What techniques do you use to make products visually appealing on screen, especially when dealing with everyday or mundane items?

When making everyday or mundane items visually appealing on screen, the key is to highlight their functionality, beauty, or uniqueness in creative ways. Here are some techniques to achieve this:

1. Lighting and Shadows

• Use soft lighting to eliminate harsh shadows and create a clean, polished look.
• Experiment with directional lighting to emphasize textures, contours, or reflective surfaces.
• Incorporate dramatic shadows for depth and visual interest.

2. Composition

• Follow the rule of thirds or other compositional rules to position the product dynamically.
• Use leading lines or geometric shapes to guide the viewer's eye to the product.
• Play with symmetry and minimalism for clean, modern aesthetics.

3. Backgrounds and Props

• Choose neutral or contrasting backgrounds to make the product pop.
• Use thematic props to contextualize the product (e.g., fresh fruit around a kitchen tool).
• Opt for textured backgrounds (e.g., wood, marble, or fabric) to add subtle sophistication.

4. Color Coordination

• Match the product's colors with the background and props for harmony.
• Use complementary colors to create contrast and draw attention.

5. Angles and Perspectives

• Capture the product from uncommon angles to showcase its details or functionality.
• Use close-ups for intricate details or textures.
• Include a top-down view for flat-lay compositions, especially effective for lifestyle products.

6. Dynamic Shots

• Add movement, such as pouring liquid into a glass or scattering objects mid-action.
• Use smoke, steam, or splashes for a dramatic and lively touch.

7. Interactive Elements

• Showcase the product in use to highlight its practicality and appeal.
• Incorporate hands or relatable context to demonstrate usability.

8. Post-Processing

• Enhance colors, contrast, and sharpness for a clean finish.
• Remove distractions or blemishes while maintaining a natural look.
• Add subtle vignettes or glow effects to center focus on the product.

9. Storytelling

• Craft a narrative around the product that connects with the audience emotionally.
• Use props or a setting that evoke a specific mood or lifestyle aspiration.

10. Innovative Framing

• Frame the product creatively using mirrors, windows, or cutouts.
• Experiment with reflections and refractions for a unique twist.

11. Consistency

• Use a consistent style, lighting, and color grading across product images to establish a cohesive brand identity.

By combining these techniques, even the most mundane items can be transformed into visually compelling assets, highlighting their potential and elevating their appeal.

I start by using good lighting to highlight the product’s best features, making it look more attractive. Creative angles and close-ups help showcase details that might otherwise go unnoticed. I also play with color contrast to make the product pop against the background. Adding motion, like a slow pan or spin, can bring life to even the simplest items. Finally, I consider using props or context to show the product in action, making it feel more relevant and desirable.

Give the ordinary some flair. Play with lighting. Add drama and shadows. Use unique camera angles. Make the mundane feel fresh. Slow-motion or macro shots highlight textures and details. Turn the everyday into something visually intriguing. Pair with vibrant backgrounds or unexpected settings. Create contrast. Boost the product’s appeal.

Taking an everyday or mundane item and making it stand out on video can be done in so many ways! Firstly, I think model interaction with a product is very important. Simply showing someone using the product in different scenarios can really give potential customers of that product and idea of what their experience will be with the product. Showing in the video how the product will improve their lifestyle is key. We've shot many simple items such as kitchen spatulas, eyeglasses holders, nail clippers, tweezers, and more, so over the years we've mastered the art of taking a regular everyday product and making it one-of-a-kind on video. Showing the close up detail of the quality of the product, a comparative shot to a "generic" version vs their product, and a happy model effortlessly using and enjoying the product on video has helped our clients grow tremendously in sales. I always recommend taking it a step further by incorporating voice over and text to maximize the product information thats given to the consumer while they are watching a product video.