In online business, product image is the first thing customer notices. And that first impression makes them decide whether they want to buy the product or not. Hence, the product picture needs to be absolutely flawless and realistic.
So, we have created an easy tutorial on how to do product photography for advertising and sales. In this article, you will be able to learn how to capture a product’s unique features and impress customers at first sight.
The Importance of Product Photography for Advertising & Sales
In the time of online shopping era, placing stunning product photos on websites is a must. Here are the reasons:
- The customers are depending on online shopping more and more. When customers used to buy products offline, they could see the product physically, touch it, and understand the quality. However, in online, it’s not possible. So, your product image will help the customers understand its appearance and quality.
- Customers first notice the product image. While searching for a product, customers scroll quickly through the online platforms and only read the descriptions of the product they like. So, the image needs to be visually pleasing to make the customer stop and read the details.
- It helps you get recognized as a brand. Customers love consistency. When you upload product images regularly and fulfill the customer’s needs, they will become your loyal customers. So, your product images become the silent communicator with the audience.
- Stands you out from the competition. The online product stores are increasing day by day. So, to compete with them, you need to take amazing product photos that meet customers’ expectations.
- Help you build trust with customers. If the product does not match the image, it will be returned. However, if the customers get the exact product they have seen online, they will believe your brand and purchase more and more. So, make sure the images you upload online look amazing.
How to Do Product Photography for Advertising & Sales
Now, let’s get to the main point. I will tell you 6 techniques on how to take product photos flawlessly to make a sale.
Choose Lighting Sources
You can use both natural and artificial lighting for product photography. However, I suggest using artificial light for a white background and natural light for lifestyle product photography.
- Natural Lighting
Natural lighting is best for lifestyle product photography as it provides a natural vibe to the image. Also, you do not have to stick with a white background only so you can experiment with different color backdrops and props. Just choose a suitable place beside a bright window and organize your equipment. Place a reflector beside or behind the product to reduce harsh shadows.
- Studio Lighting
Unlike natural lighting, you do not need to choose a specific time to shoot in artificial lighting. Set a table in a room, place a white background behind the table, and two soft boxes on two sides. If you notice harsh shadows reflecting from any side, place a reflector on that side. It will soften the shadows.
Use a Tripod and Set the Camera Setting
For product photography, use a tripod. It will help you avoid shaky photos. Place the camera on the tripod and set the camera settings.
- ISO- 100 or 200. Use low ISO to avoid noise getting in.
- Aperture- F/8-18. If you just want to capture the product without surroundings use a low aperture like F/8/9. However, If you want to add surroundings start increasing the aperture keeping both the product and surroundings in focus.
- Shutter Speed- Use a fast shutter speed like 1/200 to get a sharp image.
- Lens- Use a 50mm or 100mm macro lens to capture detailed product photos.
- Raw- Set the settings to raw to get as much information as possible.
Styles: White Background & Lifestyle
You can follow two styles for professional product photography. White background and lifestyle product photography. Use either one of these styles to keep consistency in your website.
- White Background
White background images are taken plainly so that customers can only focus on the product. This is why many e-commerce companies prefer white background images. You can use many things as white background such as white cloth or white paper/foam board, etc. Take pictures from different angles and close-up shots to show as much information as possible to the customers.
- Lifestyle Product Photography
When we talk about lifestyle product photography, you can try anything to match the context and portray your brand’s message. For example, a model applying makeup to to go the party or placing fruits beside the fruit juice to highlight its element. So, try different backgrounds, props, scenarios, and models to portray your brand’s voice.
Try Different Shots
While photographing products, you can take individual, group, model, scale shots, etc. However, take pictures from different angles and post 4-5 pictures on your website to give a clear view to the customers.
- Individual Pictures: For e-commerce websites, individual shots are preferred. Since only one subject is on the frame, the customers immediately understand which product you are trying to sell.
- Group Pictures: Many online stores publish similar product images in groups. You can also do that to show collections, product kits, and similar products in different colors. However, if you have different products like earrings in different designs and shapes, do not take pictures in groups. It will confuse the customers as to which one to buy.
- Model Pictures: To help the customers visualize the product themselves, you can use models or be the model. Try to take pictures in context outdoors or in studio lighting to portray the usage of the product.
- Scale Pictures: While the pictures may show the product’s features accurately, it is hard to understand its size from the photos. So, to provide a better idea about the product size, you can take a scale shot.
- Close-up Pictures: Take close-up pictures to show the unique features of the product up close. Especially, jewelry because customers love to see the designs and cut shapes from close.
Retouching Product Images to Remove All Flaws
The captured image may have many flaws because of camera settings, lens, lighting, etc. So, you need to do product photo retouching to make the image flawless.
- Color correct the image: If the image has yellow or other color in it, correct it and provide its natural color.
- Remove distractions: If any props or background can distract viewers from the main product or make the image quality bad, remove them.
- Remove harsh shadows : Hard shadows reduce image quality, so soften them.
- Fix the product size and color : which makes it look more realistic. The product needs to look the same as the photo. So, do not over-retouch and edit it realistically.
Make Sure the Images are SEO Optimized
Did you know your images need to be SEO-optimized to rank in search engines? So, when you upload an image on a website, make sure it is relevant and save it with keywords. So, when potential customers search for the product with the keyword, it will appear in search results.
Final Verdict
The purpose of product photography for advertising & sales is to convince customers to buy your products. So, ensure the images look exceptional, eye-catching, and realistic. It will stand out in the crowd and turn your audience into customers.