Product photography for small businesses is an essential aspect of transforming a small business into a successful endeavor. High-quality images can attract customers, increase sales, and help establish your brand in a crowded marketplace. However, many small business owners struggle to create visually appealing product photos due to limited resources or a lack of experience.
In this article, you’ll find product photography tips and tricks for small businesses tailored specifically for small businesses. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your current product photos, these tips and tricks will help you create stunning images that showcase your products in the best possible light. From lighting techniques to angles, props, and background recommendations, you’ll learn everything you need to know to improve your product photography and take your small business to the next level.
Product Photography Terms
Before you go ahead and start shooting your ideal product imagery, there are some technical points of view you need to understand. Lighting, angles, backgrounds, and props all have a part to play in showcasing your product in the best possible way. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the necessary know-how you should pay attention to when doing product photography for small businesses.
Lighting basics
Good product photography can make the difference between closing a sale and losing potential customers, and it is impossible without the right lighting.
When it comes to lighting your product photos, the main thing you should look for is consistency. Consistent lighting helps all of your products look even, which makes browsing your listing more visually appealing. This uniformity can be achieved with natural light, which is why it’s the first choice for many photographers. However, if natural light is not available, you can use diffused light sources like light boxes or umbrellas to soften harsh shadows and achieve even illumination for your subject.
Use angles in product photography to your advantage
Learning how to use angles cost-effectively is an effective way to create stunning product photos without breaking the bank.
Since testing is key here, one of the best ways for small businesses to use angles is to experiment with their smartphone camera. Most modern smartphones are equipped with impressive cameras capable of capturing high-quality images from a variety of angles. If they can find creative and unique ways to showcase their products from different angles against a simple background, they can achieve studio-like results at a fraction of the cost.
Another way small businesses can use angles in product photography cost-effectively is to invest in props and backgrounds that complement their products.
Combine backdrops and props for the perfect formula
Using props and backgrounds can greatly increase the visual appeal of your products without spending a lot of money. Props are items that complement the product being photographed, while backgrounds provide a backdrop for the product.
To use props effectively, small businesses need to make sure they are relevant to the product and not distracting from it, because you would rather not spend money on a prop only to throw it away afterward. For example, if you sell jewelry, you can use florals or textured fabrics to create an elegant, yet simple look. To save money on buying new props, small businesses can use household items like books or plants that add personality and uniqueness to their photos.
Product photography backgrounds are equally important for an appealing image. Small businesses should choose a background that complements their brand aesthetic and highlights the features and details of their products. A clean white background is a popular option for store catalogs, but more sophisticated styles require some investment.
Tips for product photography for small businesses
Now that you have a clear understanding of the basics of product photography for small businesses, let’s take a look at some of our top tips and tricks you should try.
Try smartphone product photography
In today’s digital age, small businesses must have a strong online presence to stay competitive. But not everyone has the budget for professional photography services – that’s where smartphone photography is useful. With advances in smartphone camera technology, it’s now possible to take high-quality product photos using just your phone. And with the available editing apps and filters, you can enhance your photos even further.
By using smartphone photography for your startup, you can save money on expensive equipment and professional photographers and still showcase your products effectively. With a little practice and experimentation, anyone can take great product photos with their smartphone. So, why not give it a try? It could be the cost-effective solution that enhances your small business’s online presence. For more information about smartphone product photography, browse through our detailed article here.
Plan your shoot in advance
It’s common knowledge that, with proper planning and preparation, you can create high-quality product images without breaking the bank.
The first step in planning your product photo shoot is to determine your budget and the number of products you want to photograph. Once you have this information, you can start exploring different options for shooting your products. For instance, you can choose to hire a professional photographer or take pictures yourself using a smartphone or camera, just like we discussed in the previous sections.
Find inspiration in great work
Fortunately, there are several ways for small businesses to be inspired by product photography that they can implement on a smaller budget.
One way is to explore social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. These platforms are full of stunning imagery that can inspire creative product photography ideas. Small business owners can search for relevant hashtags and accounts related to their industry or products, and pay attention to how other brands showcase their products in images. You can also research your competitors and see what they are doing. Of course, your images need to be different, so give them your brand’s personal touch.
Conclusion
What should you take home with you from this article? Remember to keep it simple, use natural light, experiment with different angles and perspectives, and edit your photos to make them look their best. With practice and patience, you can master the art of product photography and take your business to the next level.
If, however, you have a few bucks to spend on your product photography, consider CGI. It is by far the most affordable and fastest alternative on the market, since all the work is done remotely. Learn more about the benefits of CGI, and start using stunning product photos today!
FAQ
What equipment do I need to start doing product photography for a small business?
You can basically start with nothing but your smartphone. Of course, as you raise the quality bar, you’d need more and more props, backgrounds, illumination devices, and so forth.
How can I create a consistent look for my product photos across different platforms?
Creating a consistent and cohesive look for your product photos is essential for building brand recognition and maintaining a professional image. To ensure this, you must use the proper lighting, angles, props, and backgrounds.
Should I consider hiring a professional product photographer or do it myself?
Hiring a professional photographer can be beneficial if you have a larger budget. However, if you have a smaller budget or are willing to invest the time and effort to learn the techniques of product photography, you can certainly try it yourself. Thanks to the availability of affordable digital cameras and online resources, it is possible to achieve satisfactory results with a DIY approach.
