How to Use an Acrylic Water Tray in Product Photography

Are you ready to elevate your product photography with a splash of creativity? Say hello to the Aqua Tray, a must-have tool that’s changing the game for photographers. Whether you’re aiming to capture the elegance of a beauty product or crafting the perfect water scene for your product photos, the Aqua Tray is your go-to accessory. Here’s how you can use this versatile tray to enhance your product shots.

Using a water tray in your product photography can add a unique, eye-catching element that elevates your visuals. Sealed to prevent leaks, the Aqua Tray allows you to experiment with water, ink, sand, and other elements, transforming ordinary product shots into extraordinary pieces of art.

Water naturally adds a sense of movement, reflection, and depth to your images. With the Aqua Tray, you can easily contain and control water, ensuring your product shoot setup remains neat and manageable.

For example, in beauty product photography, the Aqua Tray can help highlight the product's refreshing qualities by showing it against a backdrop of water droplets or floating flowers. In beach scene photography, it can be used to create a realistic shoreline with sand, water, and even waves using a blow dryer.

To get started with water tray photography:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Place your Aqua Tray on a sturdy surface. Ensure that you have all your props, water, and photography accessories like Duo Boards ready.
2. Choose Your Background: Using a Duo Board underneath the tray can dramatically change the look of your photos. For a poolside vibe, our Retro Tile Blue Duo Board works wonders, while a more natural, concrete texture can give you a modern, urban feel.

Imagine shooting a summer product like suntan lotion by a pool. The Aqua Tray makes this easy.

1. Select Your Duo Board: Start by placing a Duo Board with a blue background underneath your Aqua Tray to create the illusion of a pool beneath your product.
2. Add Water: Fill the tray with a shallow amount of water, just enough to cover the base. You can add ink to the water for a more dramatic effect or keep it clear for a simple, elegant look.
3. Arrange Your Props: Place items like sunglasses, sunscreen, or a refreshing drink on the edge of the tray. To enhance the effect, use hard light to mimic sunlight, casting sharp shadows and making the water glisten.
4. Create Waves: Use a blow dryer to gently ripple the water, adding a realistic wave effect. This simple trick can make your photos more dynamic and engaging.

The Aqua Tray is also fantastic for beauty product photography, where the water can add a refreshing, clean feel to your images.

1. Set Up the Tray: For beauty shots, opt for a smaller Aqua Tray. Place a Duo Board with a complementary color underneath, such as a soft pastel or a marble pattern.
2. Arrange the Product: Lay the beauty product, such as a makeup remover or skincare item, flat in the tray. Add slices of citrus fruits like oranges or lemons around the product to introduce a pop of color and freshness.
3. Add Water and Flowers: Pour water gently around the product, leaving some dry spots for contrast. Scatter a few flower petals on the water’s surface for a delicate, luxurious touch.
4. Lighting: Use a hard light source at an angle to create reflections and highlights on the water and product, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

If you're aiming to evoke a beachside ambiance, the Aqua Tray is perfect for setting up a mini beach scene.

1. Sand and Water: Start by spreading a layer of coarse sand in half of the Aqua Tray. This will serve as your beach. The other half of the tray will be filled with water to mimic the shoreline.
2. Add Details: Incorporate small props like seashells, beach toys, and the product you want to feature. To create the look of waves, add some foam soap to the water and use a blow dryer to create ripples.
3. Final Touches: Position your camera directly above the setup for a top-down shot. This angle captures the entire scene, making it look realistic and immersive.

The possibilities with the Aqua Tray are endless. Whether you're shooting for a brand campaign or just trying out some new ideas, this versatile photography accessory gives you the flexibility to experiment and find the perfect shot. Pair it with Duo Boards, play with lighting, and don’t be afraid to get messy – it’s all part of the creative process!