Product photography is an essential part of online marketing and selling. You can use your images on your website, online marketing, across social media, and in your email campaigns.
High-quality product photographs can be the difference between making a sale or not, so it’s important to take the time to learn some basic photography tips.
In this article, I want to tell you what my top 5 product photography tips are.
Over the years I have been lucky enough to take part in many product and lifestyle photoshoots and have been able to see firsthand the amazing impact that it can have on a business’s sales.
However, I have also seen the mistakes that small businesses make when it comes to photography (both product and personal brand) which means they end up with pretty poor results that don’t do justice to their products and as a result don’t benefit their business.
So with all that in mind, let’s take a look at my top 5 product photography tips for small businesses.
Product Photography Tips
Tip 1: Lighting is Key
Lighting can make or break a product photo. If the lighting is wrong, your product will look dull and unappealing. This is why it’s so important to take the time to get your lighting right. The best way to do this is by using natural light. If you can, set up your product near a window and let the natural light flood in.
If you can’t do that, or if you’re shooting at night, then you’ll need to use artificial lighting. One of the best ways to do this is with a couple of softboxes. Softboxes diffuse the light and make it much more flattering for products.
If you don’t have access to softboxes, then you can use desk lamps with white light bulbs. The important thing is to avoid using harsh direct light as it will create unflattering shadows and make your product look less appealing.
Tip 2: Use a Tripod
Tripods are an essential piece of equipment for product photography. They allow you to keep the camera perfectly still which is essential for getting sharp photos.
If you don’t have a tripod, then you can use anything that will keep the camera steady like a stack of books or a table.
If you’re using a tripod, then it’s a good idea to use a remote shutter release. This will allow you to trigger the camera without touching it which can cause a camera shake and result in blurry photos.
Tip 3: Use a Backdrop
A backdrop is a great way to make your product stand out and look more professional. There are a few different ways you can create a backdrop. One of the easiest ways is to use a piece of white poster board or foam core.
Another option is to hang a white sheet or fabric. If you go this route, then make sure the fabric is wrinkle-free.
You can also buy ready-made backdrops that are specifically designed for product photography. These are usually made of vinyl or fabric and have a smooth, seamless surface.
Once you have your backdrop set up, position your product in the centre and use a couple of props to add interest and depth.
Tip 4: Get in Close
One of the most common mistakes I see small businesses make is not getting close enough to their product. When you’re taking photos of small objects, it’s important to get in close so that the viewer can see all the details.
If you’re using a digital camera, then use the macro setting if possible. This will allow you to get closer to your subject without losing focus.
If you’re using a phone camera, then you can usually get close enough by tapping on the screen. This will focus the camera and allow you to take a clear photo.
Once you’ve taken a few close-up shots, step back and take a few photos of the product from different angles. This will mean you have several different images that you can choose from.
Tip 5: Edit Your Photos
Even the best photographer can’t get a perfect photo every time. This is why it’s important to edit your photos before you publish them.
There are a number of different photo editing apps that you can use, but my personal favourite is Photoshop. Photoshop allows you to do a variety of things like adjusting the brightness, contrast, and saturation.
You can also use Photoshop to remove blemishes, fix red-eye, and add filters.
The important thing is to make sure your photos look as good as possible before you publish them.
Final Thoughts
Product photography is essential for any small business that wants to sell products online. By following these tips, you can create photos that are clear, sharp, and appealing to the viewer.
Now that we’ve gone over my top 5 product photography tips for small businesses. These tips will help to take photos that will really showcase your products and help boost your sales. So don’t hesitate, start snapping some great product shots today!
As always, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below and if you liked this post I would be so grateful if you could give it a share!
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