution. That gives you flexibility in your product images.
On the other side, a black background is perfect for sharp contrast and adds to visual appeal by showing every intricate feature of your candles. You can choose the backgrounds from among:
- Foam board
- Large ceramic tiles
- Fabric
- Chopping board (marble, wood, stone)
- Large paper pieces
- Wooden decor items
- Barn wood
- Chalkboard
Try to choose the background for your product photography such that the attention is not lost from the main object.
Choose the Best Props for Candle Photography
Add some props to your candle product photos, and you will be in business. Indeed, props add meaning and usefulness to the product, making the image exciting. Indeed, props tell stories about your products and give people reasons to buy them.
Wrong props may distract your audience when it comes to lighting up your candle product photography. The right props should complement your products.
You may use a finely woven basket, soft fabric, wooden tray, or fresh flowers as props to arrange the candles for photography.
Props can explain or highlight the texture and details of these candles.
Tips for Luxury Candle Product Photography
It improves brand identity and creates attention among people who may become prospects. Give your candle a luxurious look with proper lighting and effects by product arrangement.
Add a touch of class to your candle photoshoot with crystal trays, velvet, gold, or metal props. All of these are going to add sophistication and class to a product.
Tips for Minimalist Candle Product Photography
Minimal candle product photography highlights modern, aesthetic candle designs. Try to use lines and geometric shapes in the photography setup to keep your candle photos simple and minimal.
Try to create a plain or white background for your candle photoshoot. Also, use natural elements like rocks, pebbles, or a glossy wooden tray.
Tips for Candlelight Photography
Candlelight photography is known for effectively portraying emotion. You can create a romantic, serious, or spooky scene that will give you dreamlike feelings.
Use a DSLR camera with a 50mm prime lens to get the desired shot.
Do not use your camera’s flashlight. It will destroy the ambient light in the photo.
Use a tripod to hold your camera tight.
16 Creative Candle Photography Ideas
It is an era of excellent visual presentation. You need to showcase stunning product photos to engage potential customers.
There are tons of product photography ideas for presenting your product beautifully. Here are some given:
Candlelight Photography Ideas
Candlelight evokes cozy and magical feelings. It is worthy to present your candles with light.
It elevates the value to your customers. And, it is an excellent way to evoke specific emotions that go well with your brand and audience.
Candle Light Dinner Photography
Who hasn’t heard of it? If you haven’t gone for one, you have seen those beautiful pictures of candlelight dinners.
It speaks of coziness, a warm environment to spend quality time with the special people in your life.
It also helps to showcase your candles perfectly, which makes this an excellent idea for candle product photography.
Take the candles to a set dinner table. Use leading lines and negative space in composition to make it beautiful. Try not to use the backdrops, as the main focus is to highlight the candles.
Use soft and warm tones for an intimate feeling. Take a close-up shot to get the true essence of candles.
Candle Light Wedding Photography
Another great way to shoot your candle product is capturing a candlelight wedding photo. It evokes the emotion of bonding and eternity.
Place your candles on the table. Gather essential equipment for the photography set. Try a high-angle shot to get the celebration vibe, also focusing on your candles.
Adding props will enhance the beauty of the image. Avoid harsh light to capture your desired shot.
Scented Candles Photography
You tell your customers that the candles should smell of lavender. Now, how are you going to show them that?
Props that remind you of the smell of lavender will do great. Bring out the dried lavender sprigs to bring out the essence.
Go with soft purples and blues along with the stones, feathers, or leaves for the candle product photography setup. Get a model a light or hold the candles and get the scent of the candles.
Another option is to catch the burning candles while they are smoking. That is going to bring the vibe of the smell of the lavender very so softly into the room.
Candle Wax Photography
Candles are made of wax, so you can get a process shot to show the procedure of candle making. You need to take close-up shots of melted wax.
This showcases the texture and detailed pattern as it cools down.
Candle Still Life Photography
Still life photos are a great way to showcase your product visually appealingly. They give you complete freedom of composition.
Choosing proper lighting, angles, product arrangement, props, and background would be best to get the perfect shot.
Candle Smoke Photography
When you capture the candle product with smoke, it adds aesthetics and visual interest to the image.
