From Click to Cart: Photography Tips to Make Your Products Shine

Great pictures in a snap

In the age of e-commerce, customers have more options than ever. That means they need every tool they can get to help them choose the right product for them. Good product photography can do that, but phenomenal product photography can do even more. It can take customers from interest to excitement. It can even get them to see themselves with a product and encourage them to buy. Whether you’re new to product photography or looking to elevate your photos, this guide can help you do it.

Equipment to get you started

Camera

When you’re starting out, the best camera is the one you have. The main advantage of an expensive camera is extra control over focus, exposure or resolution. But it’s more important to use what you have well than it is to spend a lot on a fancy camera you don’t understand.

Most smartphone cameras can take photos in 1080p resolution, which is more than enough for great-looking images. You can always upgrade later.

Tripod

A tripod is a three-legged stand that holds your camera in place. It’s crucial for keeping your photos consistent, which projects professionalism to your customers. It can also help you avoid motion blur, as even pressing the shutter button on your phone can cause it to move slightly. If you’re shooting at a lower shutter speed, tripods become even more valuable.

Heavier tripods are generally more stable, but they also tend to be more expensive. It’s better to have a light tripod than none at all.

White background

White backgrounds provide contrast, which helps your products pop in photos. One of the most affordable ways to achieve a white background is to buy pure white poster board sheets and mount them under and behind your product.

When it’s time to upgrade, consider investing in a sweep. A sweep is a smooth piece of paper or fabric you can use to create a seamless background. Paper sweeps are easy to use, and you can cut off dirty sections to ensure your images stay pristine. Fabric sweeps can be washed and reused for the same effect.

How to photograph products like a pro

Finding the light

Great photography starts with great light. To find yours, look for a big window that gets lots of sun. Set a table beside the window, but try to avoid direct sunlight as it can cast harsh shadows on your subject. Cloudy days are the best for product photography, as they provide even, diffuse and flattering light.

How close you are to the window can also affect your light. Setting up closer to the light source will give you softer light with darker shadows. Moving farther away will produce sharper light. You may need to adjust your photography table to find the right balance.

Build your set

Next, set up your sweep so that it runs over the surface of the table and then rises up on the other end. Make sure it’s perpendicular to the window, and try to have it curve gently from horizontal to vertical for a smooth background. You may need to tape it to the wall to remove wrinkles.

Place your product in the center of the flat part of the sweep with the main point of interest—usually the label—facing the camera. If you see shadows, try using something white to reflect your sunlight into the dark spots. Printer paper can work in a pinch.

Set your tripod facing the backdrop and put your camera on it. Raise or lower the tripod to your preferred angle. Photographing level with the product is a common, neutral starting point, but you can adjust as you go.

Set your camera

Head into your camera settings and check the following:

• Set your white balance to automatic

• Turn off your flash

• Choose RAW as your file type

• Set your ISO to 100
  

Next, make sure your product is in focus. If you’re using a smartphone, tap on the product on your screen to focus on it. Doing so will also set your exposure, ensuring your product is properly lit. Many smartphones let you adjust your exposure manually by dragging up or down on the screen after tapping.

On a dedicated camera, zoom in on your product to make it easy to perfect your focus. You can also use your camera’s histogram view to make sure your scene is properly exposed. Finally, take some test shots and examine the results. Look for distracting shadows or angles. Adjust and refine until you’ve got photos you’re proud of.

Advanced techniques

If you’re looking to take your product pictures to the next level, you can start by incorporating colored backgrounds. The procedure for photographing them is mostly the same, but you’ll need to do some extra planning. For instance, you’ll need to choose a color that complements your product without distracting from it. You may also want to think about how this photo will look on your website and make sure the colors align with your branding.

If you want to bring some more life into your pictures, experiment with props. An array of vegetables waiting to be chopped can bring your cutting board to life. Wildflowers might set the right tone for your perfume bottle. Choosing the right decorations to go with your products can inspire stronger emotional connections from customers.

If you want your product photography to sell customers on a brand or a lifestyle, try shooting on location. Bringing your photoshoots out into the world makes it easier for customers to imagine how the product might fit into their lives. It can also allow for stunning imagery. If you've got the time, money and skills, location shooting can elevate your product photography.

To learn more about how Walmart Business can help you customize props, read Save Time & Hassle with Custom Printing From Walmart Business.

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