Product Photography Courses
Create images that attract attention and win clients.Advertising and product photography is often seen as one of the most complex areas of professional photography. It's also one of the most lucrative.
With hundreds of classes, lighting solutions, and problem-solving examples, we take product photography to a whole new level of understanding.
Step into this world of precision lighting to discover how these complex shoots are managed, executed, and the results delivered to ensure your clients keep coming back for more.
- 155 Classes
- +137 Hours content
- Level: All Levels
Product Photography Courses
Getting Started in Product Photography
- 11 Classes
- 4 Hours content
- Level: Basic
Have you ever looked at product photography shots in commercials and online and wanted to achieve similar results yourself?
Learn how to get started with product photography through this series of introductory classes that cover useful product photography techniques, photography background choices, and more.
These classes show what equipment you'll need, efficient workflows and even what to charge for your photography.
What you’ll learn:
- An introduction to product photography
- Cameras & lenses for product photography
- Recommended equipment for product photography
- Studio space and how to make it work
- Making & using scrims for product photography
- The benefits of shooting tethered
An Introduction to Product Photography
Camera and Lenses for Product Photography
How to Make a Scrim
Why and How to Shoot Tethered
File Structure and Storage
Gradient Lighting for Product Photography
Essential Lighting Modifiers for Product Photography
A Deeper Understanding of the Inverse Square Law
Helpful Studio Kit for Product Photography
Advanced Studio Kit for Product Photography
Bottles & Beverages Photography
Lighting & styling with finesse- 9 Classes
- 10.5+ Hours content
- Level: All Levels
Karl has photographed for global drinks companies such as Grants Whisky and Heineken, and in this series of classes, he will help you master the art of capturing perfect drinks/beverage photography.
From wine bottle photography to clear bottle shots, Karl shares pro secrets for almost any type of bottle shoot.
Learn how to overcome challenges such as lighting and photographing glass with flawless gradients, achieving perfect condensation, enhancing color in liquids like whisky, wine, or cider.
What you’ll learn:
- How to photograph drinks/beverages
- Bottle photography ideas
- Recommended lenses and equipment for photographing bottles
- Backgrounds, props and accessories for shooting bottles
- Lighting techniques for bottle photography
- How to photograph glass & control reflections
- How to make bottles look cold with perfect condensation
- Tips & tricks for shooting bottles
Chivas Regal Photoshoot
Rémy Martin XO Cognac | Post-Production
Rémy Martin XO Cognac Product Shoot
Whisky Product Shoot
The Perfect Pint Condensation Cold Look
Whisky Product Retouching
The Perfect Pint | Post-Production
Wine Bottle Photography
Whisky Photography
Photographing Clear Liquid Bottles (Gin/Vodka)
Beer Bottle Advertising Shot
How to Shoot Engraved Glass
Food Photography and Styling
Join top food photographer Anna Pustynnikova & Karl Taylor.- 33 Classes
- 26+ Hours content
- Level: All Levels
In these food photography classes, you'll learn from top food photographer Anna Pustynnikova as she reveals her top food photography tips on everything from preparation and prop selection to styling and lighting.
Our classes cover beginner to advanced, from natural light setups in your own home to more advanced studio lighting techniques.
Together with Anna and Karl, you'll learn how to photograph everything from delicate desserts to store-bought pastries as they teach you powerful techniques that will enable you to shoot your own creative ideas with confidence.
