What is Product Photography? The Ultimate Guide for Businesses

Product photography is a crucial investment for any business selling merchandise online. But high-quality product photos take more than just an iPhone and a few clip lights from Amazon. You need pros who know how to craft flawless images optimized to boost your sales.

At Ricky Zollinger Media, we specialize in helping businesses of all sizes with their product photography and video production needs. We know what it takes to create stunning product photos and videos that convert browsers into buyers. But what is product photography, and why is it so crucial to your bottom line?

What is Product Photography?

Product photography is a fundamental part of commercial photography that focuses on presenting products in their best light. It covers images of items for sale, known as commercial photography, aimed at capturing the attention of potential buyers and enticing them to make a purchase.

In today's digital age, where e-commerce continues to thrive, the importance of product photography has grown significantly. It's not just about showcasing products; it's about enhancing a brand's image and driving sales.

So, the next time you're shopping online, remember that the images you see are the result of meticulous product photography.

Why Is Product Photography Important?

Great product photos are essential for e-commerce websites, online listings, social media marketing, and print marketing materials like catalogs, brochures, and flyers.

Here are some key reasons why product photography is so important:

• Attracts customers and drives sales. Eye-catching photos are the first interaction customers have with your products online. Quality photos can grab attention, showcase your products, and entice customers to learn more.
• Builds trust and credibility. Great photos convey quality and professionalism, helping you stand out. Blurry, dark, or low-quality photos can undermine consumer trust.
• Allows for closer inspection. Detail shots allow customers to inspect fabrics, materials, stitching, and finishes. This helps inform their purchasing decision.
• Reduces returns. By showing products clearly and accurately, you set accurate expectations that lead to fewer returns.
• Creates versatility. Product photos can be used across multiple platforms like your website, Amazon listings, Instagram, Facebook ads, and more.

Types of Product Photography

There are several main types of product photography required to properly showcase your items online and in other marketing materials.

Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle photography shows products in real-world settings and environments. This style aims to connect with customers emotionally and show your products in use.

Key Tips:

• Shoot products in natural settings - a kitchen, office, backyard, etc.
• Use real people instead of models when possible.
• Capture your products being interacted with or used.
• Focus on evoking an emotion like happiness, satisfaction, or creativity.

Packaging Photography

Photos of product packaging help customers identify items online and ensure they receive what they expect.

Key Tips:

• Shoot full packaging at multiple angles - front, back, sides, and top down.
• Capture close-ups of key info like labels, logos, product photos, titles, weight, dimensions, and UPC codes.
• Use clean, neutral backgrounds. White works best to keep the focus on your packaging.
• Watch your lighting. Avoid shadows and harsh reflections on shiny packaging.

Catalog or Ecommerce Photography

Catalog or ecommerce product photos showcase your items in a clear, consistent way. The goal is to accurately represent products to inform the buyer's decision.

Key Tips:

• Photography products against a solid white or light gray background.
• Use diffused lighting and eliminate harsh reflections or shadows.
• Capture multiple angles - front, back, sides, and perspective shots.
• Include close-ups of essential details like stitching, buttons, or unique features.
• Keep composition and framing consistent across all product photos.

Flat Lay Photography

Flat lay photography involves arranging products attractively on a flat surface and photographing them from directly above. This style works for showcasing lines of products, like cosmetics, jewelry, or accessories.

Key Tips:

• Less is more - avoid clutter.
• Use props like wood, marble, and metal to complement your products.
• Play with arrangements and angles to find what works.
• Capture crops of mini flat lay sections for social media.
• Ensure all products are evenly lit with no harsh shadows.

360 Degree Photography

360 photography involves taking photos at multiple angles around a product and stitching them together to create an interactive 360 view. This allows online shoppers to inspect a product from all sides before purchasing.

Key Tips:

• Use a tripod and rotating table to achieve consistent, aligned shots.
• Take photos at 5-10 degree increments around the product.
• Use software like Photoshop to auto-stitch images into a 360 view.
• Host 360 views on your site or platforms like YouTube for an embedded interactive view.

Take Great Product Photos with Ricky Zollinger Media

Don't let lackluster product photos hold your ecommerce business back. The team at Ricky Zollinger Media is ready to take your product images to the next level. Our unmatched skills and technical capabilities will capture your products in the perfect light, literally.

Let Ricky Zollinger Media handle the complex ins and outs of professional photography so you can focus on your business. Contact us today to start working with us.

It's time to showcase your merchandise online at its absolute best. With Ricky Zollinger Media, you can transform your product photography and start converting more shoppers. Give your customers images they can trust when making purchasing decisions.