July 19, 2022 | By Good Vibes

According to some reports, visual learners comprise a whopping 65% of the population. Facebook posts with images generate 2.3X more engagement than posts without images (Source). Articles that contain an image at least one time every 75-100 words get nearly double the number of social shares than articles with fewer images (Source). Hundreds of such statistics communicate the exciting value and hidden opportunities of using images.

Introduction

Thanks to the Internet and the adoption of handheld devices, the popularity of visual content is gaining new heights. What are the top forms of visual content marketers use to connect and collaborate with their target customers? The answer is - "There are many, and the list is expanding every day." Top content forms regularly used for marketing activities include data-driven visuals, quote images, infographics, GIFs, memes, videos, screenshots, Slideshare files, illustrations, flipbooks etc. Did we miss something? Yes, product photos. So, what is product photography? What are the various aspects of commercial photography, and how to make the most of professional product photography? There are several questions. Let us answer these questions in this article! Read on!

What is commercial photography?

If you have used the Internet to find what the term commercial photography means, you may have stumbled upon definitions covering wide-ranging aspects. Many people have reservations about what commercial photography means. However, if you delve deep, you will find that this concept is not confusing but very clear and straightforward. You see the word 'commercial' with the accompanying word 'photography'. Right? So, the pictures one takes for commercial purposes are commercial photography. Simple, isn't it? Let's now explore a little more!

Commercial photography is also known as advertising photography. It refers to the act of promoting a product and subject using photos. It involves taking pictures of a product or subjects. Marketers then distribute the pictures on the relevant platforms for increased engagement and audience attention to generate sales and encourage purchasing activity.

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Commercial photographers are creative people. They work with brands and companies on different professional engagement models. Commercial photographers may specialise in one area of photography, such as fashion product photography. Commercial photography has commercial intent, and the pictures shot could be used across digital and offline mediums.

Product photography is gaining new heights as the craze for e-commerce shopping is increasing. Not to mention how much social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and even Snapchat are now filled with product images. Businesses worldwide are using social media to showcase their products and services. There is nothing better than a professional photograph that speaks more than words.

Types of product photography

When it comes to product photography, there is no one-size-fits-all option. Every product is unique, and so is the purpose of clicking it. A brand may have unique preferences and priorities for clicking a photo, and as such, it may leverage wide-ranging product photography options. There are various types of product photography, each having its importance and significance.

Below is a brief description of some of the top forms of product photography.

Individual Product shots

When a picture has only one exclusive item (read product) in the frame, it is known as an individual product shot. Product catalogues, banner images, single product advertisements, brochures, product promotions etc., often include individual product shots. This shot focuses on an individual product with full attention and often brings a clean and simple look to steal eyeballs. Individual photo shots are simple and elegant and generate focused attention towards the product shot.

Group Product shots

When many products are grouped in one image, it can be referred to as a group product shot. If a company wants to give its customers more visibility into its product portfolio, it can use group product shots. In other words, it offers a comprehensive view of the products, allowing customers to get better clarity on what's in store. This photography type allows promoting more products in one effort rather than creating exclusive photo materials for each product.

Packaging product shots

Also known as packshot photography, packaging shot involves capturing the photo of a product in its moving or still sense along with its packaging and label. Since customers can see the packaging before purchasing it, they become familiar with it. Packaging product shots add a sense of authenticity and increase audience engagement by providing a full view of the product.

Other than these three types of product photography, we also have -

Lifestyle shots (showing products in action)
Scale shots (showing the product's actual size and shape relative to its environment) Detailed shots (highlights specific product features)
Studio shots (shots on a plain, simple background)
Process shots (showing how a product is being made)

So, the types of product photography can differ from one photo to another based on its purpose, environment where it is shot and the message it wants to communicate etc.

Product photography tips

The challenge with product photography is to show the product in its original essence; you cannot change what it is. However, you can experiment with the environment and backdrop and take a unique perspective to communicate the marketing message. Product photography is not as simple as taking a camera and shooting a product. Even the simplest product images need adequate lighting, space, equipment, and environment to encourage people to click the purchase button.

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Product photography tips are many, and one article may not be sufficient to cover all of them. In fact, the tips may vary from one situation to another, and new tips may emerge from new circumstances, but here are a few basic ideas to efficiently shoot products.

Use a tripod

The key to great product photos is not to make them blurry, shaky and unimpressive. Stabilisation is the key, and to achieve that, one can use a tripod and maintain consistency and focus in every image. Tripods are beneficial since they allow you to click better pictures in low light settings, keep the images sharp, and are good for various photo settings such as landscape panoramas. In product photography, they can help make an image standout by providing the photographer with the flexibility to add focus however needed.

Decide the adequate lighting.

Lighting could be natural or artificial. Whatever it be, choose an option that compliments the product and brings perspectives about the product, making people determine what it is and what its features are. A specific lighting arrangement may not support the character of every product, and what works for a product may weaken another product's appearance. So, it is essential to experiment with different lighting settings and environments until the perfect shoot is clicked.

