Product Photos

Hat Photography Process – Step-by-Step

Prep the Hat

• • Inspect the hat for blemishes or lint and clean it up as needed.

  • Remove the hang tag and set it aside carefully.

  • Remove the cardboard insert inside the crown.

  • Ensure the shape insert (used for photos) is straight and positioned properly inside the hat.
    
    

Set Up the Camera

• • Position the camera 2–3 feet away from the hat.

  • Zoom in to approximately 35-50mm on the lens.

  • Set the camera height so that the center of the lens is slightly higher than the top button of the hat

  • Tap on the screen or hold the shutter halfway down to focus.
    
    

Capture the Front Angle

• • Frame and shoot the hat from the front, ensuring the shape looks natural and not warped.

  • Check focus and details using the zoom-in function on the camera screen.
    
    

Capture the 45-Degree Angle

• • Rotate the hat to a 45-degree angle.

  • Double-check that the white insert is not visible below the hat.

  • Focus and shoot once the angle and shape look correct.
    
    

Capture the Back Angle

• • Turn the hat to face backward.

  • Check shape and alignment.

  • Focus and shoot.
    
    

Shoot Without Insert

• • After capturing clean shots with the insert, remove it.

  • Photograph the back of the hat again without the insert.

  • These shots can be used in post-production to replace negative space inside the closure for a more natural look.
    
    

Reattach the Hang Tag

• • Once all photos are complete, reattach the hang tag using a tagging gun.

  • Place the tag through the wearer’s front left eyelet.

Beanie Photography Process – Step-by-Step

General Notes

• Beanies can be shot in two ways:

  1. On a stand

  2. As a flat lay (top-down on a surface)
     
     

Prep the Beanie

• Remove the hang tag and set it aside.

• Slip the beanie over the stand (if using it).

• Adjust the fabric to make sure it’s laying cleanly with no visible folds or warping.
  
  

Set the Camera

• Use the same basic settings as for hats:

  • Aperture: f/8

  • You may open up to f/5.6 for very dark beanies if more light is needed, but don’t go lower than 5.6.

• Align the barrel of the lens so it’s centered with the beanie.

• Focus specifically on the label, as that is the most important detail.
  
  

Shoot on Stand (Preferred Method)

• With the beanie on the stand:

  • Ensure it looks clean and symmetrical.

  • Confirm that focus is sharp on the label.

  • Take the shot.
    
    

Shoot Flat Lay (Alternative Method)

• Lay the beanie flat on a surface.

• Remove the tag (if not already done).

• Keep the same aperture settings (f/8 to f/5.6 minimum).

• Be aware that the bottom of the beanie may curve or warp visually.

  • This can be corrected in Photoshop if needed.

• Position the camera directly over the center of the beanie.

• Focus on the label and take the shot.
  
  

Reattach the Hang Tag

• Once the photo is complete, reattach the tag to the correct spot on the beanie.

Basic Camera Setup – Step-by-Step

Use the Default Lens

1. • In most cases, the default lens will work for all product shots.

   • A wider lens is available if absolutely needed, but it’s rarely necessary.

Zoom Settings

1. • Adjust the zoom as needed using the zoom ring.

   • The lens is set to autofocus (AF)—you do not need to adjust the focus ring manually.

Set to Manual Mode

1. • Set the camera to Manual mode (M) on the dial.

   • Manual mode allows you to control shutter speed and aperture independently.

Set the Aperture

1. • Use the thumb pad dial to adjust the aperture.

   • Standard aperture for product photography is f/8, ensuring no focus fall-off or depth of field issues.

Visually Adjust the Exposure Using Shutter Speed

1. • Look through the viewfinder or screen while adjusting shutter speed.

   • Watch for white zebra lines, which indicate overexposure.

   • Dial the shutter speed back just enough until those zebra lines disappear or are minimal.