T-shirt photography may seem straightforward at first glance, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Struggling to figure out how to photograph your T-shirts for e-commerce, branding, or creative campaigns? This guide will give you fresh, actionable ideas on presenting T-shirts effectively, regardless of purpose.

Standard shoot types

The primary purpose of taking product photos is to create a product catalog for the website, enabling customers to examine the T-shirts' details clearly. These images should be simple and focused, highlighting the product without distractions. However, depending on the T-shirt designs, material, and unique features, you can showcase it creatively in various ways.

• Flat Lay Photography - involves capturing an image directly above the scene.

• Ghost Mannequin - often used in fashion photography, creates a 3D effect and highlights the shape and the structure of clothing.

• Pinned - refers to items secured in place for styling purposes.

• Hanged - involves displaying items suspended in front of a neutral background, as if on a hanger.

Photo: Kith

To make your product detail page (PDP) more versatile, you can add group compositions and close-ups.

• Group compositions - involve arranging multiple items within one frame.
• Close-ups - focus on capturing intricate details of the product.

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And to spice things up, you can play with the styling of your T-shirt. It can be either perfectly smoothed and neatly laid out against a white background or deliberately shown in a sloppy manner with wrinkles. You also have options to choose from when it comes to lightning: side and flat lightning are at your disposal. Side lighting, where light falls slightly from the side to create a voluminous look, contrasts with flat lighting, which evenly fills the frame without adding shadows.

Photo: Cole Buxton

These simple techniques can change the emotional perception of your product: add more life to it or, on the contrary, show its "ideality" depending on your clothing brand's audience.

On-model photography

Model photos help online buyers envision their clothing, assess the style and fit, and understand how the size works on different body types. Studio model shots are created in a controlled environment. This type of content is essential for portfolios, advertisements, and editorials. It also serves as a foundation for post-production and photo editing, ensuring the final images are polished and impactful.

Collaboration with stylists and photographers can bring your creative vision to life. A successful model fashion photoshoot requires outfits; you can complete them yourself, or we can do it for you.

Lifestyle model shots capture models in real-life scenarios. These shots aim to be authentic and relatable.

Types of shots

• Nature Shots portray models in natural light interacting with trees, water, etc.

Photo: Quicksilver

• Street Shots showcase fashion within city life.

Photo 1: Chnge Photo 2: TwoJeys

• Gym Shots highlight fitness apparel through active poses.

Photo 1: H&M Move Photo 2: ASRV

• Casual Lifestyle Shots depict comfort and style in everyday scenarios.

Photo: FiveFourFive

Creative shoot types with T-shirts

In addition to standard and model shoots, you can approach the presentation of T-shirts more creatively. A green screen or a mockup allows dynamic and customizable backdrops, perfect for social media and advertising campaigns. Such creative photos stand out and grab attention.

T-shirts in an environment that reflects your brand aesthetics

Photo 1: Pangaia Photo 2:  Fluke Photo 3: Peseta Studio Photo 4: John Elliott Photo 5: Prada

T-shirts hung or pinned in an unusual location

Photo 1: Off-White Photo 2: POMPEII Photo 3: Pleasing Photo 4: Peseta Studio Photo 5: Goldwin

A successful creative shoot starts with a strong idea, careful planning, the right props, and a skilled photographer to bring your vision to life. Of course, post-production is the finishing touch that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Afterword

Professional product photography lets you tell stories about your products, and the chosen shoot type defines your narrative. When it comes to this, Richard (our main photographer in the LA studio) says:

Whether it's a T-shirt, a hoodie, a car, or a glass of wine, the most important thing is knowing your target audience and what they expect to see. What is your goal with the images? To show an item or to display a feeling you want to connect to the product? If you know answer to these, we can help figure out the visual language to achieve that goal.

From standard studio shots to lively lifestyle scenes, each option uniquely highlights your products. By trying out various ideas and focusing on the details, you can create strong images that help build your brand. These photography tips will help your T-shirts stand out.

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