The decision to choose one lighting option depends on various factors. For example, natural lighting is the answer if you are shooting a product outside. If you are focusing on the surroundings of a product rather than its characters, using natural lighting works too. Natural lighting is sunlight, whereas; artificial lights could be of various types such as candles, fire, light bulbs etc., to name a few. Anything except sunlight can be referred to as artificial lighting. If you focus on specific physical attributes of a product, then using artificial lighting is beneficial.

Use true colour

Nobody wants to see that the product they ordered is of a different colour than the one they saw when ordered online. Wrong or unmatched colour is one of the top reasons for returns and lost money for businesses who deal in wide-ranging products, especially clothing. So, while shooting product photos, retain their originality in terms of colour. Let customers get a feel of the actual product and eliminate customer dissatisfaction.

Choose background wisely

Backgrounds can make or break the purpose of shooting a product image. Experiment with various background types, and do not just choose one because it is easy. Instead, choose a background that communicates what you want your customers to think when they see it. Very exciting backgrounds are always available in natural surroundings. You can consider a white background to keep things simple or add a dynamic background based on product needs.

Consider taking a variety of images.

Take a product photo from a specific angle. Then, reshoot it from another angle. Make it personally express its character in a plain, non-dynamic backdrop. Then, have a model promote it. This is very much applicable while shooting clothing products. The rule of thumb is to take as many images as possible until the perfect image is captured.

The above are just a few tips to make a product photo stand out.

Commercial product photography tips - Summary

Here is a brief wind-up of the key points when taking commercial product photos

Understand the product well
Make a list of the features it is known for
Think about a perfect setup and visualise the setting
Use a tripod
Choose the right lighting option
Choose the right colour
Choose the right background
Take a variety of photos
Show the product in its unique avatar, communicating as many details as possible or as asked by the brand
Edit it for accuracy and perfection
Keep all tools and resources ready

Avoid making costly mistakes, explore new ways to add creativity to the images, and keep experimenting.

Important - Always upskill in new professional and commercial product photography areas to keep updated in the industry and produce better pictures than others.

Why should you invest in professional product photography?

There are various reasons to invest in professional product photography. One of the reasons is to get increased conversion rates. Products accompanied by well-timed product images can help drive more engagement to the products and lead to better conversion rates. Images reinforce a sense of authenticity, making customers feel connected to the product.

Visual content helps build the identity of a product faster. No matter a product's identity - causal, fun, or professional - an image better represents its character and values, communicating its true essence. In other words, an image can better communicate a product than most descriptions. Many people do not want to invest their valued time going through the lengthy descriptions. They, instead, would like to decide by looking at the product and reading just the basic specifications. A professional photo can thus make a difference and positively impact your customer's purchasing decision.

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Besides, Social media is visual media, whether you're selling a tangible item or something intangible, it would be an ideal way, let's have a visual portrayal of all that you need to publicize via online entertainment.

Do you know that one of the most critical factors in creating content that people share, comment on, and are interested in is the quality of the images? You will succeed if you have a professional social media product image. Let's face it; you want to showcase your products to entice customers to purchase them. The finest social media product photography conveys an idea that makes consumers feel connected with you.

There are other things to consider, but the first is how your products will be displayed on each social networking site. It depends heavily on your ability to take high-quality product images and resize them for use in social media posts and advertisements. No matter how you obtain your product photographs, they must be the proper dimensions in pixels and gigabytes for each social media network.

Facebook and Instagram are two social media platforms that have stringent rules. For instance, product images on Facebook and Instagram should preferably have a plain white background. Additionally, Facebook images must be square and so on.

Social media users want to buy from a reputable, competent business, and good photography is essential to projecting a firm's image that will handle things correctly. You can easily understand the necessity of hiring a professional photographer by contrasting a blurry product image with one that is clear and displays your product in all splendour.

When to consider hiring a professional product photography service?

You do not want to invest in expensive camera equipment and resources.

One of the important reasons for hiring a professional photography service provider is that they have all the needed tools and resources to smoothly carry out a photo shoot activity. Whereas, if you do not have these resources, you have to invest in them, which can be costly.

You are not a photographer and do not want to be a photographer in future.

Another reason for hiring a professional product photography service provider is that they have the needed skills and training to perfectly catch those pictures that will drive sales. Without proper training and skills, your photos will not reflect professionalisms - which can affect the overall purpose of taking a product photo. So, if you are not a photographer or do not aspire to be one in future, it is in your interest to hire a professional service provider to catch your product photos.

Similarly, if you are not interested in investing time and effort looking into clicking pictures to promote your product and instead want to focus on other essential aspects that you do well. In that case, you should hire a professional product photography service provider.

A professional product photography company should have a team of creative people who are thoroughly expert and experienced in their areas and efficiently provide the needed services. When choosing a product photography company, check its portfolio and years of experience. Consider hiring those with an established track record of helping clients with world-class services. Moreover, these trained professionals are aware of the policies and regulations of different social media platforms. Thus, the right professional photograph will boost your social presence with the perfect click.

Professional product photography services to boost your products' value!

So, we hope this article has helped you gather some insights into product photography. Product photography is the art of using creativity, understanding the psychology of products, and presenting it thoughtfully, encouraging people to learn more about it and make purchasing activities.

At Good Vibes Entertainment, our creative professionals have years of skills, experience, and the necessary tools to create the most engaging and attractive photography and videos content for your business. Contact us now to know more!