What you’ll learn:
- How to photograph food images
- Photographing food at home using natural light
- Simple studio lighting setups for food photography
- Preparation & styling for food photography
- Where to find props, backgrounds & accessories for food shoots
- Recommended lenses & equipment
- Techniques for shooting lifestyle & editorial style food photography with models
- The importance of narrative & how to tell a story with your images
- Creative food photography ideas
Styling and Shooting Burger Photography
How to Photograph Cakes and Tarts
Muffins Live Shoot (Working to a Brief 3)
How to Get Started With Food Photography and Styling
Food Photography With Anna Pustynnikova
Creating DIY Photography Backdrops
Editorial Food Photography – Waffles
Editorial Food Photography – Honey Tea
Editorial Food Photography – Making Pasta
Stir Fry Food Shoot Preparation
Stir Fry Food Shoot
Flying Tea Food Shoot
Flying Tea Post-Production
Simple Food Photography Setup: Croissant
Food Photography With Natural Light: Charcuterie Board
Shooting Fresh Fish
Food Photography With Natural Light: Pasta
Lifestyle Food Photography: Chopping Vegetables
Still Life Photography: Cheese Food Shoot
Food Photography: Still Life Cheese | Post-Production
Healthy Living Flat Lay Food Photography: Raw Vegetables
Photographing Candy Using Colour Theory
Still Life Food Photography: Cup of Tea
Food Photography, Lighting and Styling
Fresh Fruit Food Photography
Ginger and Lime Tea Preparation
Ginger and Lime Tea Shoot
Fine Dining Food Photography: Preparation
Fine Dining Food Photography: Photoshoot
Rustic Food Photography: Feta Cheese
Rustic Food Photography: Roast Beef
Dessert Photography: Raspberry Dessert Preparation
Dessert Photography: Raspberry Dessert Photoshoot
Interview With Food Photographer Anna Pustynnikova
Liquid and Splash Photography
Capture Creative High-Speed Splash PhotographyFind out exactly how to capture creative liquid and splash photography in this series of classes. Whether you're looking for some creative splash photography ideas or want to learn about the best techniques for freezing liquids with flash, these classes cover it all.
You'll learn about fast flash duration, recommended camera settings, and the best liquids to use for creative results as Karl demonstrates numerous setups using both speedlites and studio flash.
Whether you're photographing products or people, these classes will help you take your creativity to the next level through a combination of knowledge and inspiration.
What you’ll learn:
- How to photograph liquid splash photography
- Creative ideas for splash photography
- Freezing motion using studio flash
- Understand flash duration
- What liquids to use and when
- Photographing products with liquid splashes
- Creative portrait photography with liquid splashes
- How to retouch splash photography
Creative Product Photography with Speedlights
Photographing Creative Water Sculptures
Clinique Shoot 1: Planning and Lighting
Clinique Shoot 2: Lighting and Splash Shots
Clinique Shoot 3: Lighting Final Bottle
Clinique Post-Production 1: Initial Compositing and Basic Cleaning
Clinique Post-Production 2: Cleaning Bottles and Creating Reflections
Clinique Post-Production 3: Adding Water Splash
Clinique Post-Production 4: Creating a White Background and Refining Water Splash
Clinique Post-Production 5: Black Logos
Clinique Post-Production 6: Final Adjustments
Photographing Liquid Art and Motion
Interview With Product and Liquid Photographer David Lund
Liquid Photography With David Lund
Liquid Emulsion Photography: Abstract Paint
Floating Cosmetics Splash Shot
Floating Cosmetics Splash Shot | Post-Production
Perfect Product Tank Shots
Perfect Product Tank | Post-Production
Shooting Liquid Bubbles With a Single Speedlight
Liquid Bubbles | Post-Production
Sports Product Shoot With Paint Splash
Paint Explosion
Paint Explosion Review
Still Life Photography
Master the art of still-life photography with this selection of inspirational and informative classes.
This section includes stand-alone classes that cover lighting techniques and tips for still-life photography as well as the start-to-finish process of one of Karl's own still-life images.
Through Karl's clear teaching methods and numerous examples, you'll quickly learn how to compose, style, and light artistic still-life images and understand exactly what makes effective imagery.
What you’ll learn:
- How to shoot still life photography
- Creating a narrative with your still life photography
- Creative lighting techniques (including studio flash, speedlites, & other light sources)
- Composition techniques & tips
- Colour theory & how to use it for more impactful images
- Retouching still life photos
- Fine art & commercial still life ideas
Still Life Stones With Coloured Gels
Still Life Pasta: Long-Exposure Lighting Techniques
Still Life Pasta: Long-Exposure Lighting Techniques | Post-Production
Wall Art Shells: Imitating Golden Hour in the Studio
Wall Art Shells: Imitating Golden Hour in the Studio | Post-Production
Still Life Pasta: Simple One-Light Shoot
Still Life Pasta: Simple One-Light Shoot | Post-Production
Still Life: Natural Decay
Still Life: Natural Decay | Post-Production
Floral Fine Art Photography
Photo Critique: Still Life
Lighting Control (The Egg Challenge)
Visualisation and Planning for Still Life Photo: Toxic Egg
Lighting and Equipment Overview for Still Life Photo: Toxic Egg
Testing Liquid and Lighting for Still Life Photo: Toxic Egg
Final Stages of a Still Life Photo: Toxic Egg
Cosmetics Photography
Whether you're shooting for your own blog or for a professional-client, there's always a big demand for cosmetic product photography.
