February 22, 2023
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We are visual creatures. When we shop, our eyes lead our purchase decisions, so first impressions count. The images on your website should be an attractive and accurate representation of your product.
Here’s 5 common product photography mistakes and how to fix them.
This is often overlooked, but it's very important in lifestyle shots when selling online. A customer should be able to see at a glance the relative scale of your product. You can use common household objects to achieve this. For example a standard pencil or mug with a notebook, or an armchair with a throw.
This is an example by Eloise Hall. The cards and gift wrapping are shown alongside a pen, string, paper sheets and some ceramics.
Even if your product is decorative, it has a use - to decorate! Show this in your images by creating scenes with your product in context. If it’s a functional product, you’ll need several images to demonstrate this, even better some video.
This is an example by Jules Hogan Textiles. The shawl is shown across a model, which not only shows scale but how it hangs on the body.
If you’re selling handmade items, what makes them unique? Often, it’s the small touches like custom buttons or a signature/number on the product. Show this in your images. If it’s textiles, show the weave. If it’s jewellery, focus on the stones or clasp that set that piece apart.
This is an example by Sara Newman. The delicate etching on Sara’s glass pieces requires a macro lens to do it justice, and add a playful touch.
Consistency is crucial. It only takes one inconsistent images to ruin a great product page. Ensure your lighting, backgrounds, surface, props and angle of shot is consistent. It’s fine to vary the style between product groups, but the whole thing should be joined by a common thread.
This is an example by Sue Pryke. A range of tableware shot with consistent background, lighting, angle and surface.
What makes your products different? Use unique props, backgrounds and surfaces to create an atmosphere. Your website text and images should be unified in telling your own story, this is very important to customers, they want to trust you. If they trust you, they’ll buy from you.
This is an example by Notes Jewellery. A necklace shown with an antique letter and a white flower tells a story.
