We are always getting questions about photographing soap. So when we came across this post by Gabbie at Simply Soap’s post on the topic (original post here) we thought we’d share it with you. Enjoy! -Anne-Marie

I’ve had a few people ask about my soap photos, so l thought l’d put together a few tips and tricks l’ve learned in the past few years.

A BIG disclaimer is required here though – l am NOT a photographer by any means, not even close. I have no idea whether half of what l am about to tell you is even technically correct, so take it all with a huge grain of salt, and experiment. That’s all l’ve done – l quite often walk around the house with some soap and my camera and take photos in lots of different locations and angles. Eventually, one of them will be a keeper and you’re going to get something you love and a location to remember for future soap photos.

 Some basic rules l follow:

1. Take lots more photos than you need – you can always delete them afterwards, and more choice is a good thing!

2. Crop out any ugly backgrounds or distracting elements from your photos using Photoshop or similar.

3. Arrange your soap in a number of different ways, and as you take photos, check if anything bugs you in the photos that show up in the viewfinder – you can move the soap arrangement as you shoot.

4. Never use the flash! I have a piece of sticky-tape on the top of the camera to stop the auto flash popping up, because flash gives really harsh light and makes my soap look awful. l never use a flash for ANY photo.

5. Lighting is really important. Take the time to find a place that gives you a soft, warm light without harsh shadows. This is where walking around your house with a bar of soap is a really good idea.

6. Try to stay away from bright sunlight – in most cases (for me) it is far too harsh – my best soap photos are taken in warm daylight.

 MY CAMERA:

  It’s a Nikon D80 that l bought on eBay secondhand a couple of years ago, and l just use the standard lens that came with it. My partner John has a Nikon D90 with a longer lens (technical hey!) but it annoys me because the zoom lens is more temperamental and won’t let me get right up close to the subject – l have to move away from it and then use the zoom to close in. Seems a bit silly to me when I’m quite happy to move myself closer! So l stick to my D80 and I’m extremely happy with it. It’s basic but takes GREAT photos. [Read more…]