March 13, 2012 2 Cent Tuesday #11: Photography + Presentation
How do you get people to buy your product? Do you have any photography tips? It's no secret that photography and presentation play a big part in whether or not people want to follow your blog, buy your products or hire you for services. So how do you create visually pleasing images that will draw your viewer in and make them interested in what you are putting out there? Here are a few helpful suggestions for improving your photography and presentation.
First - Invest in a nice camera. I didn't say get the most expensive camera out there. A nice but simple digital camera can do a lot if you know how to set up a great shot. Learn how to adjust and change the settings on your camera so that you can get the shot you are looking for.
Second - Place your items on a simple clean backdrop. I usually always use a white background when photographing things. Make sure that your product and your backdrop are not competing for attention. If your backdrop is too busy the viewer's eyes will miss important details in your work and it will not keep their attention for long.
Third - Use a lot of natural light. Some mornings you can find me crouched in my doorway over a white poster board with an object right in the middle. I have found that in the early morning, with all of the shades in my living room up and the door flung wide open I get the most natural light.
Fourth - Play around with angles. Sometimes photographing and item from directly above seems like the most practical thing to do. Step back and take a look at your item. Is there a more interesting angle? Photograph it on a diagonal. Take some close ups and some far away. Give yourself some variety to chose from for when you sit down at the computer and upload your photos.
Last - Keeping all of the photographs cohesive throughout a shop, blog or portfolio is also key. Here is a really great article from the Etsy Seller's Handbook that has a lot of great pointers for photography and presentation. If you feel that you cannot create acceptable photographs of your items or products invest in hiring someone else to take the photos for you. Or, like I said in this post, offer to do a trade. Do you know a great photographer that needs design work done for them? Offer to create some icons, or a brochure, in exchange for some product photography. If you simply cannot find some one else to help you take pictures invest in an online photography crash course. There are a lot of great ones out there!
Just a side note for the budding graphic designer out there on creating a great printed or web portfolio: Yes, photographs of your work will make your school projects seem more legit, it definitely tells your client or future employer that you went the extra mile to actually produce the item in real life and not just on the computer. However, if the photography is not absolutely fantastic the details that made your design awesome will be lost. Seriously consider the pros and cons of using photography in your portfolio. Sometimes raw digital files showcases your work far better than an amateur photo ever could.
Reader Comments (2)
it's so funny because i've been getting excited about the longer days so i can take product photos after work as well. but your post just reminded me the light at 10 am in my apartment is the best for photographing. bummer :(
Great post and helpful tips! And you are so right, the morning is the best time to take those pictures :)