But these tiny products can be a challenging subject as they often feature mixed textures and small details.
Learn how to shoot high-end product photography images of make-up and cosmetics as Karl shows you how to light small products, what lenses to use for close-up photography, and shares the professional cosmetics photography tips and tricks he's used over the years.
What you’ll learn:
- How to photograph cosmetics & make-up
- Creative ideas for cosmetic photography
- Lighting techniques for cosmetics
- How to control light & reduce reflections in gloss surfaces
- How to photograph small products
- Focus stacking techniques for greater depth of field
- Retouching techniques for cosmetic product photography
Dior Sauvage Photoshoot
Dior Fahrenheit Photoshoot
Chanel Soap and Bubbles Shoot
Chanel Soap and Bubbles | Post-Production
Floating Cosmetics Product Photography
Sunlit Shadows Cosmetics Shoot
Sunlit Shadows Cosmetics Shoot: Post-Production
How to Create and Photograph Cosmetic Swatches
Black-on-Black Product Photography Using Two Lights
Focus-Stacking Cosmetics
One-Light Challenge Product Photoshoot
Cosmetics Product Shoot
Dior Perfume Bottle Photography
Dior Perfume Bottle Photography | Post-Production
Preparation for Perfume Bottle Photography
Perfume Bottle Photography
Perfume Bottle Photography | Post-Production
Creative Ad-Style Perfume Photoshoot
High-end Cosmetics Product Photography
High-end Cosmetics Product Photography | Post-Production
One-Light Lipstick Product Shoot
Jewellery Photography
- 11 Classes
- 17.5+ Hours content
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Learn how to create flawless images that capture a sense of elegance and perfection in this series of in-depth jewellery photography classes.
Shooting a number of luxury items such as watches, necklaces, and rings, Karl teaches you how to identify the common challenges associated with jewellery photography and, more importantly, how to overcome them to produce high-quality results for online or commercial purposes.
You'll learn how to shoot small products using focus stacking, how to photograph jewellery on a white background, how to use a single light and get great results, and how to style jewellery for photography.
What you’ll learn:
- Identifying & overcoming the challenges of jewellery photography
- Start-to-finish demonstrations for photographing watches, necklaces & rings
- Equipment & lenses for jewellery photography
- How to make your own props for jewellery photography
- Using focus stacking for greater depth of field
- How to photograph jewellery photography on a white background
- Controlling reflections & adding sparkle to jewellery
Apple Watches Photoshoot
Apple Watches | Post-Production
Tag Heuer Photoshoot
Luxury Watch Photography Using One Studio Light
Luxury Watch Photography Using One Studio Light | Post-Production
TAG Heuer Luxury Watch Shoot
Luxury Watch Product Photography
Zenith Watch Product Shoot
Zenith Watch Post-Production 1: Focus Stacking and Compositing
Zenith Watch Post-Production 2: Clean-up and Final Touches
Diamond Rings Jewellery Photography
Diamond Rings | Post-Production (Focus Stacking)
Gemstone Necklace Photoshoot
Diamond Necklace Photoshoot
Packshot Photography
E-commerce is a booming business for photographers, so knowing how to quickly and efficiently capture high-quality packshots is a valuable skill for any photographer.
Learn about the equipment, styling, and lighting you need to take packshot images that sell, whether for e-commerce, websites, or small businesses.
Part of this is knowing how to effectively create white backgrounds for product photography.
Throughout this series of classes, Karl demonstrates versatile one and two-light setups that you can use for many different products.
You'll also learn how to work in small studios, reduce reflections on shiny objects, and understand what makes good product photography.
