An important aspect of wedding coverage is getting strong detail shots, from the all important rings to the design on the napkins printed for the reception. I shot the above ring photo while covering a wedding in Washington D.C. a few years ago.

It can be helpful to bring small props or backdrops along for shots like these. The morning of the wedding I slipped a small plastic heart that my wife stores makeup in into my camera bag just in case.

That afternoon, as the groomsmen were getting ready, I had an opportunity to use the heart while photographing the rings. I noticed a red scarf on a table in the hotel room where the guys were getting dressed and asked if I could use it as a backdrop. I placed the ring, the heart and scarf on a chair near a window and composed my image.

This is one of my personal favorites. The photo has graphic appeal (“love” adds to the story) but the writing does not overpower the rings, which should be the main element of the photo. The soft window light is pleasing and did not add in any harsh shadows and provided enough separation between the red heart and the red backdrop. The design on the scarf it subtle yet adds an extra element of interest.

I think the key to detail or product photos is to keep things simple. You do not want the viewer to struggle to figure out what you are trying to show or say.