eCommerce Photography 101: Taking Better Product Photos

Written by : 121clicks Team

The key to success in eCommerce is visually appealing and compelling product photos. Etsy found that 90% of shoppers consider product image quality extremely important when purchasing online. This means that if you want to increase your online sales, you need to focus on taking eCommerce photos that sell.

How to Take eCommerce Photos That Sell

Ready to take your eCommerce game to the next level and increase your sales? Read on for our expert tips and insights on how to take eCommerce photos that sell.

Stay Consistent

We all want to sell that one product on our website, but getting the perfect shot can be tricky. There’s nothing wrong with using a handheld camera. However, a tripod is the best tool for taking consistent product photos. It lets you control the camera and keeps your hands off it for long periods. Using a tripod also makes the photo shoot as smooth as possible–something you’d appreciate if you’re going to take tons of product photos in one shoot.

Think Outside of the Box

While staying consistent, don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of your shots. Before starting your shoot, it’s best to look at what your competitors are doing. Identify what similarities in their approach. Take that as an inspiration but don’t limit yourself to the same shots.

Know the significant selling points of your product and make sure to highlight them.

For example, the product you want to sell is sunglasses. The typical way to showcase it would be to have a model wear it in the sun. But it doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog wear aviators to sell them.

Play With Lighting

Sure, the best way to capture captivating photos is with natural lighting. However, it won’t always be available to you. It doesn’t mean that you won’t push through with the shoot. There are many ways to play with lighting to create a different feel in your product photos.

Use a light source. Ensure it’s not too bright, making your products look washed out.

For example, if you have an item with dark colors, like black or navy. You want the background to be lighter to stand out more from the product and make it easier for people to see what they’re buying. Adjust your lighting accordingly to play with shadows.

Use Props

Never underestimate the power of props and styling. Props are a great way to add interest to your product photos. They also create a sense of place, time, or urgency.

Props can help you add interest with something unexpected that catches your eye when browsing for inspiration for your next shoot. Props also add depth to the images. When choosing props, go for the ones relevant to the product.

Experiment With Lenses

When doing eCommerce photography, using multiple lenses can provide a variety of shots. For example, wide-angle lenses let you take a more flattering angle on your product. Products with tall and thin features are best taken with wide-angle lenses. When you want to focus on the details of the product, such as stitching details, a macro lens may be the best lens to use.

Compose With Angles

While you should always take front photos of your products, you should also take shots from different angles. Angles make your images more interesting by giving different perspectives of your items. Aside from one still shot, shoot in closer detail, and take action shots if possible. The main goal is to provide potential buyers with more information about the product.

For example, one angle should show how the product would look when worn. Showcasing the size is also crucial, as it’s one of the reasons for product returns.

Always Post-Process

Regardless of your expertise level, it’s best to edit your photos. There are instances when you can’t control your shoot. For example, outside shots mean you must use a background remover to bring the product to focus.

Producing high-quality photos are critical for getting eyes on your products. Use software to adjust the white balance, correct colors, and clean up the images before uploading.