Showcasing Local Flavor: Product Photography for Jam by Josh
A few months ago, I hosted a giveaway for a free product photography session to a food-based business in the Greater Cleveland area. The winner? 15-year-old Josh, founder of Jam by Josh, a small business offering six delicious, locally made jams. I was so excited to see such a young entrepreneur win my giveaway, and even more excited when I got to see the finished images in use on his website!
Product Photography for Consumable Products
When it comes to product photography, making sure the product and its packaging are clearly visible is always the primary objective so customers instantly know exactly what they’re buying. Consistent lighting, background, and styling choices are also very important to make sure all images share a cohesive look that supports the brand, such as how I used the same background for all of the images in this shoot.
With food, however, there is an added obstacle to be overcome. You have to find a way to help the viewer imagine the texture and the flavor of what they’re seeing. Since no one can taste a products through a screen, at least not yet, best practice is to incorporate ingredients that the average person will recognize — in this case, fresh fruits corresponding to each jam flavor. This not only adds visual interest but gives a clear sense of what they taste like as well.
My next goal is typically to show how the product can be enjoyed. Even though most everyone knows how to eat jam, styled shots can inspire and entice. For Josh’s jams, I paired them with bread and bagels, showing the spreads looking rich and scrumptious — showing texture and helping customers imagine how they would use the jams in their own lives.
My personal favorite jam to photograph? The peach — its color and texture were irresistible on camera! (Plus it tastes sooo good)
Why Great Product Photography Matters
For any product, great photos make a huge difference — they help your items stand out, tell your brand story, and increase customer perceptions of quality. For food sold online specifically, remember: customers can’t taste or smell the product. Photos that highlight flavor, texture, and usage are key to convincing them to add it to their cart and complete the purchase!
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs
While I do offer portraits and event photography, my true passion is product photography. I love working with local handmade and small businesses to help them showcase their products and grow their brands. I know that professional product photography can feel out of reach for some, which is why I aim to make it more accessible for all — because supporting small businesses and helping them succeed is what drives me. If you’re a food-based or product-focused business looking to elevate your photography, I’d love to help bring your products to life!
