Just as a painter needs a brush to paint, a photographer needs professional product photography tools to create high-quality images. Of course, it’s important to know how to use lighting and composition techniques, but trustworthy photography does not simply end there. There are many aspects to consider when capturing images for e-commerce, and using the right tools is among the two most influential (if not the first).
High-quality images can make or break a sale, and customers expect clear, detailed photos when they view products online. That’s why it’s critical for businesses to invest in the proper product photography tools to ensure they produce top-notch images that showcase their products in the best possible light.
These ecommerce photography tools vary widely in terms of features, price, and complexity, making it difficult for businesses to know where to start when putting together their product photography toolkit. However, with a little research and experimentation, companies can find the perfect combination of tools to best suit their unique needs.
Product photography tools are key to making your product look smooth and appealing. But what exactly are these tools? And how can you use them efficiently to save as many resources as possible? Dive into this article and find out for yourself!
Equipment for product photography
Let us first talk about the physical tools of product photography. This equipment is mainly used in traditional studio photography and requires some investment on your part. However, you do not have to break the bank for these tools, as you can find most of them online at used marketplaces for a reasonable price.
Choosing the right tripod
If you want to make sure your product images look as professional as possible, you should get a quality tripod. A tripod is a must for most product photographers because it stabilizes your shots. This way, you won’t have to worry about your hands shaking and having to re-shoot the same image multiple times. Manfrotto tripods are some of the best on the market today, and we recommend you give them a try.
Professional cameras for quality shots
It goes without saying that good cameras are essential for product photography. Some of the best cameras you can buy right now are DSLR cameras with a high-resolution sensor. However, they often come with a high price tag, especially if you’re just starting out. For this reason, you might want to try a few used cameras, as they offer the same effectiveness in your shooting – or you can even rent one for a day or two to test it out.
The best lens for your needs
What optical device should you attach to your camera? In our opinion, you should invest your money in a macro lens or a fixed focal length lens. Not only are they the most trusted alternatives on the market, but they do wonders for photographers in terms of sharpness and detail in their images.
Editing software for product photography
After you have taken some pictures that you are proud of, you need to edit them in product photography editing software. We call this retouching, and this will make sure that you get rid of all the unwanted blemishes, shadows and sharp highlights. When it comes to choosing the best editing software, you have a wide range of options, and here are our recommendations.
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is not only one of the most popular programs for product photography, but it also tops our list. It has a wide range of applications and features that allow you to create flawless images. Another important benefit is that it has a wide user base, which means you can easily find free tutorials to solve any problem you might encounter.
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom is a tool used by many photographers to perfect the colors and lighting of images. Even if you have numerous images to edit, you can easily go through them with Adobe Lightroom. The batch editing features allow for a faster and more productive workflow, increasing the chances of completing a large project before the deadline.
Capture One
Capture One is the perfect tool for e-commerce product photography. Among other professional product photographers, Capture One is used primarily for its advanced color matching features. Layer-based editing, lens correction, high dynamic range editing, you name it – Capture One has it.
Importance of quality products in e-commerce
The product you are photographing is also critical to the look and feel of the final image. First, you need to be clear about what type of product you want to photograph. We can classify a product into two main categories: organic products and hard surface products.
For organic products like food or fashion, traditional photography is best. The way the light and camera interact with the object captures the eye uniquely.
CGI is a breakthrough alternative to traditional photography and is best suited for products with hard surfaces. Perfumes, cosmetics, watches, jewelry – whatever it is, you can bring it to life with computer-generated imagery. Compared to other traditional alternatives, CGI is not only faster, but also less expensive. Since all the work is done behind a computer screen, all you need is an idea, and you can start bringing it to life right away.
Conclusion and final recommendation
The right product photography tools are essential for any e-commerce business that wants to showcase its products in the best possible way. Whether you’re a small business owner or an established brand, investing in quality equipment and software will help your products stand out from the competition.
One of the most important tools for product photography is a camera that can capture images with high resolution and clarity. A tripod is a crucial piece of equipment to keep your shots stable and consistent.
Another indispensable tool for product photography is editing software. Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or Capture One let you adjust colors, brightness, contrast, and other elements to create flawless images that accurately represent your products.
However, if you would rather not invest in this equipment, don’t worry. Try CGI, a faster and less expensive alternative to traditional product photography – we’ll help you create your ideal product images in no time!
FAQ
What is the most important equipment piece you need right now?
The most useful product photography tool you might want to invest in is a quality camera. We recommend a DSLR, and you can even buy it at a cut-price from second hand marketplaces.
Are there any free or low-cost alternatives to expensive product photography equipment?
Yes, there is a product photography alternative that doesn’t require you spend money on extra equipment. CGI (computer-generated imagery) allows you to create your images inside a 3D modeling software, meaning that you can start working on your material even now.
What is the best editing software for product photography?
The best editing software for product photography depends on the volume of work you have to do. If you have a few images to retouch, we recommend you use Adobe Photoshop. If, however, you have a high volume of images to edit, try Adobe Lightroom or Capture One.