In the golden age of technology, marketing and branding have taken over just about every industry. If even part of a business is being conducted online, robust advertising strategies are needed for promotion and to catch the eye of a worldwide audience. For decades, product photography has been a crucial element in advertising. The transition from traditional print material to digital has only expanded the field. Today, any small business owner can utilize a mobile phone and simple tools to showcase their product. High-quality images can be the difference between a conversion and your potential customer opting to buy from your competition instead. After all, your product photography is one of your online store visitors’ only reference points. Read on for ten professional product photography tips for beginners that will help you start out:
1. It’s All About the Lighting
Have you ever found yourself dismayed by the photo quality you get whenever you travel or go to a party? Trying to capture a perfect shot can be difficult if your light source—often, the sun—is blocked in any way.
When it comes to product photography, you need a bit more than the single light bulb in your living room. You need proper lighting for your product and your chosen background to be photographed correctly. A simple setup consisting of a homemade lightbox, desk lamp, and tripod can help you get fantastic photos that need minimal touchups.
2. Don’t Depend on Edits
Every photography session requires utmost focus, diligence, and perfectionism. Despite the vast number of editing software available right at your fingertips, you should never use it as a crutch or as an excuse for sloppy photographs.
Instead of depending on Photoshop magic, your mindset should center on getting high-quality, perfect shots. The truth is that photo editing can only get you so far if you don’t have a good base image to work with.
When you shoot, know that you will simply enhance the photo and not change it completely. Develop this habit so that you won’t ever sit in front of your laptop and despair over your raw images.
3. The Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is one of the basic concepts taught in every art and photography class. Visualize your canvas as a square divided into nine equal segments. Studies have shown that people’s eyes instinctively focus on one of the intersection points of these lines.
This rule will help you tremendously in composing your shots. Don’t give in to the instinct of just keeping the focus at the center of your photograph. Instead, position the most interesting elements along the optimal intersections.
4. Context Is Important
One of the central tenets of advertising is to make sure that your customers can imagine themselves using your product. This is why influencers and brand ambassadors are so popular—it’s a way to show that using this product can enrich your life.
When planning your shots, you should put your product in context. For example, if your product is loose leaf tea, shooting the bag with a plain white background makes it staid and impersonal. Including props such as an elegant cup and saucer set and a simple green plant will lead your customer to imagine themselves enjoying your cup of tea in their garden.
Conclusion
High-quality, creative, strategic product photography will help you rise above the competition and catch the eye of the billions of people who browse the internet and social media every single day. A simple setup and basic photography tips can help you take fantastic product photos for yourself or a client.
This is only part one of two in our blog series discussing product photography tips for beginners. Stay tuned and check our blog for many more tips included in part two!
Are you looking for product photography services in Norcross, GA? John Armitage of Armitage Photography Inc is the best choice for you. Our 4,000 square foot studio has a large selection of props and over 25 walls to create large sets. We have over 30 years of product photography experience, from food and cosmetics to furniture and room sets. Contact us today, and let us craft something exclusively for you.
For more information and how to book services, please reach out via email at [email protected] or via phone at 404.247.5458. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for exceptional photo inspiration as well as photography tips and tricks.
