A few weeks ago, I talked about what brand photography is and why every entrepreneur needs it. Product photography is one type of brand photography; and because it is a totally different animal, I know that it deserves a blog post of its own. So today, I’m talking all about product photography – what it is and why you need it as a product-based small business owner.
Product Photography Guide For Small Business Owners
Before we go in depth on product photography and why you, as an entrepreneur, will greatly benefit from it, I think it is just as important to talk about what it is.
What is Product Photography?
Product photography is a type of photography that involves taking high-quality images of products with the goal of showcasing the products in the best light possible. Capturing details like size, color, and texture, is an important part of it. The product photos visually help your ideal clients in deciding whether your product is the right fit for them or not.
Who Needs Product Photos?
If you are a product-based business owner, the answer is pretty simple. You will greatly benefit from professional product photography, regardless of the type of products you are selling.
Will I Need Props?
It ultimately depends on your goals. Some types of product photography (discussed below) need props to set the scene while some don’t. I would be very mindful with the amount of props that is being used to ensure that the focus still remains on your products.
What Are The Different Types of Product Photography?
Product photography comes in different types. Depending on your goals, you will need one or a combination of these.
WHITE BACKGROUND
This is the simplest and probably the most common type of product photography. As the name implies, your product will be photographed in front of a white background with little to very minimal shadow.
When to use: Your own eCommerce website or if you want to list your products to online retailers like Amazon or Etsy
INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP PHOTO
This provides you with, as the name implies, individual and group photos of your products. This can be done with a plain colored background or something that has texture.
When to use: To highlight individual products for individual product listing, show your entire collection on your website, or for social media content
FLAT LAY
This is a more creative way to photograph your products. This can be done with an individual product, a set (for example: matching top and pants), or an entire collection.
When to use: This type of photos are very useful when it comes to social media content
DETAIL
This provides you with a zoomed in photos of your product that is specifically focused on a particular detail. This is normally where what sets your products apart shines.
When to use: To show texture, craftsmanship, or exquisite detail. This can be used in your own website and social media content
LIFESTYLE
This is my most favorite type of product photography. This shows your products in action, either being used by a model, or placed in a strategic location where you would normally find your products.
When to use: For printed ads, product launch; to connect with your ideal client, and social media content
HERO IMAGE
A hero image is visually captivating in nature and immediately draws the attention of the viewer. This is what your website visitor sees the first time they land on your website. Ideally, this is consistent with your brand and provides context about your products.
When to use: On your home page, if you have different pages for categories or collections, digital advertisements, product launch, and social media content
Why You Need Professional Product Photos?
Other than being your brand ambassadors, professional product photography will help you:
- Create desire
- Promote brand recognition
- Builds trust
- Connect with your ideal client
- Increase revenue
- Highlight how your products are different from your competitors’
- Help your ideal clients visualize how your products can solve their pain points
When Do You Need Them?
You will need product photos depending on the different seasons in your business. But here are common scenarios when you will need to use them:
- Launch new products
- Update your website photos
- Promote seasonal products
- Consistent social media content
- Rebranding
- Need a different type of product photography that you don’t have – For example, you have lifestyle product photos but you need photos with white background for an online retailer listing
Where To Use My Photos
Here are some of the best ways you can use your product photos:
- Website
- Social media content
- Digital advertisements
- Printed ads
- Social media content
- Blog posts
- Signage
- Brochures
- Any other marketing efforts
Can I DIY?
You certainly can! You can invest in a mirrorless camera and spend some time learning how to use it. Practice, practice, and more practice. You might find that you love doing it and would want to continue doing it – that is awesome!!!
However, there are some small business owners who just don’t have time to do their own product photos and would rather outsource so they can focus on other important things. And there is also nothing wrong with that.
Is Professional Product Photography Worth The Investment?
Absolutely!!! Every small business owner that I have met who invested in professional product photography has only great things to say about their result. It has truly helped them achieve their goals and grow their business.
Conclusion
I hope this resource is helpful for you to understand why professional product photography is greatly beneficial for your business. If you are looking for a product photographer in Northern Virginia, or even if you live out of state, I’d love to hear from you to see how I can help you boost your marketing efforts.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:
Ultimate Guide to Brand Photography | What It Is & Why Every Business Needs It?
Montessori Inspired Toys Product Photography
Must Have Brand Photos That Will Help You Stand Out
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‘Til next time,
Belle