What you’ll learn:
- Quick & effective lighting setups for packshot product photography
- Photographing products for websites and online
- Lighting setups using studio flash & continuous LED lighting
- Creating shadowless lighting for cutouts
- Shooting products on a white background
- Equipment & lens choice for product photography
- How to photograph in a small studio
- Post-production techniques for packshot photos
Photographing White Products on a White Background
Shadowless Backgrounds for Catalogue-Style Images
Creating Artificial Shadows In Photoshop
Shadowless Lighting for Photographing Products on White
Packshot Product Photography
Shiny Chrome Kettle Product Photography
Shiny Chrome Kettle | Post-Production
Packshots: White Background Product Photography
Packshots: White Background Product Photography | Post-Production
How to Use Continuous LED Lighting for Packshot Photography
Simple E-Commerce Fashion Shoot
Electronics Photography
Illuminating LED buttons, reflective screens, and curved shapes - electronic devices aren't always the easiest to photograph.
To get the best results, you need to understand what equipment to use, what angle to shoot from, and how to control your light.
Karl covers all of this in a number of different examples as he shows you how to overcome common challenges while shooting electronic products such as headphones, iPads, and even voice recorders.
What you’ll learn:
- How to photograph electronic products & digital devices
- How to photograph LED screens
- Recommended lenses & equipment
- Shooting products on white/black backgrounds
- How to shoot 'floating' objects
- Lighting techniques like gradient lighting, rim lighting, & more
- Controlling reflections in gloss & metallic surfaces
Rim Lighting for Product Photography
Earphones Live Product Shoot (Working to a Brief 4)
Stellar Camera Product Shoot
Tech Devices Product Photography
Electric Guitar Product Photography
Electric Guitar Product Photography | Post-Production
How to Photograph Products With LED Lights and Illuminating Screens
High-end Headphones Product Shoot
Automotive Photography
This series of automotive photography classes cover everything you need to know about how to create professional car photographs.
Shooting both cars and motorbikes, Karl explains everything from lens choice and camera setting to how to minimise reflections in metallic surfaces and useful lighting techniques like gradient lighting and even light painting.
Throughout each in-depth class you'll see the step-by-step shoot and get to learn first-hand as Karl shares various tips that will help you get the very best results when photographing these complex subjects.
What you’ll learn:
- How to photograph cars and motorbikes
- Camera settings for automotive photography
- How to control/remove reflections in metal surfaces
- Studio requirements and budget alternatives
- Lighting techniques for studio car photography
- How to use studio flash or continuous light to photograph cars
- How to capture car headlights using long exposures
- Retouching techniques for car photography
Harley Davidson Night Rod Photoshoot
How to Photograph Cars and Build Your Own Ceiling Rig
Classic Car Photography on Location
Studio Motorcycle Photography
Studio Motorcycle Photography | Post-Production
Professional Car Photography – Front View
Professional Car Photography – 3/4 Front View
Professional Car Photography – Side view
Professional Car Photography – Side View | Post-Production
Professional Car Photography – Top View
Sports Car Photography
Sports Car Photography | Post-Production
Motorcycle Photography
Photographing Sporting Equipment
A niche area of product photography, this section covers how to photograph sports equipment.
From creative action shots of tennis rackets to fine art-style equestrian equipment, each of these classes cover the lighting, styling, and equipment for different products.
Through multiple demonstrations, you'll learn how to plan your images and visualise the desired end result, understand what angles to shoot certain products from, light metallic, matte, and even leather surfaces, and what lenses and camera settings to use to get the best results.
What you’ll learn:
- How to photograph advertising-style images of sports equipment
- Creative product photography ideas
- How to use studio flash, continuous light & light painting
- Photographing black on black products
- How to control reflections on metallic objects
- Using long exposures for creative imagery
- Lighting techniques for products with mixed surface textures
Flat Lay Photography
In recent years the internet has been flooded with flat lay photography, so making your images stand out can be difficult.
Knowing what background to use, what colours to choose, and how to compose your image can really help make your images stand out.
In this selection of classes you'll learn how to photograph from above, whether you're shooting products, food, or even fashion accessories.
Karl shares useful flat lay photography techniques, including styling and lighting, that will give you that creative-edge...
