10 Tips to Improve Product Photography

These tips will help create professional-looking product images for a website or eCommerce store. Easy to do for small business owners and don't worry, this costs little to nothing and does not require much knowledge about photography. 

 

• Use High-Quality Large Resolution Images 

 

Just as a shopper would inspect a physical product at a store, the first thing online shoppers refer to are the product images. Consumers want to thoroughly examine the product before purchasing and it is necessary to provide clear images that capture the quality of the product. Avoid using images that appear distorted, stretched or pixelated.

 

 

• Use Multiple Images 

 

Add more than 1 image of the product from different angles. Because consumers can’t physically touch the products you are selling in the online store, having images depicting multiple angles of your product allows a better understanding of it. This is especially valuable for products that have many options or features. Consumers want to see what they are buying.

 

 

• Use Proper Lighting

 

Lighting is key, if possible use a white light to highlight the product. Natural lighting is also a great way to photograph products. If photographing outside, early morning and late afternoon when the sun is out but is not too harsh, are the best times to do so. An easy tip when photographing inside is to place the light on one side of the product and use a white box placed on the other side to help balance and reflect the light from both sides. This will eliminate hard shadows, accentuate the colors and details and soften the overall lighting.  

 

 

• Show the Product in Use

 

Images that depict the product in use can help consumers correlate the relation to their need, viewers can picture themselves using it and it's easier for them to process it. This results in positive feelings that flow straight into the brand and will help overcome the gap left by an online storefront where consumers can’t physically touch the products. 

 

 

• Use the Right Background

 

The setting used to photograph the product can play a part in conversion. A plain white background is the most commonly used, this allows focus on the product without interfering distractions. If using colors, select colors that contrast yet complement the product and help it stand out. Colored backgrounds can be a great look also just make sure the product is the focus. When in doubt use a clean white background. 

 

 

• Display the details

 

Be accurate with what you show. Keep items in perspective and add the dimension of the products on the image when possible. Be sure the length, width, and height are able to be projected through the image. If a product has small details, provide close-ups of them. Use simple props in the shot to realistically visualize the size. While photographing products keep them clean, a small microfiber cloth is helpful in removing dust or fingerprints. For products with a lot of details make sure to capture all details from all angles. Remember for details, the more images the better. 

 

 

• Keep it Consistent 

 

When shooting, make sure to keep a few variables consistent throughout the entire process. This means similar lighting, sizing, and spacing. Use a tripod. Tripods are stands that stabilize the camera from shakiness. It will ensure a reduction of a blur, which is critical for photographs to look professional and high-quality. It also helps keep the distance and angles uniform. Use a camera that has manual settings and use the same exposure on all images. This provides lighting consistency.  Most phones and cameras do have this feature built-in and should be easy to use.

 

 

• Show all Varieties 

 

If the product is available in different colors and/or variations, take photographs of all of them. This allows the shopper to browse all the available options and choose from another possible preferred color scheme or design. Instead of making a customer “imagine” the product in another color or size place that product directly in front of their eyes. Customers like to see exactly what they’re getting before purchasing, so show them.

 

 

• Optimize images

 

Optimizing an image can help with load time, SEO, and customer experience. Don’t be afraid to edit the images, keep them consistent in size, and crop them to fit best with the platform being used. Condensing and resizing the images will help with the load time of the website thus resulting in better overall customer experience. Add the appropriate image tags to improve browser searches and SEO. 

 

 

• Take a Basic Photo Class

 

If time permits, it would be beneficial to expand your photography and photo editing skills. There are hundreds of videos either short or more in-depth, online that can help guide you in the right direction to get the best out of the photos. This will not only help your business and website but may possibly spark new interests. In just a few minutes you can maximize the quality of your product photography.