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10 Tips to Optimize your Product Photography 

Obviously it is impossible for consumers to pick up a product and inspect it in an online shop. It is therefore important to correctly present a product as realistic and in depth as possible. The more information available to the consumer, the more likely they are to purchase the product.

1. Use the Correct Settings 

You can save yourself a lot of time and trouble if you capture a high quality product image. Take your time to determine the correct exposure, use a tripod or flat surface to keep your camera steady and make sure that your camera is focused on the product. Also take multiple pictures of the same product in different types of lighting and different angles. This way you can choose from many photos so you increase the chances of finding the perfect picture. The more familiar you are with your camera and the more time you spend setting it up correctly, the better the shot of the product.

2. Use High Resolution Photographs

Generally, consumers want to thoroughly inspect a product before deciding whether or not to purchase it. It is therefore essential to use high quality and high-resolution photos to advertise and ultimately sell, a product online.

3. Provide Multiple Product Images 

As online customers are unable to physically see the product they are interested in, it is important to provide them with photos showing several angles of the product to accurately depict the product. This is particularly important for products that have several options or features. Consumers want to know what they are buying. Of course there are examples of products that do not need multiple images but usually a single product image is not sufficient for consumers.

4. Show the Product in Use

Where possible, capture the product while it is in use. This will reduce the ‘gap’ experienced by online shoppers due to their inability to physically handle the products they are viewing.

5. Use the Correct Size

There may be proportions (width and height) of a product picture that become distorted when you insert the picture in your web shop. It is therefore essential that the dimensions of the images on your computer match the dimensions of the images in your web shop. Not only will this ensure good proportions of your photos, but it can also provide a reduction in load time, as the browser does not need to distort the image in order to display it.

6. Use Bright Backgrounds

A cluttered background can distract shoppers from the product you are trying to sell. Use a simple and appropriate background or remove the background completely.

7. Edit your Photos Correctly 

If you remove the background of your product images, make sure it is done correctly. This means that there is no granular border around the product and sections of the original background are no longer visible.

8. Use Realistic Shadows 

If you wish to use reflections, make sure it is realistic. The easiest way to achieve this is to photograph the product on a reflective surface instead of adding a shadow to the image during the editing process. If you add reflections through the use of image editing programs such as Photoshop, be aware of the image perspectives and the light source. Exaggerated and unrealistic shadows detract from the focus of the actual product.

9. Use the Correct Brightness and Contrast 

Ensure your product images share the correct amount of brightness and contrast to emphasize the product details and let it stand out. Through the use of the function “Brightness/Contrast” or the function "Levels" in Photoshop, you can make changes to the brightness and contrast. You can also try "Auto Contrast" in Photoshop as a starting point to edit your images.

10. Be Consistent 

It is essential that each product photo in your online store is consistent, that is, similar lighting, size and spacing. Consistencies in your images will not only improve the look of your web shop, but will also make it easier for customers to browse through the items in your online store.

Source: Twinklemagazine