How-To: Our Guide to Product Photography for a Small Business!
WHAT IS PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY?
In today's world, a small handmade business needs to have a strong online presence to be successful. Having high-quality product photos is an essential aspect of creating a professional and trustworthy brand. Good product photography can help potential customers visualize the product, see its details, and ultimately make a purchase decision.
Product photography is is the practice of creating high-quality images that showcase the products sold by the business. The purpose of product photography is to visually communicate the features, benefits, and quality of the products, to help customers make informed purchasing decisions.
This is our How-To Guide to product photography!
1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BACKGROUND
Selecting the right background and setting for your product can make all the difference. A white or neutral-colored background is usually the best option as it helps the product stand out and eliminates distractions. You can use a white wall, a lightbox, or a white sheet as a backdrop. If you want to showcase your product in a natural setting, you can consider using props that complement your product. You can also find inexpensive backgrounds at Hobby Lobby, Joanns, or even the Dollar Store! These are also great places to get a few props to include in your photos.
2. USE GOOD LIGHTING
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of product photography. You can use natural light or artificial light, but ensure that your lighting is consistent throughout your photoshoot. If you're shooting indoors, try to set up near a window that provides plenty of natural light. If you're using artificial lighting, make sure that the light is diffused and not too harsh. A great way to accomplish this is by using a small light box.
3. INVEST IN A QUALITY CAMERA
You don't necessarily need an expensive camera to take good product photos, but investing in a decent camera can make a big difference. A DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera can give you more control over your settings and produce higher-quality images. However, if you don't have a professional camera, a smartphone camera can also work well, especially in good lighting conditions. Using a tripod and macro lens in combination with a good camera can also help enhance the quality of your images.
4. ANGLES MATTER
Take multiple shots of your product from different angles. This will help your potential customers see the product from all sides and get a better idea of its dimensions and features. You can also experiment with different compositions and placements to make your product stand out.
5. EDIT YOUR PHOTOS
Editing your photos can help enhance the visual appeal of your product. You can use photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to adjust the brightness, contrast, and colors of your photos. However, don't overdo it with the editing, as it can make your product look unnatural and unappealing. For an inexpensive route, try using the free version of Adobe Lightroom for your smartphone or apps such as Canva, GIMP, and Krita all have free features for editing photos.
6. CONSISTENCY IS KEY
Consistency is key when it comes to product photography. Try to maintain a consistent style throughout your photoshoots to create a cohesive brand image. Use the same background, lighting, and composition for all your products to make them look like they belong together.
7. SHOW OFF YOUR PRODUCT
Showing your product in use can help potential customers visualize how they can use it in their own lives. You can show your product being used by a model or in a real-life setting. This can help create an emotional connection with your audience and make them more likely to purchase your product.
TO WRAP IT UP...
Product photography is an essential aspect of creating a professional and trustworthy brand for a small handmade business. With these tips, you can take high-quality product photos that showcase your product in the best possible light. Remember to be consistent, experiment with different angles and compositions, and edit your photos to create a cohesive brand image. With good product photography, you can attract more customers and increase sales for your small handmade business.