- Take advantage of your smartphone’s camera.
Here’s where I try to persuade you to buy a high-end, 50-megapixel (MP) camera with a 100-millimeter screw-on lens. No, thanks.
Take advantage of your existing camera if it fits this description. Nevertheless, taking product photos with a smartphone is completely acceptable for many types of products.
- Use a tripod to ensure consistency.
Here’s a cardinal rule: don’t prop your phone against something solid while aiming at a subject.
It’s too easy for this makeshift setup to move around during the shoot, resulting in inconsistent images. Just make sure your camera is not moved during the shoot if it is resting on, for example, a stack of books.
- Use natural or artificial lighting.
Your product photography can be greatly improved (or hampered) by certain types of lighting. It is important to keep in mind that buyers can see everything they need to see in person before purchasing an item. If all your website visitors have to go on is a photo, you need the right lighting arrangement to highlight those important product features.
It is possible that one lighting setup will not work for all products – a lighting arrangement that looks good on some products might make others look less impressive.
- Soften shadows by filling or bouncing your light.
A hard light will cast shadows on the opposite end of a product regardless of whether you use natural or artificial light. - Take several images of the product.
You should not limit yourself to one photo per product for ecommerce photography. Your web design should mimic the experience of customers looking, holding, using, and even trying on products in a store.
For instance, when capturing clothing images, ensure that both the garment itself – laid out on a white surface – as well as a mannequin whose color contrasts the material.
