When it comes to your website and your products, good photography is very important. Research shows that where there are better product images there are more sales. Inconsistent, sloppy photos cause consumers to hesitate when purchasing. For e-commerce businesses, high-quality product photography is a key to sales: 93% of consumers consider visual appearance to be the key deciding factor in a purchasing decision. We have compiled a list of tips to help you with your product photography and in turn help you increase your sales!
1. Be sure to find the right lighting. This is so the product will appear the way it does in person. There are two options - studio lighting and natural lighting. When considering lighting, take into account the direction of your light, the intensity of the light, and the overall feel of the lighting conditions.
2. Use a Tripod for clarity and quality. It might feel like overkill, but tripods are made to stabilize your camera from your shaky hand. This means, when you use a tripod, you’re guaranteed to reduce blurring, and will give your photos a more professional, high-quality look.
3. Gather inspiration from brands you like or other photos you like. Consider brands that have a similar product and market group to yours. Look at their photos and see which ones speak to you and what you envision for your brand. Use them for inspiration - color schemes, themes, and props.
4. Understand the rule of 3rds - The rule of thirds is a guideline for creating a balance in your product photos. It “tells” the viewer where to look. “Your goal is to have your product positioned along the lines, optimally at the point where two lines intersect.”
5. Use different angles. Taking photos at different angles will help you when editing; you won’t be thinking “I wish I had taken this photo differently” because you have a variety of images.
6. Photograph your products in context. When you photograph a product in context, a consumer is more likely to feel confident that the product will be an asset to their day to day life. When you see a product being used, it’s easier to envision yourself with it. For example, someone who’s in the market for a couch to furnish his new apartment likely can’t see himself using one that’s advertised simply sitting against a blank background.
7. Play it safe with a plain white background. Keeping your background plain and simple will ensure the product you are trying to sell doesn’t get lost in the shot. While other light colors like pale blue, pink, and yellow can often work well, white is always a great option to ensure your product is the star against a crisp and clean background.
8. Show off other colorways. When you’re selling multiple colorways of a product, it is important to show off all the different colorways available. Customers want to assess all options of a product before making a purchase.
9. Let a model promote your product. Have reference shots around. Place stickers or objects behind you to create focal points behind the camera. Hands and feet emphasize movement. Match the pose to the product
In conclusion, it is most important to consider the product itself when photographing, rather than thinking about the picture as a whole. It is great to have an idea of what you want the photo to look like, but it is essential that the product is the focal point!