What is it that compels us to purchase something when we can't touch and feel it? Amazon, Etsy, and eBay all have to rely on a handful of things because there is no store-front with which to draw you in. It's incremental that their products are displayed with quality images.
There are other online apps where people buy and sell, but those three are probably the most well known stateside. Have you ever seen the same product sold on one website, but the product styling made it more appealing on another? Or even the same site offered it by two different sellers, but you chose the one that had a better image? I have.
No doubt what we see attracts us. Our sense of visual appeal says, "yes, you want that" maybe even before we know how much it is. (guilty on a regular basis)
When we look at things that call out to us, it's rare that you would see its goodness when it's surrounded by clutter or dark lighting. No wonder jewelry displays offer their very own lighting cases. When the jewels sparkle, we can't help but notice them.
Whether you have an Etsy shop, a blog, or are starting out in product photography, these are some things to consider.
Get Noticed. What is that you're wanting to get noticed? Is it the laptop on the bed, the throw pillows in the background, or the coffee mug in your hands? First thing would be to make that obvious. Unless you're going to have text on the image, there's no need for lots of negative space in product photography. Narrow in on that one thing you want to capture our attention. If not, we're darting around the image looking at everything.
Color. Bright colors awaken the senses where muted tones subdue them. What is your goal for this image? Do you want it to captivate us or help us relax? Consider the color wheel when choosing background colors. Sometimes analagous colors aren't what your product needs, maybe complimentary colors are a better choice.
Location. If you saw my desk at this minute, I'd be embarrassed. Not only is my Mac base holding a stack of other people's business cards, a framed image of my Sweet Baboo and I, and my reading sunglasses (what? I like to read my Bible outside sometimes), but it also has notes and a lens cover. The entire desk space has my camera bag, my lens bag, my grey card case, a lamp, my planner, cell phone, coaster, etc. No way would I photograph anything on this desk the way it is.
You may think it's obvious, but the easiest way to find a good location is to make one. If I took three minutes, I could remove the larger items from desk and reorganize the space to make it photo worthy.
In the images I've taken of the vintage looking necklace here I took a tri-fold poster board from Hobby Lobby, propped it under and behind, and showcased the lovely piece. Inside it wouldn't have been so difficult, but I have to contend with a Husky wanting to be in my business when I do anything inside. So, instead, I had to contend with the wind. It actually was harder than I thought it would be. Tape came into play since I only have two hands. Ideally, an assistant could have held the necklace in place, but that's a topic for another time.
Lighting. If only fabulous light were available all the time. Here's something I learned from Scott Robert Lim, an internationally photography instructor. Light can come from the most obvious things. Not everyone has access to studio lighting systems. However, everyone has a flash light or a cell phone flashlight. Even candles can be used if your product would benefit from being lit with mood lighting. It takes some practice, and here's where that assistant comes in, but you can use almost any light for product photography.
For the most part, this should help you think about your product photography if nothing else. If you found it helpful at all, I'd love to hear how. Drop a comment below.
Blessings,
Zoe
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