Product photography: Understanding it better

Online shopping is what everyone does now, and it is a clear indicator of the demand for online businesses.


Posted on January 11, 2019


This demand has also given rise to the need for information among consumers who wish to take a look at the product they intend to buy before putting their money on it. 

The images of the product act as testimonials for the product’s quality and also signify two notable elements of trust and transparency in the identity of an e-commerce store. To explore product photography in detail, it is essential to know about its definition and some essential pointers that can help in enhancing product photography results. 

What is product photography?

Product photography is a specialization discipline in photography that deals specifically with an accurate and appealing representation of a product for advertising purposes. Commercial application of product photography is prominently noted in the case of the domains of online retail, food, lifestyle, and art. The responsibilities that are associated with product photography are also quite challenging. 

Product photography entails requirements for representing a product in the best light without any flaws thereby implying notable complexities. Therefore, the use of different techniques is helpful in easing the job for product photography alongside obtaining images that can drive potential buyers to purchase a specific product. The uses of product photography are noticed in magazines, online ads, catalogs, brochures, company websites, and billboards. 

Variety speaks out

Different types of product photography should also be taken into account before outsourcing a project.

  • Lifestyle shots include the images of the product in use.
  • Detailed shots are used for focusing on specific features of a product by giving a close view.
  • Packaging shots in product photography imply towards the images of the product’s packaging.
  • Individual shots are generally taken with a white background and emphasize only on the product.
  • Group shots are generally implemented for product bundles in which different products are showcased in a single group.
  • Scale shots in product photography are used for providing viewers with a detailed impression about the product’s size. 

The choice between investing in product photography or not is completely dependent on the available budget. However, it is also important to consider the weight of the advantages held by product photography for online brands. Every online business should note the fact that their consumers cannot interact with their products in person. 

This is where product photography does the trick and brings the consumer to the brand. The need for professionalism cannot be undermined in any circumstances albeit with the possibilities for trying DIY measures in response to the lack of finances. 

Caring for risks

Continuing with the discussion on making decisions about selecting product photography for an online business venture, it would be reasonable to point out certain imperatives to consider.

  • Investment in product photography is an investment in the brand’s identity itself. Therefore, the cost-benefit analysis tips the odds in favor of product photography as compared to the limitations on budget.
  • Reliability of services in product photography is not identified through large clienteles but experience, technique, and capability to use the equipment.
  • Evaluation of product portfolios is the best approach for reviewing the effectiveness of services in product photography. 

The information mentioned above could be taken as reference for finding prolific solutions in product photography for an online brand.