Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Having an appealing product image can be quite helpful in the ever-changing world of online purchasing. How we take images of items to sell online has changed significantly over the last few years. The ways we display the goods we’re selling online change as more people purchase online and technology evolves.
This article outlines the most recent techniques for taking images for websites, including how they should be lit, what equipment to use and what they should look like. It all revolves around assisting companies in succeeding in the competitive world of sales via the Internet.
The visual revolution
The way we look at things has changed a lot because of online shopping. Unlike in physical stores, we can’t touch or try items online. So, when we decide to buy something, we rely on its pictures. This is why online shops must take really good product photos. They have to be creative and show things in new and interesting ways.
One trend is using lifestyle photos. Instead of just showing the product alone, they show it being used in real situations. For example, if they sell outdoor items, they might show people using them outdoors. This helps customers understand how the product works and makes them want to buy it.
Another trend is minimalism. This means keeping things simple and clean. Products are often shown on plain backgrounds with soft lighting. This style is great for fancy or luxury items because it makes them look elegant and well-made.
Lastly, there’s mobile-first photography. Since many people shop on their phones, product pictures need to look good on small screens. These photos should be clear, simple, and load quickly on smartphones and tablets. Making image files smaller and using tall or square shapes can enhance the mobile shopping experience. Online stores need to follow these trends to ensure customers have a great online shopping experience.
Related: Why Influencers and Ecommerce Should Be the New Power Duo for Your Business
Lighting techniques
Regarding online sales, high-quality product photos are essential, and proper lighting is key to capturing the details effectively. Soft and gentle lighting techniques, achieved through tools like bounce boards and soft boxes, create a smooth appearance suitable for clothes and jewelry. For products with intricate details, dramatic lighting, like spotlighting or side lighting, highlights specific areas, making them visually appealing, especially for gadgets and fashion items. Natural light, obtained by shooting near windows or during the golden hour outdoors, adds authenticity and warmth, perfect for products related to health and outdoor activities.
In addition to lighting, having the right equipment is important. High-quality cameras provide clear and professional-looking photos, like DSLRs or mirrorless options. Prime lenses enhance sharpness and brightness, especially in low-light conditions, ensuring detailed product images. Stability is essential; tripods and stands keep the camera steady for clear shots. Smartphone photography kits offer budget-friendly options, enhancing smartphone images with special lenses and tools. Continuous LED lighting provides a consistent glow and adjustable colors, allowing photographers to match the light with the product and surroundings. Editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom helps perfect the images by adjusting colors and removing backgrounds, ensuring your product photos look appealing and professional for online customers.
Related: Learn How to Make Online Courses and Start a Profitable Side Hustle
Staying ahead of the curve
Because of new technologies and consumer preferences, the world of online shopping photographs is always here. Online retailers must always come up with innovative and fresh methods to display their items in images if they want to stay competitive. Here are some excellent suggestions to help you constantly take incredibly beautiful product shots.
-
Regularly Update Your Content: Imagine your online store like a shop window. People passing by always notice if the display changes, right? Similarly, updating your product images is like changing the window display. You want it to look fresh and exciting, so people are curious to see what’s inside. By keeping an eye on how your products look, work, and suit different seasons, you ensure your store always feels new and inviting. It’s like giving your store a makeover regularly, making customers eager to explore.
-
Conduct A/B Testing: A/B testing is like trying different flavors of ice cream to see which one you like best. You experiment with different styles, lighting techniques, and ways of presenting your products to find out what your customers prefer. It’s like asking your friends which ice cream they enjoy the most. By testing various approaches, you discover what makes your products more appealing to your customers. It’s a bit like finding the perfect recipe that everyone loves!
-
Consider Professional Assistance: Imagine you want to take a beautiful picture, but you’re not sure how to use the camera. That’s where professional photographers come in – they’re like expert chefs in the kitchen of photography. They know all the tricks to make your products look incredibly delicious to buyers. Just like you’d hire a chef to cook a special meal, hiring a professional photographer ensures your products are presented in the best possible way. It’s like having a magical touch that turns your ordinary pictures into extraordinary ones.
-
Stay Informed about Industry Trends: Staying informed about industry trends is like keeping up with the latest games or toys that everyone is talking about. You want to know what’s cool and exciting right now! In the world of online selling and photography, things change quickly. By reading magazines, attending online classes, and talking to other business owners, you learn about the newest and coolest ways to present your products. It’s like being part of a big conversation where you get all the tips and tricks to make your store the most attractive one on the block!
Related: Ecommerce Basics: 10 Questions to Ask When Creating an Online Store
E-commerce photography is always changing. When businesses use new styles, lighting, and equipment, they can make product pictures that grab people’s attention and boost sales online. Whether you go for natural-looking photos, simple designs, or pictures that look good on mobile phones, remember the most important thing is to tell a visual story that connects with your customers and shows your products in the best way possible.