What CPG Founders Should Know Before Their First Photoshoot
What CPG Founders Should Know Before Their First Photoshoot
How to prepare for a smooth, successful, and strategic shoot day.
Launching a product means more than having great packaging — your visuals will define how your brand enters the world. Yet many first-time founders approach photography reactively instead of strategically.
Here’s what to know before stepping into your first shoot.
1. Start with the Story, Not the Shot
Before you think about props or backdrops, clarify your brand mood. Ask:
How should my product make people feel?
What lifestyle does it live in?
What colors or textures align with my identity?
That story will inform every creative choice that follows — from lighting to camera angles.
2. Plan Your Visual Mix
You’ll need a blend of:
Product Photography: clean, hero-centered shots for your website and e-commerce
Lifestyle Photography: storytelling imagery for social and ads
Social Video / Stop Motion: motion assets for short-form platforms
When we plan shoots, we build a shot list that balances all three — so every image has a purpose.
3. Prepare Your Product Like It’s on Set (Because It Is)
Inspect every unit for imperfections. Bring backups. If your product is food or liquid, have extra for retouching or re-pours. Attention to detail before the shoot saves hours of post-production later.
4. Build Flexibility into the Day
Even with great planning, lighting shifts and creative ideas evolve on set. A good production leaves space for spontaneity — that’s where the best visuals usually happen.
Final Thoughts
Your first shoot sets the tone for your brand. Go in prepared, stay open to creativity, and treat every frame like a chance to build the world your product belongs to.