Product photography can seem like a simple form of photo-taking, but achieving results that meet the needs of clients requires skills and knowledge. From the way that light is shaped to the use of props, creating a consistent look and feel for product photos can make a difference in conversion.
Product photography can tell a brand’s story and create an emotional connection with the viewer. This type of photography can influence how a customer perceives the product, leading them to purchase. Composition plays a key role in achieving this goal. Photographers can create visually appealing images that draw the customer’s attention and create an impact by using composition techniques such as the rule of thirds, symmetry, leading lines, and framing.
One of the most important aspects of product photography is ensuring that there is sufficient negative space. Negative space is the area surrounding the subject that is uncluttered and provides a sense of balance. By incorporating negative space into your product shots, you can highlight the most important features of the product and ensure that your customers’ eyes are drawn to them.
Another technique to consider is the use of patterns in your product shots. Symmetry is a common pattern in product photos and can add a sense of stability to the image. You can also try using diagonal lines to add movement to your product photo compositions. These lines can guide the eye and encourage the viewer to explore the entire scene.
Group shots are a great way to showcase multiple products in a single image. When creating group shots, it is important to keep in mind the “rule of odds.” This rule states that odd-numbered groups look more appealing than even numbered ones. This is because the human brain seeks order and organization. Therefore, odd-numbered groupings force the brain to work harder and engage with each item.
Lastly, the use of texture can enhance product photography compositions by adding depth and creating visual contrast. Texture can also be used to convey emotion and evoke certain associations with the product. For example, a photograph of a wood table or knit blanket can make the viewer feel like they can touch and use the product.
Lighting
One of the most important aspects of product photography is lighting. It’s what binds the whole scene together and makes your product shine. Without good lighting, even the most beautiful products will look unattractive.
The best choice for studio lighting is a set of two high-quality continuous lights (that stay on all the time) and a reflector to bounce the light back onto your product. This type of setup is ideal for beginners because it’s inexpensive and easy to use. Then again, there are more sophisticated product lighting options for those who need to shoot a larger range of products and are willing to invest in a more expensive studio setup.
No matter which kind of studio lighting you choose, it’s a good idea to run a few test shots before shooting your actual products. This way, you’ll have a chance to see what adjustments need to be made in order to achieve the best results. You’ll also be able to find any problems that may arise such as dark shadows or light reflecting off of a shiny product.
Another essential aspect of product photography is the angle you choose to shoot from. Many photographers opt to take photos of their products from the front, but it can be more effective to use different angles to highlight specific features. For example, if you want to make your product seem more impressive or imposing, try shooting it from below.
It’s also a good idea to use a tripod whenever possible. This will help to reduce camera shake and ensure that your photos are as clear as possible. It’s also a great way to maintain consistency in your product photography, reducing the amount of editing you need to do in post-production.
Props
Props are a great way to add more detail and context to your product photos. They also help evoke certain emotions in the viewer, which can be especially important when you’re trying to sell a product. Props can be as simple as a backdrop or as elaborate as an entire set.
When selecting props, try to choose ones that match your product or fit with the company’s branding. It’s also important to keep the size of your props in mind. If you use too many props, it can overcrowd the photo and distract from your product. On the other hand, props that are too large can dwarf your product and make it look smaller or larger than it really is.
In addition to props, you’ll need other tools such as a remote shutter release and a tripod to ensure your shots are sharp. You’ll also need to have a clean space, some flat surfaces, and cleaning supplies like gloves and lint-free cloths. You may also want to bring some clear acrylic blocks to use as a background and clamps or tape to hold your products in place. Lastly, don’t forget to bring some image-editing software to make sure your images are perfect before you upload them to your website.
Product photography is a key element in e-commerce and a major part of brand storytelling. It can be used across all digital channels to convey your brand story, create an emotional connection with consumers, and drive sales. With the right mix of product photos and lifestyle shots, you can tell a compelling story that keeps your audience engaged and converts them into customers.
Angles
The right angles in product photography can help you capture the best features of your products. These angles can also add depth to your images, making them more interesting and unique. If you’re not sure what angle to use, try experimenting with different angles until you find the one that works best for your products.
Front Angle
The front angle is the most common product photography angle and is typically used for packshots, toys, or any physical product. This angle is easy to capture and focuses on the product’s appearance and details. It is often referred to as the ‘win or lose’ angle, since it can be the decisive factor for customers when making a purchase.
Side Angle
The side angle is commonly used for products that have a lot of details and textures, such as furniture or clothing. It is also a great way to show off the product’s packaging design and branding.
Top Angle
The top angle, also known as the birds-eye-view, is another popular product photography angle. This angle is a good way to provide more context for shoppers, and can be especially useful for clothing and jewelry. This angle can be challenging to take, so it is important to have a steady tripod.
Macro Shot
Sometimes, you need to zoom in on your product to get a close-up look at the intricate details and textures. This type of shot is usually considered to be a separate angle from the other angles, but it can be incorporated into any of the above shots.
Color
Color can grab attention and create different moods in product photography, which is important when trying to communicate a message to the audience. It’s also a big part of how consumers interpret the products they see and buy, so understanding color theory is critical for ecommerce photographers.
In addition to being able to choose the right background for each shot, you’ll want to know how to edit your photos to get accurate colors. This includes being able to adjust white balance, saturation, and contrast using a photo editor. For beginners, it’s often best to start with a simple image editing program like Adobe Lightroom. This way, you can avoid more complicated software that could take away from your learning experience.
Whether it’s a lifestyle or contextual shot, great ecommerce product photography tells the story of your brand and the experience your customers will have with your products. Contextual shots can include a product in an environment, allowing shoppers to imagine how it would look in their home or on their person. This type of product photography also helps to establish transparency into your business by showing exactly what you’re selling, which is an important feature for customers to have trust in.
Ultimately, the goal of product photography is to show your product in its best light, which will help it stand out amongst competitors and drive sales. While product photography may seem complicated at first, learning the best practices can make your products look their best in no time! So, whether you’re a beginner or an expert in the field, keep reading to learn how to improve your product photography and boost your bottom line.
