The Essential Types of Product Photos

The number one reason products don't sell is crappy photos. Don't believe me? Start looking at your own buying habits and pay attention to what appeals to you. I guarantee the product has beautiful photos in different settings and helps you understand exactly what the product is.

So if you are doing that for other's products don't you think people are doing it for your products too? Below I list essential photos you must have for every product!

1. Black and White Backgrounds

When I photograph for products I always take simple shots of the product against both a black background and white background. I do this because everyone has a different aesthetic and it gives the clients more options.

Capital Label Company Product Shoot

2. The Creative or Lifestyle Shot

Depending on what your product is it's important to show the product within a context. This helps the consumer visualize them using it in their own home. Or if, like in the case of Capital Label Company, lifestyle photos don't really go with the product I get creative. Creative shots don't have to be elaborate either. Creative shots can be a variety of placements for the product like in the second shot below.

The point of the photo here is to highlight the label, since they are a label making company.

Getting creative with placement.

3. It's All in the Details

Highlight your product's quality by capturing the unique details of it. Ever see a product on a marketplace like Etsy and wonder what it looks like up close for that cheap price? Use up close shots to answer that question visually for your product.

4. Size or Scale

Getting an accurate depiction of your products size is important, especially if your customer is going to wear it or put it in their home or office. You can often do this with lifestyle shots, but if your product isn't a wearable or something to that nature there are other ways to show size like putting it next to similar items.

6. All Together Now

Selling a product that has multiple things in it, a bundle of something? You definitely need to show it together as a group because it helps the customer understand that they are getting multiples of something not just one. 

​7. How it's Made

Many consumers are very conscious of what they are buying these days. They want to know where it comes from, who made it and what materials it's made with. It builds trust to show your process and build authenticity with your customers by letting them behind the scenes.

That's All Folks

Those are the basic shots every product needs. Of course, there are more you can add such as a shot of your packaging or something that could be particular to your item. 

If you're interested in working with me for your product photography please contact me by sending me an email at kelly@kellyhowellphoto.com.