More than ever, people are choosing to shop for their products online rather than in person. Our society has not only become more digital, but more visual as well. Think about it, when you’re scrolling through Instagram, an image has .5 seconds to capture your attention, otherwise, you’ll just continue scrolling through your feed. If your business sells products online, quality product photography is essential for your social media platforms. Here are 5 product photography tips and tricks for images that sell:
Plan the mood
Think about what mood or feeling your product encourages and set the scene. How do you want your customers to feel when they’re using your product? Relaxed? Energized? Nourished? Be sure to pick colors and backdrops that properly communicate the feeling you want your customers to experience. For example, if you sell bath products that promote relaxation, choose soft colors or a calming backdrop to communicate to your customers that your product will help them unwind after a stressful day.
Styling and props
When you’re choosing props for your product photography shoot, be sure to incorporate props that make sense for the product you’re promoting. Your props should complement your product without taking away too much attention. It’s important to make sure that your props don’t overpower the product in your photos. Let’s stick with our bath products example. Choosing a neutral-colored towel or body scrubber would complement a relaxing bath product without stealing the spotlight.
Watch your focus
In order for your image to convey quality, and for your product to look its best, make sure everything is in focus. If your focus is off, important elements like the label or logo might turn out blurry. In order to get product images that are consistently well-focused, try using a tripod. I know, it’s another piece of equipment that you have to buy, but it’s worth it! A tripod will hold your camera steady and allow you to capture social media-worthy images.
Lighting
Lighting is a crucial part of taking high-quality product photos. There are two options for lighting: studio lighting (artificial) or natural lighting. Which lighting option you choose depends on your product and the feeling you’re trying to communicate. If you’re going for a softer aesthetic, natural lighting is going to be your best option, so set your scene near a window or outside if possible. If your product features small details, like a piece of jewelry, an artificial lighting set up is going to be best. Much like with props and backdrops, your lighting should complement your product, not distract from it.
Get inspired from brands you love
Inspiration is everything, and product photography involves a significant level of creativity. When you’re planning a product photography shoot, scroll through Instagram or Pinterest and gather inspiration from similar products that you enjoy.
BONUS TIP: Take multiple shots from different angles
To get the most out of your photo session, take multiple photos from different angles. That way, you’ll have more photos in your arsenal ready to share on social media.
Remember, quality images tell your audience that you have a quality product. Your product images are your customer’s first impression of your product, so don’t underestimate the power of a good photo!
Interested in hiring a professional photographer for your product images? Let’s chat! I’m always happy to connect with new clients and chat about how I can help your product make a killer first impression.
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