Different Styles of Product Photography

To decide on what style of images you need, it is best to consider what they will be used for. Here's a brief outline of options, using the studio mascot, Scully, for illustrative purposes.

Pack Shots

These are straightforward representations of the product, with even lighting to show the customer what to expect. These accurately record the item from varying angles along with a few close-up detail shots to show the quality.

These will form the main imagery for your shop or e-Commerce platform such as Amazon, eBay, or Etsy. They can also be used in traditional print catalogues or brochures.

Creative Product Photography

The options here are limitless, but come down to a combination of imagination, props, techniques, and budget. The first example uses a reflective surface with a one directional light source to create a simple, but eye-catching image.
The second could be described as lifestyle* product photography which brings in elements of background and surfaces to illustrate a setting for the item which gives the potential customer a greater affinity with the product (if it appeals to them in the first place).

*Or perhaps deathstyle, in this case...

These can be used for your social media posts, website banners and images to accompany editorial in your press releases.

Creative photography can be simple or elaborate. Here is an example of a full-on still life set up, which involves much fannying about (the technical term) until the best composition is achieved.
The objective here is to try and perfect the relationship between the objects so that none look out of place and contrived. Even a supposedly haphazard arrangement can take a fair bit of time to set up.

Outdoor Product Photography

This can also be considered creative product photography, but is more to do with "found" settings, rather than actively constructing an environment for the images.

Again, these work well for your social media posts, website banners and to accompany editorial in your press releases.