Adding hand models to your product photography brings that human touch to your images and can help demonstrate your product. At KittyKat, we routinely shoot products with hand models to draw viewers in while suggesting how products actually work.
Use Hands that Work with Your Brand and Product
Is your product elegant or accessible? Is it something used in formal settings, the privacy of the makeup mirror or in the kitchen? There is a big difference between beautifully manicured hands with elegant nails and hands ready to chop vegetables. Selecting and styling just the right hands can help you support the story of the visual.
Think about your audience and contemporary ideas about inclusivity and representation to select skin tones. Shoppers expect to see themselves represented and appreciate brands that thoughtfully feature people of various ethnicities and backgrounds. The presentation and qualities of your hand model are crucial for a successful shoot.
Pay attention to the little things: small details like tattoos and tan lines can make or break a shoot. If the aesthetic you’re portraying is clean and pristine, then perhaps prominent tan lines aren’t the way to go. It’s also worth taking into consideration the extra work in editing if there are details you want to hide, such as a tiny tattoo. Save yourself the hassle, work with a hand model that suits your brand personality and avoid the extra work.
Color coordination: every marketer knows the power and potential behind a striking color palette, and the same rules apply to using hand models. There are so many ways you can implement complimentary colors into your shoots with hands, like the perfect pastel manicure or vibrant accessories that match the tone of the set. An elegant manicure can take you a long way when it comes to delivering beautiful, clean visuals.
Keep it plain and simple: some of the best visuals come from simple shoots and concepts. There is no need to overdo it with elaborate nail art or bold rings and bangles unless this is the personality of your product. You can achieve stunning promotions by sticking to the basics.
Image by KittyKat Studios
Keep It Real
Give the hands something to do that relates to the scene. We have all seen the shots with an open hand gesturing to the product like a model from decades past. This can feel phony and forced. Let your hands interact with the product and the scene. That helps shoppers imagine themselves in the scene in a real way.
Style hands with purpose: if you’re advertising a product that consumers can eat, use or wear, then have your hands interact with the product accordingly. Visuals are more intriguing if a customer can see the way a product is intended to be used. Consider featuring hands in a stop motion animation to really bring them to life.
Establish a theme: a quick and effective way to master professional images is to tailor your model’s hands to the theme of your product and doing the same for your setting. Imagine you’re pitching hardware or mechanical products, make those hands look greasy and oil-soaked, and as though they’ve been hard at work! Your target audience will understand instantly, and by portraying a product in a manner that the consumer is familiar with, they’ll be even more enticed to buy.
Image by KittyKat Studios
Direct Your Hand Models for Great Results
There’s nothing worse than stumbling across a shot where the model’s hands are visibly forced and uncomfortable. The goal is to have your hands look natural. Good direction and knowledge of how to pose will get you there.
Experiment with poses: it’s okay if the first few shots aren’t exactly what you want. It may take a couple clicks of the camera for both the director and model to find their rhythm. This is why it’s so helpful to experiment with poses. Try moving the hands into different positions, and prioritize making your product the center of attention. Also, avoid having fingers cover wording or branding on the label. The product is the hero of the shot.
Try simple movements: the best way for your visuals to look natural, is by having a hand model who understands the importance of moving effortlessly and smoothly. Harsh movements have the potential to make shots look too rigid, messy or aggressive. By taking time with poses and moving gracefully and delicately, you can achieve a clean shot.
Image by KittyKat Studios
Take Control of the Technical Aspects
Effective lighting and lenses can make all the difference and significantly alter the entire mood of a shoot.
Consider the lighting: lighting plays a huge role in any shoot and there is no exception when using hand models. When featuring hands it is crucial to be careful with placement, in order to ensure there are no ugly shadows or distracting shapes being caused by the lighting. Lighting can also keep the focus on the product while letting the hands be a supporting or background element.
Try out different lenses: wondering how you can instantly switch up the perspective and dynamic of your shoot? Play with lenses, and experiment with different shots as you zoom in and out. Be wary of how wide angle lenses can distort human figures including hands.
Hand models can bring a product to life and give your audience someone to relate to. At KittyKat, we use full models and often just hands to elevate the brand and transform an inanimate product into a lifestyle scene that shoppers want to be a part of.