You will need a darker room and a camera like the Canon 5D Mark 4 or Canon EF 70-200 MM F/2.8 USM to get the perfect shot.
Select a small aperture of f/8 or f/11. It will focus on smoke and everything around it. Select ISO 100 or 200. Choose a fast shutter speed to freeze the smoke movement: 1/200th of a second.
You can adjust the settings as the situation demands. And now click and get the smoke for candle product photography.
Candle Portrait Photography
Candle portraits aim to focus on the main object. You can illuminate the candle with a single light source.
Try to capture the detail, texture, and color with a 50-85mm macro lens. Experiment with lighting, color, and composition to get the best portrait of candles.
Candle Photography Black and White
Black-and-white candle product photography is an excellent idea to present to your customers. It showcases elegance and exclusivity in candle product photos.
Moreover, these two colors emphasize the play of light and shadow, which makes for stunning images.
Candle Lifestyle Photography
When you see someone using or smelling candles, it gives you a sense of realistic touch. Lifestyle photography ensures a connection with customers instantly just by looking at it.
Showcasing someone reading a book by candlelight, enjoying a bath, or having a candlelight dinner with dear ones will bring authenticity to your product.
It helps your customers understand how candles fit into their home setting.
Candle Flame Photography
The movement of the candle flame evokes positive emotions. Use a 50mm lens to capture details of the flame. It highlights the flickering movement and textures of candles.
Set your aperture to f/1.8 and ISO 100. Select a shutter speed between 1/100 and 1/2000 sec to see the effect of the candle’s look.
Candle and Quill Photography
Candle and quill photography evoke nostalgia. You can set candles next to the quill pen and old newspaper in a scene similar to what used to happen in some past era.
It captures the relatability and class of an era gone by. And, it brings some value to your product photo by shooting some antique pieces.
Burning Candle Photography
It gives a relaxing feeling and peace of mind to customers. When it is burned, you do get the movement of a flame.
To get the perfect picture of a burning candle, try it with a long exposure, select your f-stop f/8, ISO 100, and shutter speed 1/60.
Foot Candles Photography
A foot candle is necessary for the process of product photography. It will show how much lighting has to be given to click a perfect shot, focusing the light on all the unique designs and features of the candle.
Candle Photography with Packaging
In this shot, the packaging of the candle creates a visually cohesive image that displays beauty in both candles and packaging.
It leads to a high branding identity and captures your customers’ eyes. Experiment with different compositions that will create a captivating photo.
Multiple Candle Photography
Placing multiple candles in the photo creates visual harmony. This shall be tried to bring about uniformity of image and story for the product.
It attaches emotions to the product to the potential customers.
Mixing several candles of different heights and sizes into a visually beautiful composition. This would add depth and dimension to candle product photography.
Please make sure you do not overcrowd your photography setup; it may be a distraction to your viewers.
More Ideas for Aesthetic Candle Pictures
Aside from these, there are other means to show off the candle product photography.
- Try capturing the flame reflection on the surface of the water.
- Bring your picture of the candle to a location depending on the mood you want to set.
Put Your Effort in the Post-production
Quality product photos convey trust and credibility with customers. Beautiful images are assured to cCommerce through post-production.
Quality, as part of the branding strategy, is possible due to the availability of professional editors. They know the software used in the production of quality images.
And, they can manage speed while editing a large number of images.
This will relieve much of your effort, and letting them take care of this phase will free you to do other work.
Our product photo editing services will help you present your candle product photography with a polished and professional look in terms of its presentation.
Making presentations of your candle product photography in polished and professional ways through an eCommerce photo editing service.
FAQ
What are the products in a candle?
Paraffin is the most commonly used wax in making a candle. Besides paraffin, others would be beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, and synthesized waxes, amongst other various wax blends that are achieved for the candle business.
How can I achieve a warm, soft light in my candle photos?
In candlelight photography, use the low-light preset for your white balance setting to better capture the warmth and coziness of the flames.
If possible, set a custom white balance between 2000K and 3000K for candlelight.
How do I capture the flame in my candle photos?
You’ll likely want to get your aperture to f/4 and ISO100 to avoid a very strong glow in the candle flame. Then try changing shutter speeds from 1/20 to 1/2000 sec. and see how they affect the candles.
