In the digital era, customers don’t arrive at stores to find things to buy. They no longer touch the product nor try them on before the purchase decision. Today, the customers buy based on the pictures they see, and this is especially highlighted on social media.
Make sure your product photos are high-quality
According to Neha Poddar, a Luxembourg-based product photographer, some common things people go wrong with when it comes to product photography are bad lighting of the scene; not focusing on the object; not editing the photos correctly; using filters that mislead the client; and not using the basic photography principles such as the rule of thirds to make an composition.
An easy way to avoid the common mistakes and guarantee high-quality photo material for your digital channels is to turn to a professional photographer for help. While snapping pictures with a phone or handing a camera to a colleague might sound like a tempting idea, Poddar reminds that professional photographers know exactly what they are doing, how to handle the lighting, and provide you with great results that compliment your product. Photographers specialized in product photography have the expertise and in-depth knowledge of manipulating the light which elevates and takes the pictures up a notch, helping to attract the consumers in an environment where they see between 6,000 and 10,000 ads a day.
After all, the photos are one of your most important marketing tools on social media.
Take better pictures by focusing on basics
While hiring a professional is a smart move, there are things to do if wanting to do the product photography by yourself.
Poddar prompts to pay attention to the following:
- If using natural light, go closer to the source of light (such as a window) and when you think you are close enough, go a bit closer.
- Use white bounce cards to fill the light around your subject and make it look well lit. Light cards can be bought with a reasonable price from places like Amazon.
- Learn the use of the rule of thirds and diagonals to compose your scene better.
- If you use a phone for photography, use the Lightroom editing app. It is free and has tonnes of features to get you started.
- To have consistency in your product photography, use artificial flash or continuous light.