What you’ll learn:
- How to photograph creative flat lay photography
- Composition techniques
- Styling tips
- What backgrounds to use for flat lay photography
- How to create mood using lighting
- Using tilt-shift
Creating Simple Shots You Can Sell
Technical Tools Tilt-Shift Product Shoot
Fashion Accessories Flat Lay Photoshoot
Polarising Light in Studio Photography
Flat Lay Photography
Black Gloss Backdrop Cosmetics Photoshoot
Tilt and Shift for Flat Lay Product Photoshoot
Photographing Paintings for Reproduction
Controlling Mood and Emotion in an Image
Photographing Fashion Accessories
From sunglasses to shoes and everything in between, this selection of classes cover how to shoot a wide variety of fashion accessories for advertising photography.
In each of these tutorials, you'll learn useful techniques that can be applied to a range of different subjects, including how to compose and style images, how to photograph flat lays, how to use long exposure and studio flash, and how to incorporate colour theory for creative results.
Karl also goes into detail on how to light different products, covering important studio lighting concepts you need to understand and demonstrating how to put these into practice.
What you’ll learn:
- How to photograph fashion accessories
- Styling tips & composition techniques
- Recommended lenses for product photography
- Lighting techniques for matte & gloss products
- Black-on-black product photography
- Using long exposure for creative product photography
Photography Brief Assignments
Practice real-world photography skills with our photography brief assignments — designed to help you prepare for working with real commercial clients.
Presented in the form of a visual sketch with written description and mood board images, you’ll learn how to interpret and execute a designated image.
Designed to be achievable for any equipment level, all assignments feature a follow-up live show where Karl reviews each of the submissions.
What you’ll learn:
- How to work to a photography brief
- Learn how to interpret & execute a given image
- Practice real-world photography skills
- Creative thinking & problem solving
- Feedback on your images
Working to a Brief: Assignment 9 LAUNCH
Working to a Brief: Assignment 8 REVIEW
Working to a Brief: Assignment 8 LAUNCH
Working to a Brief: Assignment 7 REVIEW
Working to a Brief: Assignment 7 LAUNCH
Working to a Brief: Assignment 6 REVIEW
Working to a Brief: Assignment 6 LAUNCH
Working to a Brief: Assignment 5 REVIEW
Working to a Brief: Assignment 5 LAUNCH
Earphones Live Product Shoot (Working to a Brief 4)
Working to a Brief: Assignment 4 REVIEW
Working to a Brief: Assignment 4 LAUNCH
Muffins Live Shoot (Working to a Brief 3)
Working to a Brief: Assignment 3 REVIEW
Working to a Brief: Assignment 3 LAUNCH
Working to a Brief: Assignment 2 REVIEW
Working to a Brief: Assignment 2 LAUNCH
Working to a Brief: Assignment 1 REVIEW
Working to a Brief: Assignment 1 LAUNCH
How our classes work
Once you’ve watched our ‘Lighting Theory’ course, you’ll have an understanding of the lighting fundamentals applied throughout all of our classes. We’ve specifically designed our videos to act as stand-alone step-by-step classes so that you can dive right in to what most appeals to you.
Not sure where to start? Check out How to Use Karl Taylor Education, take a look at our learning pathways, or simply get in touch.
"I am getting into product photography and this was an eye opener of the little inexpensive tricks to play with light to change the outcome of the picture. All at $14 a month, you would have to be a fool to think you are not getting value for money.”
Patrick Williams
"Appreciate the way you teach: clear, concise. You explain why it’s best to set lights up in the right way and the wrong way and seeing the results completes the jigsaw.”
Kevin Goodchild
"Your attention to detail is unique and I feel I am learning so much every time I watch you create a shot.”
Paul Gilfeather
Karl Taylor
Karl Taylor has been a professional photographer for more than 25 years. Commissioned by leading global brands for his precise attention to detail and exquisite control of light, Karl is also known as an instructor who explains complex subjects clearly and effectively. Karl’s unique expertise and commitment to education has led him to work for Hasselblad Camera Company, Broncolor Lighting and Adobe, as well as to appearances on the BBC and elsewhere.
Personalised support
To help you make the most of our classes, we’ve made it easy to get in touch. Whether you have general photography questions or queries relating to specific classes, our knowledgeable team is here to help you achieve your goals.