This article shows you how to save money on product photography and improve your store’s look and performance.
Camera
It’s important to invest in a good professional camera. Fortunate enough for you they have become very affordable.
that can capture video
.
Try out this Nikon D7000 in terms of its price vs. performance its not the best there is but it is perfect for starters. In terms of lenses a 105mm lens should give a beautifully focused shot, get one here by Sony . while a bit expensive, it is great for close-up work and jewelry product photography.
You may also use a smart phone to assist in taking pictures such as an iPhone 5 which has an 8-megapixel sensor and can produce professional grade shots. I also encourage you to explore using your smartphone after you have the proper setup before committing to purchasing a higher-end camera. You may be surprised at the quality similarities between an iPhone and a professional camera.
Lighting
You will need some good lights. Of course the sun produce great results. But the Sun is fickle. Try using the Elinchrom D-Lite 4 Kit, which includes two lights, tripods, and attachable diffuser squares and it gets the job done perfectly. While there are many photography lighting kits available, what’s most important for your setup is to get lights that operate in “continuous” mode versus flash only as this allows you to use them for video as well. In fact, It is best to shoot even still photographs with lights in continuous mode as this makes previewing the shot easier and adds depth to the result.
Tripods
Use if You need to take longer exposures. Holding your camera by hand will produce blurry images that are not very appealing to shoppers.
Photo Setup
It is best to shoot products in front of a classic continuous background often white, neutral grey or natural. It’s a simple and professional look that is often used by major online retailers. Fortunately, it’s simple to achieve by using a few rolls of craft paper.
Craft papers can make a nice do-it-yourself product shoot background setup if done properly.
Try to add complements to your photo such as a peice of which the product in scope can/may be used or worn with. (NB. Try not to overpower the targeted product with its complement. Color, size…etc) this also gives you the opportunity of selling multiple products in one shot.
Place your setup near a big, sunny window if you want natural light, or in a dark room if you want to use your photo lights.
Eliminate unwanted Shadows
Avoid harsh backlighting and other setups that cast shadows on the surface of the object. Keep the lights on the same side of the object as your camera, or slightly off to one side.
Clean Up
Fingerprint on your product or dust on your lens produce poor, amateur results. Buy some microfiber rags and polish and/or prepare products carefully before shooting.
Don’t be Afraid
The biggest obstacle to doing something new is often ourselves. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Be creative. It is ok to make a few mistakes on your way to gaining a deeper understanding of the process. Not only will your sales increase, you will learn a new skill along the way.